Hello River Folks -
Spring is here and getting into full swing with longer days and warmer weather. As the years have gone on it seems this annual regenerative season has more meaning, and is more enjoyable as the trilliums arrive, bird life begins to return to the river, and the buds make their appearance along the riverside. This weekend I was fortunate to see a returning Osprey near Willamette Narrows.
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As this new season takes hold, we are also marking a bit of organizational change. Kate Ross Kuthe, our long-time Education & Outreach Manager, will be stepping down from her role. During this pandemic balancing both being a mother of two young boys and a professional at WR has been tough - especially with virtual school and the scarcity of childcare being an ongoing challenge. While Kate will be stepping out of her role at WR, the door will never be closed for her to take part in our ongoing work in some form.
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For most of us, we do not have colleagues that we mesh well with for over 12 years, and Kate has been a significant part of growing our organization and lending her talents to our stability and progress. |
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It was in 2009 that she coordinated her first Paddle Oregon trip. While the trip had been going for 8 previous years, Kate was able to help craft the event to higher levels each year. Our numerous River Discovery trips are too many to recall as well, as literally thousands of people were able to experience the river with her help over the years. |
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Our online and print Riverscape newsletters (like this one) were shaped by her creativity and guidance, and her interactions with many of you have helped to forge the many wonderful relationships we have with our membership today. Thanks for everything Kate!
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After serving as an intern in 2019, and then as our Portland/Salem Trashy Tuesday Coordinator, in the coming weeks our own Amanda Gallegos will be taking on the Outreach Coordinator position. We look forward to Amanda’s energy and organizational skills as she and Kate work together in this transition.
Thanks again to all of you who support our work. As always, WR pushes ahead each and every week to make gains for the Willamette. Your support is much-appreciated.
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Travis
Travis Williams
Riverkeeper & Executive Director
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Our Earth Month Canoe Raffle is Here! |
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Thanks to our generous partners at Paddle People, we have a limited edition, royalex Wenonah Northfork canoe to offer as a giving incentive to donors this April in honor of Earth Month!
Imagine a summer full of water trail adventures! This outstanding Willamette tripper is not available for retail sale, in fact, it's extremely hard to find new paddle crafts thanks to the explosion of interest in outdoor adventures driven by COVID. This is one HOT ticket folks!
In addition to possibly winning a new canoe, donors can receive sweet CBD perks from our partners at Wyld!
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Give April 1st – 30th at the $75 level and up for a chance to WIN a CANOE - and - Get CBD perks from Wyld!
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Virtual Education Series: 4/15 @ 6:00pm |
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What does the Willamette Water Trail look like? How can you plan your own adventure on the river? We'll cover all of this and more as we take you on a virtual paddling tour spanning the mainstem Willamette River! This month we'll explore the river while highlighting our favorite campsites and hidden gems of the trail. We'll offer tips on how to get started planning your own day trip or overnight experience this season, and we'll also suggest some itineraries for you to consider.
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Volunteers Needed: Trashy Tuesday, 4/13 |
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WHAT: Eugene - Springfield Trashy Tuesday
WHEN: Tuesday, April 13th from 8:30am - 1:00pm
WHERE: Aspen Street in Springfield to Alton Baker boat ramp
DETAILS: Please join Willamette Riverkeeper River Guardians and Eugene REC on Trashy Tuesday, 4/13 to float downstream from Aspen Street in Springfield to the Alton Baker boat ramp, picking up trash. Everyone benefits from a good old-fashioned spring cleaning... your efforts will help enhance water quality, wildlife habitat, and improve the overall safety and enjoyment of our beautiful Willamette River. All Bring Your Own Boat paddlers must be able to paddle in Class II moving water.
NO BOAT? NO WORRIES! Reserve a seat in a raft or driftboat.
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Volunteers Needed: Spring For Your River Cleanup |
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In honor of Earth Month, we are kicking off a Spring For Your River Cleanup series and we need your help!
Thanks in part to Travel Oregon's Destination Ready Grant, we are hosting over 25 small group cleanup events throughout the basin, beginning this Earth Day, April 22nd, and running through June 6th. Register for a community clean up near you! More clean up sites will be added as Earth Day approaches. View available sites and related details by clicking on the "registration" button below.
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Volunteers Needed: KORC Recycling Stations |
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Willamette Riverkeeper has launched a South Valley “Keep Our Rivers Clean” (KORC) initiative in partnership with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to help reduce the presence of discarded line and tackle in popular angling destinations.
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From the headwaters of the Middle Fork, to some of our favorite mainstem backchannels and tributaries, ODFW’s recycling stations have been installed to help create a healthier and safer habitat for fish and wildlife, as well as a safer space for recreation.
We need your help! WR and ODFW are seeking volunteers to help empty these stations as needed (typically once or twice a month, based on popularity of use) and report back findings. It’s an easy task, and we hope, gives folks some ownership in stewarding areas close to home.
Please email [email protected] to volunteer today and please include which location you’re interested in (see below).
- Oakridge / Greenwaters Park (x2)
- Springfield / Clearwater Park
- Springfield / Island Park
- Springfield / Eastgate Woodlands
- Eugene / Alton Baker Park (x3)
- Corvallis / Crystal Lake
- Corvallis / Michael’s Landing
- Santiam River / Waterloo Campground (x2)
- Sweethome / Pleasant Valley boat ramp
- Foster Dam / Wiley Creek Park
- Foster Reservoir / Sunnyside Park
- N. Santiam River / Stayton Boat Ramp
- Lyons / John Neal Park
- N. Santiam River / Mehama Boat Ramp
- Salem / Worth Lake
- Salem / Wallings Pond
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Restoring Floodplain Forests |
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Check out this short clip from our Restoration Manager, Richard Dickinson about our effort getting 55,250 native plants and trees in the ground at Gail Achterman Natural Area this past month.
We offer our thanks to the Arbor Day Foundation and their Columbia Basin Tree Planting partnership which has made this possible!
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Dear Friends,
THANK YOU so much for supporting Willamette Riverkeeper and enabling this great organization to thrive!
It has been my great pleasure to work alongside Travis, Heather, Michelle, Richard, Eli and Amanda to protect and restore the Willamette River in a variety of ways for more than a decade.
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I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to create so many meaningful connections and river trip memories with YOU, our members, volunteers and participants!
There are so many exciting projects, events and advocacy actions ahead for Willamette Riverkeeper. While I may be leaving the immediate team, I won't be leaving the river family! I look forward to being involved and supporting Willamette Riverkeeper's work, and I especially look forward to seeing you on the water in the near future!
For the River,
Kate Ross Kuthe
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