Upcoming Events
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Wetland Wander:
Walk Leader: Emily Hamblen (she/her)
As an Oregon Native, Emily is excited to use her 20+ years of wildlife biology experience to give back to the community that she grew up in. She started her journey at Lane Community College, followed by a dual Major in Wildlife and Conservation and Zoology (Oregon State University) and M.Sc. in Wildlife and Conservation Biology (Colorado State University). Emily joined the UO in June 2024 as their first Natural Areas Steward to guide students and community members through the restoration of the Willamette River Natural Area.
About the Walk:
In 2022, the University of Oregon had the foresight to designate 24 acres of property as the Willamette River Natural Area (WRNA). Following this, the University of Oregon Campus Natural Areas Program was initiated in June 2024 and has quickly expanded from a single employee to a vibrant community of students, volunteers, researchers, and external collaborators leading to the engagement of 230+ students, 550+ volunteer hours, removal of 52 cubic yards of invasive species, and planting of 172 native trees and shrubs. Search for wildlife and native plants as we view student-led restoration projects and discuss how the Natural Areas Program is addressing their three-pronged mission of creating restoration, engagement, and research opportunities for students and the surrounding community.
Wander Location:
Willamette River Natural Area (WRNA) Park in the Millrace Drive garage (see map) Meet at the South end of Frohnmayer Bridge
Directions:
Drive South on E Broadway (OR 126/OR 99 S). Turn left onto Riverfront Parkway and then right onto Millrace Drive to enter the parking garage. Once you have parked, head North towards the Ruth Bascom Bike Path to the meeting point on the South side of the Frohnmayer Bridge. We’d also recommend biking or taking the bus (get off at Agate Station stop) to this event!
April Earth Month Events!
Earth Day Fundraiser @ Coldfire Brewing Company
When: Friday, April 18 from 4 – 7 pm
Location: 263 Mill St, Eugene, OR 97401
Come find WREN tabling from 4-7pm at Coldfire Brewing Company as we raise a glass to Earth Month! We will have a display with information about our organization, our programs, and upcoming volunteer opportunities. A portion of the proceeds from all beer sales will go towards supporting WREN’s mission of promoting land conservation and stewardship through educational programs for learners of all ages.
A huge thanks to our host, Coldfire Brewing Company!
We will see you there!!
Earth Day Work Party
When: Sunday, April 20 from 11am – 3pm
Where: Alton Baker Park @ the North end of Knickerbocker Bike Bridge (Type “Walama Restoration Project Site” into Google Maps)
**Walk or Cycle access only**
Take action this Earth Day with WREN and the Walama Restoration Project! We’ll be removing invasive plants and also getting some native plants in the ground. Refreshments, tools, and instructions will be provided and all ages are welcome! Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions, wear closed-toed shoes, and bring water. Feel free to join us for the whole time or stop by for an hour or two!
We would like to extend a massive thank you to Lawn Be Gone and Community Cup Coffee for plant and refreshment donations respectively! Reach out to nate@wewetlands.org or lily@walamarestorationproject.org with any questions.
RSVP is appreciated but not required. See you there!
For questions, please contact:
Rachel Schneiderman, Programs Coordinator at the Willamette Resources and Educational Network (WREN) at info@wewetlands.org or call 541-338-7047.