Upcoming Events for 2012!
(Events subject to change, please consult our Facebook page as well!)
WREN Wander on the Tsanchiifin Trail
Tuesday, February 14th
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
WREN Wanders are casual walks through various West Eugene Wetlands sites each 2nd Tuesday of every month. The Tsanchiifin Trail is named after the local group of Kalapuya Native Americans that lived in this area. This 0.5 mile walk provides an opportunity to view wildlife and restored wetlands. This wander will be led by WREN staff and volunteers.
Participants are asked to meet at the yurt adjacent to the WREN office/Red House at 751 South Danebo Avenue in Eugene. WREN will provide binoculars. For more information call 541.338.7047 or email info@wewetlands.org FREE!
Check out our upcoming WREN Wanders:
WREN Wander at Meadowlark Prairie
Tuesday, March 13th
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
WREN Wander at Luk-wah Prairie
Tuesday, April 10th
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
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Check out the Spring 2012 Family Exploration Days:
Family Exploration Day at Golden Gardens Ponds
Saturday, April 14th
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Spring is a wonderful time to explore the West Eugene Wetlands with your family. Come and celebrate the arrival of spring by exploring your natural playground at Golden Gardens Ponds.
WREN staff and volunteers will be on hand to check out nature exploration equipment and provide guidance for independent exploration of the spring wonders in the wetlands. Bring a picnic lunch, water, a rain coat, and sturdy shoes. No registration required. For more information call 541.338.7047 or email info@wewetlands.org FREE!
Family Exploration Day at Stewart Pond
Saturday, May 26th
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
May is American Wetlands Month! Come and explore Stewart Pond in the West Eugene Wetlands and learn about the essential roles wetlands play in our community.
WREN staff and volunteers will be on hand to check out nature exploration equipment and provide guidance for independent exploration of the spring wonders in the wetlands. Bring a picnic lunch, water, a rain coat, and sturdy shoes. No registration required. For more information call 541.338.7047 or email info@wewetlands.org FREE!
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Past Events
WREN Wander at Golden Gardens Ponds
Tuesday, January 10th
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
WREN Wanders are casual walks through various West Eugene Wetlands sites each 2nd Tuesday of every month. Golden Gardens Ponds were once gravel borrow pits used for the construction of Beltline Road. In 1974, the City of Eugene acquired this parcel of land from Lane County and since then, many improvements have been made to create this 146 acre natural area. This wander will be led by WREN staff and volunteers.
Participants are asked to meet at the pull-off located north of Barger Drive, at the intersection of Golden Gardens Street and Jessen Drive. WREN will provide binoculars. For more information call 541.338.7047 or email info@wewetlands.org FREE!
WREN Wander at Checkermallow Access
Tuesday, December 13th
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
WREN Wanders are casual walks through various west Eugene wetlands sites each 2nd Tuesday of every month. Checkermallow Access is owned and managed by the City of Eugene and offers great opportunities for wildlife observation and recreation. Participants are asked to meet at the turnout located on the south side of Royal Avenue, approximately ¼ mile east of the intersection of Royal and Greenhill Road, and just between Greenhill Road and Terry Street. WREN will provide binoculars. For more information call 541.338.7047 or email info@wewetlands.org FREE!
Play in the Rain Day at Mt. Pisgah Arboretum
Saturday November 12th
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Come to Mt. Pisgah Arboretum's White Oak Pavilion and join the fun at Play in the Rain Day, sponsored by the Youth in Nature Partnership. Local outdoor recreation and education organizations will come together to provide fun activities for you and your family outdoors, rain or shine!
Enjoy tree climbing, hayrides, nature explorations and hikes, scavenger hunts, nature crafts and much more. Join WREN for a hands-on wetlands activity and support other community organizations during this FREE family event celebrating the beautiful outdoors. For more information call 541.349.7501 or visit the Youth in Nature Partnership's website at www.youthinnature.org
WREN Wander at Luk-wah Prairie
Tuesday, November 8th
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Wetland Wanders are casual walks through various West Eugene Wetlands sites each 2nd Tuesday of every month. Luk-wah Prairie is an 83 acre recreation site located on W 18th Ave east of the intersection of Willow Creek Road. WREN will provide binoculars. For more information call 541.338.7047 or email info@wewetlands.org FREE!
A Beaver's Tale
Saturday, November 5th
4:45 PM - 6:15 PM
WREN staff and volunteers invite you to join them for a sunset exploration of the West Eugene Wetlands. A Beaver’s Tale is an opportunity for folks to gather for a 30 minute presentation followed by a one hour exploration of the West Eugene Wetlands in search of beaver scat, tracks and clues that help answer some common questions: What do beavers eat? Why do beavers build dams? How do beavers mark their territories? For more information call 541.338.7047 or email info@wewetlands.org
Fees: $5 for members and $7 for non-members.
Wetland Wander at Stewart Pond Natural Area
Tuesday, October 11th
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Wetland Wanders are casual walks through various West Eugene Wetlands sites each 2nd Tuesday of every month. Stewart Pond is a 150-acre natural area located east of the intersection of Bertelsen Road and Stewart Road, north of West 11th Avenue. WREN will provide binoculars. For more information call 541.338.7047 or email info@wewetlands.org FREE!
Family Exploration Day
Saturday, October 8th
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Meadowlark Prairie
Fall is an exciting time to explore the West Eugene Wetlands with your family. WREN staff and volunteers will be on hand to check out nature exploration equipment and provide guidance for independent exploration of the summer wonders in the wetlands. Bring a picnic lunch and water. Limited trails available, please wear long pants and sturdy shoes. No registration required.
Meadowlark Prairie is one of the most popular destinations in the West Eugene Wetlands. The Fern Ridge Bike path encircles the edge of this extensive natural area. We will meet at the overlook, located just south of Royal Avenue on the east side of Greenhill Road. Amenities include parking, picnic tables, shade, and restroom facilities. Birdwatching is a popular recreational activity, with waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds, including the Western Meadowlark, all frequenting the habitats at this natural area.
FREE! Thanks to a generous grant from the BLM.
WREN Wander
Tuesday, September 13th
9:00-10:00 AM
Tsanchiifin Walk
This WREN Wander we'll explore the Tsanchiifin Walk with WREN educator Carrie Karl and Jason Schmidt. Mr. Schmidt is the Urban Watershed Restoration Specialist with the Long Tom Watershed Council and will provide an overview of the Amazon Initiative involving the Amazon Creek Pesticide Stewardship Program. Please meet at the West Eugene Wetlands Project Office at 751 S. Danebo Avenue, in west Eugene. WREN will provide binoculars. FREE!
Family Exploration Day
Saturday, September 10th
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Golden Gardens
Late summer is a wonderful time to explore the West Eugene Wetlands with your family. WREN staff and volunteers will be on hand to check out nature exploration equipment and provide guidance for independent exploration of the summer wonders in the wetlands. Bring a picnic lunch, water, and sturdy shoes. No registration required.
Golden Gardens Park is a 146-acre natural park, located north of Barger Drive at the intersection of Golden Gardens Street and Jessen Drive, in Eugene’s Bethel neighborhood. Once a borrow pit, this area now contains ponds for wildlife habitat and trails for exploration. Participants will be able to catch insects, investigate plants, watch wildlife, and enjoy experiential learning in nature. For more information call 541-338-7047 or email info@wewetlands.org
FREE! Thanks to a generous grant from the BLM.
WREN New Volunteer Orientation
Tuesday, August 30th, 2011
6:00-7:30pm
WEW Project Office, 751 S. Danebo Ave
WREN volunteers engage our community and students from the Southern Willamette Valley by revealing the wonders of the natural world. Diverse volunteer opportunities are available to excite a variety of interests. WREN is seeking motivated individuals who are looking to make a difference, get involved and work with children of all ages as well as support environmental education in a diverse local habitat. For more information call 541-338-7047 or email info@wewetlands.orgFREE!
Family Exploration Day
Saturday, August 13th
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Stewart Pond
Summer is a wonderful time to explore the West Eugene Wetlands with your family. WREN staff and volunteers will be on hand to check out nature exploration equipment and provide guidance for independent exploration of the summer wonders in the wetlands. Bring a picnic lunch, water, and sturdy shoes. No registration required.
Bertlesen Natural Area is a 250-acre natural park located in Eugene's Bethel neighborhood, on Stewart Road east of the intersection with Bertelsen Road. For more information call 541-338-7047 or email info@wewetlands.org
FREE! Thanks to a generous grant from the BLM.
WREN Wander
Tuesday, August 9th
9:00-10:00 AM
Willow Creek Preserve
This WREN Wander we'll explore Willow Creek Preserve, the ecologically richest native wet prairie in the southern Willamette Valley, with Charlie Quinn! Park in the turnouts along West 18th for this wander through the Willow Creek Preserve west of the intersection of 18th and Bertelson Rd. WREN will provide binoculars. For more information call 541-338-7047 or email info@wewetlands.org FREE!
WREN Dragonfly Walks in the West Eugene Wetlands
Sunday, July 31st, 2011
Family Walk: 10:00am-12:00pm
Adult Walk: 1:00-3:00pm
Fees: Pay what you can! Suggested: $5 (members) $7 (non-members)
Space is Limited: Registration Required (see below)
Curious about carnivores? flying phenomenon's? the toothed ones? Join WREN to discover the amazing world of the Odonata. Cary Kerst and Steve Gordon will guide us along the path to discovering dragonflies and damselflies. WREN will provide nets, please bring water and wear sturdy shoes that can get wet and muddy.
Our guides are coauthors of a new book (see above) on watching and identifying Odonates in Oregon. Cary Kerst retired from a career in environmental sciences and now teaches classes with Willamette Resources and Education Network (WREN), Oregon State University, Oregon Paleolands Institute, and Mt. Pisgah Arboretum. He coauthored Dragonflies and Damselflies of the Willamette Valley, Oregon. He has been fascinated with dragonflies since college. After retiring from thirty years as a planner for the Lane Council of Governments, longtime birder Steve Gordon became interested in Odonates. Along with coauthoring Dragonflies and Damselflies of the Willamette Valley, Oregon, he was a contributing author to Birds of Oregon: Status and Distribution and Birds of Lane County, Oregon.
You must register to participate!
Registration Opens: July 15th for members and July 22nd for non-members. Registration closes on July 28th at 5:00pm.
To Register: Send an e-mail to info@wewetlands.org. (This will be the only way to register). Include which program, family or adult, you'd like to attend, your name, and phone number. You will be notified if you are in the program or if you have been added to the waitlist.
WREN Wander
2nd Tuesday, June 14th
9:00-10:00 AM
Dragonfly Bend
The Dragonfly Bend restoration site is 75 acres of wet prairie located between the Amazon River and Amazon Creek. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, nesting bird species, prairie wildflowers and grass species. The program will be co-led. We will meet at the Checkermallow access located on the south side of Royal Ave between Greenhill and Terry Street in Eugene. WREN will provide binoculars. For more information call 683-6494 or email info@wewetlands.org FREE!
Family Exploration Day
Saturday, May 28th
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Spring is a wonderful time to explore the West Eugene Wetlands with your family.
WREN staff and volunteers will be on hand to check out nature exploration equipment and provide guidance for independent exploration of the spring wonders in the wetlands. Bring a picnic lunch, water, a rain coat, and sturdy shoes. No registration required.
Golden Gardens is a 146-acre natural area park located in Eugene's Bethel neighborhood, at the intersection of Golden Gardens Street and Jessen Drive, north of Barger Drive. Jessen Drive is on either side of Beltline. The Jessen Drive that parallels Golden Gardens is on the WEST side of Beltline.
FREE! Thanks to a generous grant by Eugene REI.
Free Family Night at Cozmic Pizza by MUSE
Wednesday, May 25th
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Parents, take a load off. Have a beer or glass of wine and sit back knowing that your family will be entertained, fed a delicious and healthy meal, and Cozmic Pizza will take care of the dishes. MUSE Members, including WREN, will be presenting about our various museums at the May FREE Family Night. There will be a diversity of entertainment that even parents can enjoy.
MUSE Members will have stations with hands on activities to explore. The kids’ menu is educational and engaging. Kids’ meals include pizza, carrot sticks, juice, and even cupcake from our local vegan bakery, The Divine Cupcake. Meals range from $4.50-$6.75. www.cozmicpizza.com
WALKIN & ROLLIN 2011
May 21st
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
FREE!
Explore the West Eugene Wetlands by biking, rolling or walking the Fern Ridge Bike Path between Bailey Hill and Greenhill Rd. Local experts and organizations will have educational displays highlighting the many wonders of the wetlands and participants receive a Wetland Passport they can have stamped at each booth for a chance to win prizes in a drawing. Prizes this year include native wetland plants, bicycle horns, fashion, pizza and more!
WREN Wander
Tuesday, May 10th
9:00 - 10:00 AM
Meet at Wild Iris Ridge in west Eugene
This Wander will be led by theLong Tom Watershed Council and City of Eugene to highlight their collaborative restoration work
• From 18th and Bailey Hill go 1/3 mile south on Bailey Hill Rd.
• Turn left at Warren St. and go 1/3 mile
• Turn right to stay on Warren St.
• Right on Summit Terrace
• Right on Bailey View.
Park along Bailey View and walk to the end of the street where we will gather to begin the tour.
(Be prepared to walk a one mile loop on site. Poison Oak is prevalent - we recommend long pants and sturdy walking shoes. Rain or shine.)
WREN Wander on the Fern Ridge Path
Tuesday, March 8th
9:00 -10:00 AM
Wetland Wanders are casual walks through various West Eugene Wetlands sites each 2nd Tuesday of every month. Meet us along the Fern Ridge Bike Path at the end of Terry St just past Beltline and W 11th Ave.
New Volunteer Orientation
Friday, January 7th
5:30 - 6:30 PM
New Education Guides will receive an overview of our programs and how they can help connect people to nature in the West Eugene Wetlands. The orientation will be held here at our offices in west Eugene. Guide training sessions begin on January 14th. You can find out more information about our volunteer opportunities on our Volunteer page on this site.
Wetland Wander at Golden Gardens Park
Tuesday, January 11th
9:00 -10:00 AM
Join us in exploring Golden Gardens Park with local mammal expert, Judy Berg, author and retired wildlife biologist! Judy studied Colorado river otters for six years, wrote "The Otter Spirit: A Natural History Story" and has conducted mammal surveys for The Nature Conservancy here in Eugene, Oregon. Golden Gardens is a 146-acre natural area park located in Eugene’s Bethel neighborhood, at the intersection of Golden Gardens Street and Jessen Drive, north of Barger Drive.The park was formerly a gravel pit which provided material used in the construction of Belt Line Road and its overpasses. Golden Gardens is now a very special site. The restoration effort was thoughtfully created by its designers implimenting innovative techniques such as utilizing mulching materials from other restoration sites. WREN will provide binoculars. Call us at 541/338.7047 for more information or email jules@wewetlands.org. FREE! No registration necessary!
Wetland Wander at Stewart Pond Natural Area
Tuesday, February 8th
9:00 -10:00 AM
Wetland Wanders are casual walks through various West Eugene Wetlands sites each 2nd Tuesday of every month. Stewart Pond is a 150-acre natural area located east of the intersection of Bertelsen Road and Stewart Road, north of West 11th Avenue. WREN will provide binoculars. For more information call 541/338.7047 or email info@wewetlands.org FREE!
Past Events from 2010
Wetland Wander along the Tsanchiifin Trail
9:00am-10:00am
Tuesday, October 12th
Wetland Wanders are casual walks through various West Eugene Wetlands sites each 2nd Tuesday of every month. This month meet on the lawn of the Wetland Partnership Office at 751 S Danebo Ave. WREN will provide binoculars. For more information call 683-6494 or email info@wewetlands.org.
Fees: FREE!
Spider Talk with Rick Ahrens
6:00pm – 7:30pm
Wednesday, October 20th, 2010
Eugene Public Library, Tykeson Room
How well do you know your eight-legged neighbors? Join Rick Ahrens, to find out how spiders live and what common species live in our West Eugene Wetland area. Meet at the Eugene Public Library in the Tykeson Room. For more information call 683-6494 or email info@wewetlands.org.
Fees: FREE!
Mount Pisgah Mushroom Festival
10:00am-5:00pm
Sunday, October 31st, 2010
Join us at Mount Pisgah Arboretum for a day celebrating the fruits of the fall! Sunday, October 31st, 2010 is the 2010 Mushroom Festival where you can enjoy fungi and lichen displays, music, info booths, and great food.
Fees: Donations welcomed at entrance
A Beavers Tale
4:30-6:00pm
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Explore the West Eugene Wetlands at dusk to learn about these awesome animal architects and their habitat. Meet at our Educational Yurt, 751 S. Danebo Ave. Eugene OR, 97402. For more information please visit our website www.wewetlands.orgcall 541-683-6483 or email info@wewetlands.org
Fees: $5 for members, $7 for non-members
Play in the Rain Day
10:00am-3:00pm
Saturday, November 20th, 2010
Join the Youth in Nature Partnership for a free day of outdoor fun in the sun - or rain! Play in the Rain Day happens on Saturday, November 20th, from 10am-3pm at Mt. Pisgah Arboretum. At this event, families can choose from a variety of outdoor activities hosted by WREN, Nearby Nature, Mt. Pisgah Arboretum, the Science Factory, the City of Eugene, Northwest Youth corps, and many others. See www.youthinnature.org for more information.
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Spring and Summer 2010
May 8th
Wings & Wine Festival
WREN volunteers, board members, and staff will be out at the Wings & Wine Festival in Veneta and we hope you will be, too! Visit www.wingsandwinefestival.com for a schedule of events.
May 11th
Wetland Wander - Checkermallow Access
9-10 a.m.
Wetland Wanders are casual walks through various West Eugene Wetlands sites each 2nd Tuesday of every month. The Checkermallow site is located on the south side of Royal Ave between Greenhill and Terry St. We will be walking along the paved Fern Ridge Bike Path.WREN will provide binoculars. For more information contact Holly McRae at 683-6494.
May 17th
Mt. Pisgah Arboretum Wildflower Festival & Plant Sale
WREN staff, board members, and volunteers hope to see you out at the festival at the WREN Booth.
May 29th
The 4th Annual Walkin’ & Rollin’ Through the Wetlands!
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Celebrate American Wetlands Month and explore the West Eugene Wetlands by biking or walking the Fern Ridge Bike Path between Beltline and Greenhill Rd. Along the way, local experts and organizations will have educational displays highlighting the many wonders of the wetlands. Learn about wetland plants, animals, and restoration projects. Participants also receive a Wetland Passport they can have stamped at each booth for a chance to win prizes in a drawing. For more information, contact Holly McRae at 683-6494.
May 30th
Spring Butterflies of the West Eugene Wetlands
1p.m.-3p.m.
Join Rick Ahrens and Alison Center both experienced naturalists to explore for butterflies . In warmth and sunshine they will highlight the butterflies seen. Even in less favorable weather there is much to learn about our wetlands areas. Certainly there will be birds who will be heard, seen and identified. Meet at the Red House by 1pm for a 2 hour adventure in the wetlands. Email WREN to register at hmcrae@wewetlands.org. The West Eugene Wetlands Project office (Red House) is located on NE corner of W. 11th and Danebo, behind the Hertz car sales.
June 5
We Are Bethel Celebration
WREN staff, board members, and volunteers will be out at the 9th Annual We Are Bethel Celebration. There will be live entertainment, family activities, food and more. Admission is FREE. For information call 682-5521.
June 8th
Wetland Wander at Willow Creek Preserve
9:00 - 10:00 am
Wetland Wanders are casual walks through various West Eugene Wetlands sites each 2nd Tuesday of every month. Parking turnouts along West 18th are available for this wander through The Nature Conservancy preserve near the corner of 18th and Bertelson Rd. WREN will provide binoculars. For more information call 683-6494 or email info@wewetlands.org
July 13th
Wetland Wander at Stewart Pond Natural Area
9:00 - 10:00 am
Wetland Wanders are casual walks through various West Eugene Wetlands sites each 2nd Tuesday of every month. Stewart Pond is a 150-acre natural area located east of the intersection of Bertelsen Road and Stewart Road, north of West 11th Avenue. Free! WREN will provide binoculars. For more information call 683-6494 or email info@wewetlands.org
July 24th
Family Exploration Days on the Tsanchiifin Trail
5:00-9:00 pm
Discover the Tsanchiifin Trail with your family! WREN staff and volunteers will supply bug nets, field guides, and binoculars to promote unstructured exploration. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic snack and experience the joy of independent discovery. FREE! This program is funded by a Take It Outside grant from the BLM. For more information call 683-6483 or email info@wewetlands.org
August 10th
Wetland Wander at Meadowlark Prairie
9:00 - 10:00 am
Wetland Wanders are casual walks through various West Eugene Wetlands sites each 2nd Tuesday of every month. The Meadowlark Prairie Overlook is located on Greenhill Road, south of Royal. We will be walking along the paved Fern Ridge Bike Path. Free! WREN will provide binoculars. For more information call 683-6494 or email info@wewetlands.org
