President's Perch

by Cheryl Hart

Board President

It's beginning to look like maybe spring is here to stay. That means it’s a great time to visit the refuge. The Seasonal Trail will open May 1 to allow you even more interesting walks to explore. I wonder how Chicken Creek has changed since that trail closed in October. Another spring means the second annual Youth Climate Summit. Bonnie and I are working with another group of amazing high school and middle school students who have planned this year’s

event. Bonnie and I had planned on reaching out to this year’s leaders (many of whom helped with last year’s event) after the first of the year, but they contacted us before school even started because they wanted to get busy on the planning and publicizing of the event. That’s the kind of high-caliber students with whom we work nearly every week during the school year. I tell everyone, working with these youth each week “fills my tank”—Maybe “charges my

battery” would be more appropriate. They are inspiring and make me very hopeful for the future.

This year’s theme is Caring for Ourselves. Caring for Our Planet. The students decided they didn’t want as many speakers this year and wanted more time and opportunity to network with other schools and conservation partners and more opportunities to get acquainted with other youth from throughout the Portland Metro Area (and beyond?) who are concerned about the

consequences of climate change. The students lead the planning, and they are so dedicated and tireless in their willingness to create an event that will be impactful to their fellow students but really to anyone who might be interested in stopping by one or more of the tables staffed by

students and conservation partners.

So, mark your calendar for the Saturday after Earth Day, April 27, and stop by to see what ideas the students have come up with for this year’s Youth Climate Summit! Also, please pass along this information to the students and young people you know. Everyone of every age is welcome to participate.

On a less happy note, Friends and Refuge Staff continue to work on protecting the Rock Creek Unit of the refuge from a planned gravel quarry that will destroy the hydrology of both the Rock Creek unit and, quite likely, Onion Flats as well. Friends escorted another group of concerned partners in this effort to the site. The group included representatives from Metro and Tualatin

River Keepers. The participants brought extensive knowledge of hydrology and legal processes that might prevent the irreversible damage. Former FWS Biologist at the refuge and our newest Friends Board Member, Curt Mykut led a visit. We plan on a follow-up meeting within the next few weeks to discuss strategies going forward.

Enjoy our warmer weather and take advantage of a lovely spring day to make a trip to the

refuge. I’ll see you there.

See you at the refuge!

-Cheryl

Focus on Friends

by Bonnie Anderson

Executive Director

April is a time of year when there is an emphasized awareness on caring for our earth, and as you can imaging, it is a very busy month for the Friends!

The Friends are thrilled to announce the return of our highly anticipated Native Plant Sale after a three-year hiatus! This year's event promises a vibrant selection of native plants perfect for beautifying your garden while supporting a healthy ecosystem.

Here's what you can look forward to:

• Member Appreciation Preview: Current and new members get exclusive early access to the sale on Friday, from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Not a member yet? Join at the door and unlock a world of benefits!
• Public Sale: The sale opens to the public on Friday, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, and continues throughout the weekend, Saturday & Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Why Native Plants Matter:

Planting native species is a fantastic way to:

• Support local pollinators: Native plants provide essential food and habitat for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial creatures.
• Enhance your ecosystem: These plants are naturally adapted to your local climate, promoting a healthy and resilient environment.
• Reduce maintenance: Native plants require less watering and fewer pesticides compared to non-native alternatives.

Learn what the Xerces Society has to say about why we need native plants. Matthew Shepherd has helped the Friends determine placement and plant selection for the Friends' mini pollinator gardens at the Refuge. You have the opportunity of helping us "grow" these pollinator gardens by donating a plant or two during the sale. We will also be collecting native plant donations for Greenway Elementary School, who will be putting in their own pollinator garden in May.

We're excited to host the Oregon Youth Climate Summit on April 27th at the Refuge in a few weeks. This year the focus will be on mindfulness both of our planet and of ourselves. For more information about the Youth Climate Summit Click Here or see the flyer below. Although it is geared towards Middle and High School students, all ages are welcome to participate.

If you would like to support the Youth Climate Summit, The Friends Pollinator Garden and/ or the Greenway Pollinator Garden please indicate that when making your online donation here.

I'll see you at the Native Plant Sale!

Bonnie

Rock Creek Unit Tour March , 2024

photos by Bonnie Anderson