Upcoming Events

Wander Location: 

Amazon Prairie, 90601 Goodman Rd, Junction City, OR 97448

About the Walk:

Amazon Prairie is a mitigation bank and wetland prairie enhancement and restoration site in progress. This site was in agricultural use for at least 50 years and is now in its fifth growing year after native seeding and recontouring to enhance hydrology. Participants will see vernal pools and developing native plant communities, and learn about the restoration and enhancement process, the wildlife that use the site, and what’s ahead for phase 2 of the project, planned to start summer 2026.

This walk is in upland/wetland boundaries that may have some shallow (couple inches) inundation. The route is about 1.5 miles with no trail and some uneven surfaces. Restrooms are not available on site. Please dress for the weather (boots highly recommended) and be sure shoes are free of mud and weed seeds. This month, we kindly ask you to keep your friendly, leashed dogs at home.

Directions:

The site location is west of the Eugene Airport. From West Eugene, take Highway 126 W towards Greenhill Road. Turn right on Greenhill Road and continue for about 4 miles, until you reach Clear Lake Road. Turn left on Clear Lake and continue for 2 miles until Goodman Road. After 1 mile, turn right onto Bond Road. The meeting place is 0.45 miles east of the intersection of Goodman Rd and Bond Rd (site address is 90601 Goodman Rd). Park on the side of Bond Road (gravel) if the small parking area is full.

**Red Pin indicates where to meet.

Walk Leader: Diane Steeck (she/her)

Diane is an Ecologist with the City of Eugene Parks and Open Space, where she’s worked for the past 18 years on wetland restoration and management. Having worked on the conservation and management of natural areas for over 30 years in Oregon, California, and Washington, she has a great fondness for west coast flora and fauna.

Oakshire Inspires Benefit

Monday, April 13 (all day)

Oakshire Commons (416 Main St, Springfield, OR 97477)

Oakshire Commons in Springfield will be donating $1 from every core pint sold and 10% of food proceeds to WREN on Monday, April 13th. The fundraiser is all day, but we’ll be there from 5-7pm. Come by, grab a beer, and chat with us about our local native ecosystems!

Re-Imagine Earth Day 2026

Sunday, April 19 from 1 – 5pm

Farmer’s Market Pavilion (85 E 8th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401)

Join WREN at Re-Imagine Earth Day! This free, family-friendly, indoor/outdoor event is hosted by the Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts (MECCA), BRING, City of Eugene Waste Prevention, and Waste Wise Lane County (a part of Lane County Waste Management). Attendees will have the chance to connect with local organizations, nonprofits, agencies, and businesses promoting sustainability, explore eco-friendly products and services from local vendors and artisans, enjoy performances by artists whose creations inspire environmentally responsible themes, and eat delicious food from local vendors.

Fishy Friends and Aquatic Macroinvertibrates

Wednesday, April 22 from 3 – 5pm

Elijah Bristow State Park *Park at the Lost Creek Parking lot

Join WREN, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council for an afternoon with some of our smallest aquatic friends! Learn about Lost Creek’s fish and other macroinvertebrates with local ecologists in this free, family-friendly event. Waders are available for anyone hoping for a hands-on experience in the creek, or stay dry and learn from WREN educators on shore. It’s bound to be a fin-tastic way to spend Earth Day!

Transwild Forest Frolic

Saturday, April 25th from 12 – 5pm

Mount Pisgah Arboretum (34901 Frank Parrish Rd, Eugene, OR 97405)

Join WREN at Mt Pisgah for Transwild! Organized by TransPonder, Cascadia Wildlands, and Mount Pisgah Arboretum, participants of all ages can enjoy performances, activities, workshops, community partners, and more, all in the beautiful setting of Mount Pisgah Arboretum. Some highlights to look forward to include drag performances, how-to camping demos, guided nature walks, and crafts! 

City Nature Challenge

Saturday, April 25th from 10am – 1pm

Meet at the Wilkinson House on the UO Millrace Path

WREN and the WRNA will be participating in the City Nature Challenge, an international effort for community scientists to find and document plants and wildlife in cities. Join us in cataloguing local species through nature walks and educational activities for learners of all ages!