Photo: Fall views on the Willamette downstream of Fairfield, by Travis Williams |
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Hello River Friends -
Happy October! I’m sure like me, many of you feel like you’ve been through some sort of aberration in the space-time continuum, as it seems to me like it was just April, May, or whatever.
With Covid-19 and the related economic turmoil, it has been a tough time for a lot of folks. The recent fires made life even tougher for a lot of people, and had an impact on key Willamette Basin watersheds. Over the coming months we will work to assist our friends in the areas most impacted, and will be paying careful attention to the impacts to our rivers. Over time we will work to find ways that we all can work together and lend a hand.
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While things have been tough on many, WR staff and volunteers have had some opportunities to make progress for the river system. We’ve worked to uphold the Clean Water Act, improve fish passage at the US Army Corps dams, eliminated invasive aquatic weeds, and provided new opportunities to gain access to the river via the Willamette Water Trail and our new Ash Island property. |
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In the coming weeks we hope to have more news to share on an additional WR acquisition. While we have several key programs, we will also consider purchasing or receiving properties that help protect the river’s health for the long-term, and that provide public access. |
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As always, thanks to all of you who support our work financially, or lend a hand in our volunteer events, like this month's Great Willamette Clean Up series (learn more below). Your generosity and time supporting our work are very much appreciated!
Sincerely,
Travis
Riverkeeper & Executive Director
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Volunteer For The Great Willamette Clean Up |
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This past summer, due to pandemic related travel restrictions and concerns, the Willamette experienced record use in terms of visitors and recreation. Unfortunately, far too many of those who came to enjoy our beautiful river left behind trash and debris. Shorelines and access areas are littered with trash bags, straws, cigarette butts, bottles, glass, picnic trash and much more. |
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Volunteers are needed throughout the Willamette watershed!
Keeping volunteers and the community safe from the spread of COVID-19 is our #1 concern. Therefore, rather than just one day of fun, this year’s cleanup will be spread throughout the month of October in what we’re calling our Great Willamette Clean Up Series. We will be adhering to social distancing guidelines, wearing masks, and working in smaller groups in order to protect ourselves while we improve the Willamette River.
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We have added NEW public clean up opportunities to our list:
PORTLAND
SALEM
EUGENE
WESTFIR
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Rally your own QuaranTEAM! |
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Even with our current tally of 21 public clean up volunteer opportunities, in addition to half a dozen private clean up events with our various business partners, there is still much of the river that we will not be able to cover. That's where we hope to inspire you and your "QuaranTEAM" to help!
How: This month, grab your friends and/or family with whom you have been quarantining, and plan your own personal trip to the river to "Get Dirty For GOOD!"
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Pick up trash (even if you simply collect a bag or two it truly makes a difference), then help inspire others into action by sharing your images with us and on social media. We will also share your effort on our social media, AND you might even win some super cool awards and prizes from our "Best of Trash or Treasure" photo contest.
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If you DARE: Trash is pretty creepy, and so is Halloween, so by that rationale we invite all volunteers to get into the spirit of making fun where we can, and join a clean-up effort while sporting your favorite costume or Halloween flare. You will no doubt bring smiles to others! And let's face it, this year is already super weird (to say the least), so you may as well go all in!
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Volunteering at a public Great Willamette Clean Up event or QuaranTEAM clean up this month? Then we want your images for our Best of Trash or Treasure Photo Contest!
During the cleanup, keep on the lookout for unique trash that might give you a win! Trash or treasure categories will be inspired by the images we receive. Feel free to assign your own superlatives. Prizes include hand-made sustainably-sourced ukuleles, our Willamette River WPA poster prints, t-shirts and more.
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Post your photos to your Facebook or Instagram accounts, tag Willamette Riverkeeper and add #GreatWillametteCleanup20
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Last week the stars aligned when two of our field work teams, one surveying and mapping aquatic invasive weeds and the other actively restoring floodplain habitat via weed removal, crossed paths at our Willamette Greenway property and Water Trail campsite, Nicol Sanctuary. It was the first time some of our team members had seen in each other in person since March- wow!
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Congratulations to our 2020 boat raffle winners Mark Cogan, who won the Wenonah Northfork Canoe, paddles and PFDs donated by our friends at Paddle People, and to Owen Wozniak, who won the Hurricane Sojourn Kayak donated by our friends at Next Adventure Paddle Sports!
Thanks to our partners who made these generous donations, and to the many supporters who donated to this raffle campaign, Willamette Riverkeeper gained dozens of new monthly donors, many of whom were new to our organization. Now THAT is a real WIN!
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Wild & Scenic Film Festival- 12/3 |
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The Wild & Scenic Film Festival inspires environmental activism and a love for nature–through film. Wild & Scenic shares an urgent call to action, encouraging festival-goers to learn more about what they can do to save our threatened planet.
This year our event will be available to ticket holders via a slick, custom virtual platform that you will be able to screen from the comfort of your home- wherever that may be! We'll be presenting Willamette Riverkeeper's curated program as one giant watch party beginning at 7pm on Thursday, December 3rd. Ticketing and further details will be available soon! We look forward to having your join us for the fun!
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