Bald Eagle Nest Update

The first authentic bald eagles' nest recovered from the wild will soon be on display in Washington County at Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve. This unique project has an intriguing story made possible due to the dedication and cooperation of many community partners. Where was the nest built? How was it salvaged? Where are the eagles now? Click here to find out.

In This Issue

• Feature Photo – Bald Eagles throughout the Basin prepare to fledge
• Volunteer Spotlight – The Tweet Committee
• And That Concludes This Year's Field Season!
• Grants – Intel
• Upcoming Activities

Feature Photo

This month’s feature photo was taken by Scott Carpenter. Scott is a bird watcher who often comes out to the Preserve to enjoy and photograph its natural beauty.

Though this snapshot was not taken at Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, it reminds us that young Bald Eagles around the Tualatin Basin are preparing to fledge.

Many people come to the Preserve specifically to photograph wildlife. If you would like to see pictures taken at the Preserve, click here. If you are interested in learning more about photography, check out the Beginning Wildlife Photography being offered this fall.

Volunteer Spotlight

The Tweet of Dweams is an annual extravaganza that takes the form of a bird house contest followed by an auction, and it benefits programs at the Preserve.  The Tweet happens each year because of wonderful volunteers who spend many months tending to a lot of details!  We would like to feature the Tweet Committee as this month’s Volunteer Spotlight. 

Each of these generous people deserves a warm, heartfelt THANK YOU for their commitment to making this year’s Tweet the success that it was. With smiles on their faces, they logged many hours of work that generated more than fifty contest bird houses, baths, and feeders; they then transformed the Wetlands Education Center into an indoor-outdoor bistro for 200 guests at the auction. 

We raised over $30,000!  Funds support educational activities and programs for children, families, and individuals, and for wildlife habitat improvements at the Preserve.  The record high special appeal donations this year are dedicated to the eagle nest exhibit.   

It was a magical evening with many friends – new and old – here at this beautiful place we call Jackson Bottom Wetlands. Click Here to see this year's contest winners and sponsors. 
 
Thanks for making it possible! 

And That Concludes This Year's School Season!

If you were anywhere in the vicinity of Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve on Wednesday, June 14 around 1:00pm and heard a huge sigh, followed by a loud cheer, you were hearing the Education Staff saluting the end of the 2005/2006 school program season.   It was the best one ever.  In support of our mission to “connect water, wildlife, and people,” education staff and our nine incredible volunteers presented 174 programs to 5,280 students, 176 teachers and over 900 parent/adult helpers.

We covered topics including amphibians, birds, riparian forests, watersheds, biodiversity, scientific inquiry, skulls, ethnobotany, beavers, water quality, and how animals use their senses to survive in their habitat.  Along the way we made a lot of new friends, caught and examined a couple dozen garter snakes (and let them go!), and saw some “great moments in nature.” Most importantly, we helped children in our area connect with the Preserve and experience first-hand how fun and rewarding learning about science and nature can be.

When we hear children telling their teacher “This was the best day of my life,” we know we have done our job. So, thanks to all of you who support Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve.  Whether you donate time, materials, or money, know that your commitment and support helps us continue our work, and gives children an opportunity they may not get anywhere else. 

Grants

We are very excited to announce two generous grants from Intel.   These grants are helping to support education and community involvement at the Preserve.  Big thanks to Intel for investing in programs that connect water, wildlife, and people! 

“CCC: Community, Corporations, Collaborations” is a community-based team-building program that connects corporations and organizations with the premier resources of Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve.  It is designed to benefit community service organizations and corporations who wish to harness the resources of their organizations, while collaborating with the Preserve. Corporate groups who desire a 4-6 hour team-building experience, and wish to make a difference in their community can contact Jan Curry. She will add you to the contact list and inform you when this program becomes available during fall 2006. 

The “Summer Science Camp Program” provides opportunities for minority children to participate in education programs focused on science and natural history in order to build their confidence and inspire them to consider careers in science-related fields. The program includes classroom and field-based programs for students, special science education support for teachers, and a week-long science camp experience.  Intel has supported this program since its inception in 2003. Third and fourth grade classes from Peter Boscow, W.L. Henry, and Fernhill Elementary schools will participate this coming school year. 

Upcoming Activities*

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

July 2006

August 2006

September 2006

October 2006

November 2006

* Upcoming activities are added 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.