Name: Wetland Wander with WREN and Alton Baker Park
Start: 2025-04-08T08:30:00-07:00
End: 2025-04-08T11:30:00-07:00

Past Activity

Wetland Wander with WREN and Alton Baker Park

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Start date: 04/08/2025
Start time: 8:30 AM
End date: 04/08/2025
End time: 11:30 AM

Description:

Please meet in the Alton Baker Park main parking lot by the restrooms so we can start walking at 8:30 AM. We will walk about a mile to the south side of the Frohnmayer Bike Bridge to meet the folks from WREN for the April Wetland Wander. This month's Wander will explore the Willamette River Natural Area (WRNA) established by the U of O in 2022. The wander will be led by Emily Hamblen, the Natural Area Steward. From WREN's description:

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.

After the tour we will walk back to the Alton Baker Park parking lot.

Photo by: Angie Ruzicka

Event Leader: Angie Ruzicka
Event Leader Phone: 541-521-6840
Event Leader Email: angie.ruzicka@gmail.com
Assistant Leader:
Event category: Conservation, Science, & Education
Area Type: Urban
Departure Location: See Trip Description
Rating: Easy
Roundtrip total drive miles:
Season: 2025
Permits Required:
Event Status: Passed
Supplies and Equipment Required: Dress for the weather, wear good shoes for walking, bring water and a snack.
participant prerequisites:
Conditions:
Total Distance: 3 miles
Member Fees: $0
Elevation Gain: 50 feet
Non-Member Fees: $2.00
Committee: Conservation, Science, & Education
Junior member fees: $0

Trip Report

Our small Obsidian group enjoyed our mile long walk along the river through Alton Baker Park. We observed many spring wildflowers: trillium, bleeding heart, larkspur, buttercup and many more that are on the brink of blooming. We joined the WREN Wetland Wander group on the south side of the Frohnmayer Bridge to tour the Willamette River Natural Area (WRNA) a 24-acre site owned by the U of O that extends ½ mile east and ½ mile west from the bridge. During our visit we saw several birds: osprey, adult and baby killdeer, mallard ducks, crackling and Canadian geese, and Northern Flicker. As we walked west, the site steward, Emily Hamblen, explained efforts to restore the site by planting native species that will provide habitat for wildlife. The restoration projects provide opportunities for students and faculty research as well as volunteer opportunities for the larger community. We were impressed with all that has been accomplished and the enthusiasm and vision for the future. If you haven’t been along that stretch recently check it out!

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