Description:

Scattered throughout the Whilamut Natural Area in Eugene and nearby Springfield are 15 boulders etched with words from the Kalapuya language. These are the Kalapuya Talking Stones, and they help educate and remind visitors that the Kalapuya people, the original inhabitants of the area, are still here. The writing on the stones reflects natural items in the traditional landscape. We will be visiting all 15 stones on our walk.

This will be a brisk walk. We will start from the main parking area at Alton Baker Park. Meet at the parking lot's south end. The route will follow close to the canoe canal, then under the overpass and into Springfield; on the return loop, we will walk along the river to the parking area. Dress for the weather. Unless we encounter any portable restrooms on the trail the only available restroom will be at the beginning and end of the walk. Covid protocols will be in place. The trip leader is vaccinated and boosted. We should be completed between 3 & 3:30pm

The names etched on the stones are:
Ha-Yaba – camas field
Camafeema – ferns on the ground
De-Ha Yaba – Near a camas field
Illioo – Joyful
Ga-Ach-Li – Peaceful in daylight
Wha-Lik – Place by the water
Li-Yuu – Prairie
Hal Ba – Downstream
Whilamut – Where the river ripples and runs fast
Gudu-Kut – Frog
Kanaa – Going across place
Duucu-Ba – Powerful place
Gaw-Ni – Trail through the woods
Hi-Dwa – In a wooded area
Lak-Mi – Near a fish trap

Learn more:
On Saturday February 26th, attend or visit the Kalapuya Storytelling & Drumming (Downtown & Online) at the Eugene Public Library.
https://www.eugene-or.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=25128&month=2&year=2022&day=5&calType=0