As most of the rest of the West, and the country in general, suffers under a stifling heat wave, here in the Heart of the Valley, we are looking at highs in the eighties and relatively cool nights. It’s one of the slower weeks of the year for science and nature events around town, but even so, there are chances to help clean up our river, install and maintain native plants, and raise money for a great local charity.
But first, an (apparently) necessary reminder about habitat restoration work in our area.
Commentary: Pay Attention to Restoration Signs
When people think of the Northwest, some of the first images that come to mind are likely to be of vast forests or waves crashing on our rocky coast. But when I think of western Oregon, I think of flowers. Between the coast, the mountains and here in the valley, we have an astounding array of native wildflowers, many of which depend on conservation and restoration efforts. Prairies and meadows in particular are two of the most endangered ecosystems in the region. If you’ve walked through a park or natural area around here, you’ve probably seen the signs with some variation of “Habitat Restoration Area: Do Not Enter”. Native meadows and prairies are fragile, especially when new plants are being established. The vast majority of locals and visitors respect those signs, but when they don’t, the damage can be significant.
This week, a local reddit user called out people picnicking on clearly marked protected meadow habitat on Marys Peak. I have seen similar behavior myself, from hikers, picnickers, and birders walking into and over signed areas. Whether intentional or an honest mistake, every footprint on these recovering patches of meadow makes it a little harder to restore and revitalize our native flowers. There are endless places to lay a blanket down for a nice lunch outside. Please, let the flowers have their space.
Thursday: River Cleanup
The Willamette River is in its busiest season for recreational use, and unfortunately, that also means the heaviest season for trash. But you can help keep our river clean for us and for all the local wildlife that depends on it. This Thursday morning, the City of Corvallis and Willamette Riverkeeper are running a boat-based river cleanup from Crystal Lake to Michael’s Landing. If you have a kayak or small boat, bring it! If not, you can reserve a seat in one of Riverkeeper’s boats. Either way, registration is required. The cleanup effort runs from 9 am to noon this Thursday, July 25. Click here for more information and to register.
Thursday: Environmental Center Concert
Whether or not you can start the day on the river on Thursday, you can help out local environmental educators and enjoy some great local music as the sun goes down. This Thursday night is the second of four dates in this year’s SAGE concert series.
Thursday’s show features music by The Incompatibles and Citizens of the Universe, as well as food from Mud Oven Pizza and Pupuseria del Valle, wine from Block 15, cider from Two Towns and more. Tickets are $5 to $20, with all proceeds benefiting the Corvallis Environmental Center. The SAGE series is a low- or no-waste event, so please do your best to limit your plastic and other waste use. Lawn chairs and picnic blankets are welcome.
The show runs from 6 to 8:30 pm this Thursday, July 25, at Starker Arts Park, off of Country Club Drive and 45th Street. For more information on the show, click here.
Sunday: Avery Garden Work Party
On Sunday, enjoy this mild summer weather while it lasts, and get your hands a little dirty. The Native Plant Society of Oregon, Corvallis chapter, is hosting a work party at Avery Park’s native plant garden. Volunteers are needed for summer cleanup and maintenance. Please dress for the weather and bring garden tools if you have them. The work party starts at 10 am this Sunday, July 28, and ends at noon. Click here for more information.
By Ian Rose
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