Providing interpretive education on wetlands and wildlife, panoramic views, water quality, weather, natural resource management, trails, bird watching, recreation, exhibits, displays and an eagles nest, Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve is a treasure of the Hillsboro community.
In 2000, Metro and the Board of Directors of Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve entered into a Natural Area Management Agreement regarding the use and ongoing operation of the Madsen property. Located just 2 ½ miles from the Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve Education Center on 62 acres near the Tualatin River, the deep forest, wetlands and large pond on the Madsen property create the perfect setting for outdoor education and recreation activities. Whether hiking in the forest, planting native trillium, canoeing in the pond, or listening to raptors calling overhead, the multi-sensory experiences at the Madsen property make a lasting impression and help instill a life-long love and respect for the outdoors. In 2008 the idea of a rustic campground on the property quickly was embraced and became known as “Camp Madsen” named after Roger and Gail Madsen who originally sold their land to Metro in 2000.
The initial development of Camp Madsen in 2009 created incredible opportunities for community involvement, meaningful partnerships, and long-term outdoor education experiences. Summer campers (age 7-14) engage in activities like critter catch, team building, canoeing, bird watching, map making and compass skills. All of the youth registered in our summer camps will be taught Leave No Trace principles, with 13 & 14 year old campers taking part in a unique overnight camping experience at Camp Madsen.
This fall, Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve staff will work closely with a nearby elementary school to develop curriculum for a satellite outdoor education program that will be piloted at Camp Madsen during the 2009-2010 school year. The content of this science based outdoor program would support the Hillsboro School District curriculum goals and benchmarks, providing a valuable opportunity for future programming involving more Hillsboro elementary and middle school students. 5th & 6th grade students from this school will also be participating in a monthly afterschool program based at Camp Madsen. This “Junior Naturalist” group will explore Camp Madsen and compile a first edition field guide for the flora and fauna found during their surveys at Camp Madsen.
Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve staff will continue to involve Eagle Scouts, local organizations, and volunteers in projects related to the development and sustainability of the recreation site at Camp Madsen. Development projects would include the addition of rustic structures, such as lean-tos and picnic shelters, in the overnight camping area to enable the growth of these programs and support the use of this camp despite changing Oregon weather conditions. Volunteer efforts would also be used in various restoration projects throughout the Camp Madsen property.
Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve has been able to make a start on the development and use of Camp Madsen, but would like to expand this program to reach and inspire more elementary and middle aged Hillsboro School District students. Our goals will allow us to move towards the development of successful year-round education and recreation opportunities at Camp Madsen.
2600 SW Hillsboro Hwy. Hillsboro, OR 97123|fax: 503-681-6277|phone: 503-681-6206