Salamanders to Stars - A Celebration of the Wetlands

It was wonderful that so many families came out to the wetland to learn about the natural world and enjoy the Preserve at a time of day when it is usually only open to the wildlife.

In This Issue

• Feature Photo – Coyote catches a goose
• Volunteer Spotlight – Our fabulous youth crew
• Tweet of Dweams – Birdhouse Contest Starts Now!
• Upcoming Activities

Feature Photo

Imagine the rush our volunteer photographer, Michael Thompson, felt when the Great Blue Herons, Geese and other shorebirds at the Gene Pool swooped in his direction. Those of you who visit the Preserve regularly know it is more common to see large flocks flying away than coming to greet you.  Upon seeing the predator in this season's feature photo, it all made sense, and we commend Michael for having the composure to capture this fabulous image. 

Seeing coyotes in broad daylight is a rare occurrence, however, hiking the trails here at the Preserve may afford you this thrilling opportunity.  If you do not have binoculars or field guides of your own, consider coming to a Hiker’s Wildlife Survey orientation.  Participants learn basic naturalist and animal identification skills and may then check out a bag full of important naturalist tools, including awesome Leupold and Stevens binoculars, on future visits to the Preserve.

To learn more about the Hiker’s Wildlife Survey program and to take a look at what some of our participants have seen around the Preserve check out our new Hiker’s Wildlife Survey Website. 

Volunteer Spotlight

We have so many wonderful volunteers that, sometimes, it is hard to choose just one.  This month, we would like to highlight our youth volunteer crew. They labored all summer to keep the uplands and the wetlands watered, weeded, and beautiful. 

Siblings Morgan and Lukas Artea have been volunteering as part of their home-schooling every Monday for two years.  Colin Sherrill, now a sophomore at Forest Grove High School, first visited the Preserve as a sixth grader at Tom McCall. His fond memories brought him back to Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve when he was looking for summer volunteer work last year.  It was so much fun that he joined us again this summer.

Along with Tyler Gass, a PCC college student, and other occasional volunteers, these involved citizens have cleared trails, removed invasive species, and eaten countless blackberries.  When asked why they serve at Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, Morgan, Lukas, and Collin expressed their love of being outside, and the thrill of “seeing deer and their fawns three weeks in a row.” Morgan has enjoyed her time here at the Preserve so much that she has agreed to share her experiences in a presentation at the Preserving the Connections Fall Fundraiser on November 8th.

Our young volunteers continually surprise us with their work ethic and good spirits, and they give us hope for the future of our natural areas. Thank you so much for your dedication to the wetlands!

If you know a young person who would like to put their youthful energy to work, email our volunteer coordinator, Jan Curry, or call her at 503.681.6283.  For more information on the Fall Fundraiser, contact Julie Magers.

Tweet Of Dweams Contest Starts Now! 

It’s time to get ready for the annual Tweet of Dweams contest!  Build a house, bath, or feeder for the birds and for the benefit of Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve. 

Your entry will be judged in a friendly competition in May, with a Grand Prize of $1,000 for the best overall. Other prizes will also be awarded in several contest categories.  Contest entries will end up on the auction block at the annual Tweet of Dweams benefit auction to be held at Jackson Bottom Wetlands Education Center in Hillsboro, Oregon in May 2007.  Proceeds from this event support the maintenance of our trails and recreation facilities, wildlife habitat improvements, and education and research programs, all of which help us to fulfill our mission of connecting water, wildlife, and people. 

Details on the contest can be found at www.jacksonbottom.org.

Upcoming Activities*

All activities meet at the Wetlands Education Center unless otherwise noted!

October 2006

November 2006

December 2006

* Upcoming activities are updated regularly on our website. Please check there for the most current information.

Is there an event or activity you would like to see offered at the Preserve?  Special information to be included in our newsletter?  Call (503) 681-6206 to make a request or suggestion or email your input to Julie Magers.