President's Perch

by Cheryl Hart, President

This month I am borrowing liberally from a Press Release by Megan Nagel, Region 1 FWS Public Affairs Officer to tell you about a planned prescribed fire at the refuge. Some of you may remember that a prescribed burn was scheduled last year but was cancelled due to weather conditions. We are hopeful that this year, conditions will allow the burn to take place. Refuge managers are planning this prescribed fire sometime in September or October. The burn will be used to restore 52-acres of wet prairie habitat. When the prescribed fire is taking place, all refuge trails will be closed to visitors. You may be able to see the fire activity from Pacific Highway. 

Those of you who live in Sherwood may notice smoke from the fire. Please let you neighbors know what is happening and help to reduce concern by sharing this information with them. You can find the most up to date information about this prescribed fire including what day it will take place here.

Before any prescribed fire takes place, refuge managers will work together to create a plan, a detailed prescription for where, when, and how a fire will be used to restore habitat. This includes strict safety measures, such as a pre- and post- burn monitoring plan, identifying the ideal weather and wind conditions for the prescribed fire to take place, and tracking the air quality in the area. Because of the important role weather plays, managers identify a burn window – a specific length of time during which a prescribed fire might take place. The official day of the fire is not set until a day or few days before to ensure optimum conditions for the prescribed fire. 

The refuge often works with other fire management professionals from Tribal, state, local, and federal partners. “We are grateful for our partner’s support restoring habitat and protecting our community,” said Chuck. “During past prescribed fire activities, the Confederated Tribes of the Grande Ronde, the State of Oregon and Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue have all provided support.” You can read about a previous prescribed fire at Tualatin River, written by former Friends employee Rachel Dunham  

Here Many habitats, plants, and even wildlife depend on periodic, low intensity fires to thrive. Conservation managers can mimic those natural events using prescribed fires. The right kind of fire, applied safely, is a vital element for sustaining healthy habitat and preventing wildfires. The prescribed fire at the refuge is expected to increase the amount and diversity of native plant species, improving habitat for native wildlife. People who have questions about the fire are encouraged to call the refuge at (503) 625-5944.

​Learning about the science that is used to improve refuge habitat is one of the many benefits of being a Friends member. Stay tuned for a new speaker series that will provide even more information about why our refuge is such a special and important place.

See you at the refuge!

-Cheryl

Focus on Friends

by Bonnie Anderson,

Executive Director

The Friends are preparing for their Annual Meeting. It will be the first time in three years that members have gathered together. To help us celebrate our 30th year of being the Refuge's non profit partner, nature is putting on a spectacular show in the sky! Oregon will experience an annular eclipse that will take place during our Annual Meeting's scheduled continental breakfast. Sherwood is projected to have an 80-90% visual impact from the eclipse. We plan to have an area on the plaza set up for members to enjoy their coffee and breakfast while watching.

The Annual meeting will be a wonderful opportunity to meet all of the current and potential Board of Directors, hear reports from Cheryl and myself and listen to remarks from our Refuge Manager, Rebecca Chuck. Members will also be asked to vote on members standing for re-election or election to the Board of Directors. Each Director is elected for a three year term.

After the business meeting, Friends members may selects from one of three planned activities.

• Paddle Trip on the Tualatin River
• Nature Walk to the Heritage Pine Metro Site
• Restoration activity at the Dennis Unit followed by a plant walk & talk.

Please make sure to not only RSVP for the Annual Meeting but to also register for one of these activities.

Space is limited on the walk and the paddle.

RSVP and registration can only be done on the Friends' website.

It is Back to School time in the area. Park Ranger Natalie and I were out at the Greenway Elementary School's Back to School Night. It was so gratifying to listen to the positive effect our programs have on these young students and their families. This also marks the return of Friday with the Friends at Greenway. Just one of the many ways the Friends make a difference in the community.

See ya on the trails!

-Bonnie