Tryon Creek's Fungi Forest

On a chilly Sunday in November, Fort Stevens Park Ranger and mushroom expert Dane Osis paid Tryon Creek a visit. He lead a group discussion and hike focusing on the mushrooms that grow in the park...

Multiple mushroom varieties are happy to share the same living quarters...

The honey mushroom was a group favorite...

Close-up of a bird's nest fungi...

Mushrooms are a source of fascination. They truly are marvels of our world and are in a class all their own (although technically it's called a "kingdom" rather than class, as all living things are organized into large basic groups called kingdoms). We are able to see only the "fruit" of the fungus - the rest of it, the living body, is a web that is generally hidden from view in the soil, wood or other food source. Fungi use many different things for food: Some are decomposers that consume dead organic material like leaves; others consume living organisms, some of which cause disease such as athlete's foot and ringworm. Fungi can also be useful, such as the yeasts that are used to make bread, wine and beer.

Many thanks to Ranger Osis for sharing Tryon Creek's mycological marvels with us!

Bruce Rottink nominated for OPRD's L.L. "Stub" Stewart Volunteer Award

OPRD Director Tim Wood and FOTC volunteer Bruce Rottink at the L.L. "Stub" Stewart Volunteer Award Ceremony, Newport, Oregon - October 2011

On Saturday, October 11^th, Friends of Tryon Creek volunteer Bruce Rottink stood before a large group of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department staff members as well as members of Friends’ groups from around the state of Oregon to be recognized for his nomination at the annual L.L. "Stub" Steward Award Ceremony.

Held every year, the L.L. "Stub" Stewart Award Ceremony is intended to recognize dedicated volunteers from Oregon’s Friends’ groups. This year, Sarah Kreisman, the Volunteer Coordinator for the Friends of Tryon Creek, nominated Mr. Rottink for his volunteer commitment and contributions to the park.

When asked what inspired his passion for the preservation and stewardship of the outdoors, Mr. Rottink responded that it all began in junior high and high school, when he worked on his uncle’s Christmas tree farm for $1 an hour. He was very interested in trees and went on to receive his undergraduate degree in Forest Science, which included coursework in things as far-flung as soils, climatology, geology and chemistry. He eventually got his Ph.D. in tree physiology and applied his knowledge to forestry work doing research with plant biology groups as well as watershed research. He was also a research forester and worked primarily in Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington, west of the Cascades.

Mr. Rottink retired last year and decided to try his hand volunteering with the Friends of Tryon Creek. He now spends 90% of his volunteer time guiding nature hikes for school children and has a great time teaching them about the earth’s natural systems and the flora and fauna indigenous to Tryon Creek.

Studies show that children who grow up spending time in nature are much more likely to conserve and protect it as adults. With this in mind, Mr. Rottink observes that working with children is very rewarding and “each child may make a difference”. Mr. Rottink’s philosophy and dedication are inspiring, and the Friends of Tryon Creek were proud to see him nominated for his good works at the park.

Backyard Habitat: Behind the Scenes in Lake Oswego

 

On September 29^th a television crew from KATU paid a visit to Andrew Karl’s Lake Oswego home. Their mission: To learn more about the Backyard Habitat Certification Program.

Backyard Habitat was originally launched in Portland, Oregon by the Columbia Land Trust and the Audubon Society. The program focuses on the removal of aggressive weeds, naturescaping with native plants, stormwater management and wildlife stewardship. It proved to be very successful, and on August 1^st the Friends of Tryon Creek joined the partnership to extend the program to Lake Oswego.

Over sixty Lake Oswego homeowners have signed up. To receive the certification, there are a number of steps that must be taken, such as planting native species and managing stormwater runoff. Heidi Brill, the Friends' Backyard Habitat Program Coordinator, says that "the program is based on four main concepts: removal of aggressive invasive species, naturescaping with native plants, wildlife stewardship, and stormwater management. Many homeowners in Lake Oswego have been waiting for the program to expand outside of Portland. These homeowners have been following the program in Portland and have had as much as several years to develop their home landscapes in accordance with our Program guidelines. Many of the homes that I visited in the first two months were in the category of 'patiently waiting while making positive change.' With the program in Lake Oswego, now the word has spread and talk of the program has infiltrated into garden club meetings, HOA meetings, and friendly neighborhood conversation. Neighbors are seeing signs in their areas and this is stimulating conversation to promote healthful communities. Homeowners that are new to the concept of naturescaping are interested in the program because of its benefits (not only to our environment, but to our pocketbooks as well). To witness the changing view in our home landscapes from labor-centric to nature-centric is an extremely positive change-- reducing the use of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, reducing the need for summer irrigation, reducing erosion and allowing rainwater to naturally infiltrate and replenish groundwater systems and encouraging diversity of species."

Friends of Tryon Creek's Education Director Matthew Collins with Backyard Habitat Program Coordinator Heidi Brill

Mr. Karl's yard includes native species like this Twinberry Honeysuckle (Lonicera involucrata). It is an important nectar source for hummingbirds, bees and butterflies, and the dark "twin" berries surrounded by showy bracts provide important forage for birds and critters. The berries were once used for dye, and the plant had a variety of medicinal purposes that were utilized by local native populations.

A rainwater catchment system in Mr. Karl's backyard utilizes re-purposed 55 gallon drums. They fill quickly under normal winter conditions in the Willamette Valley, and so must be equipped with an overflow mechanism, or you must have room for additional capacity. A rainwater catchment system paired with a raingarden is a very effective way to manage stormwater on site. A statistic: a 1/2 inch rainfall on a roof of 1000 square feet will yield 300 gallons.

Mr. Collins and Ms. Brill get interviewed about Backyard Habitat by KATU's Amanda Faught

Let the Good Times Roll! Kids love Nature Day Camp at Tryon Creek

Campers shakin' a tail feather in the shelter, August 2011

The bright, summery days of the Friends of Tryon Creek’s Nature Day Camps ended last month and Camp Director Casey Newman shared her thoughts on the nine weeks that the day camp runs every summer.

Nature Day Camp was started by Stephanie Wagner more than thirty years ago and originally served middle school students. It has expanded and now serves children from pre-K through 7^th grade. All told, over the course of the summer nine-hundred campers visit Tryon Creek. They spend their days outside exploring the park and engaging in hands-on forest-related activities (the fort-building exercise received a big thumbs-up).  

The forest provides an ideal hands-on lab for research: children are able to see Tryon Creek’s flora and fauna upclose. From salamanders to squirrels to slugs and birds, there is no shortage of interesting critters to inspire curiosity and wonder in forestgoers of all ages. Likewise, the park’s old (and young) trees, from the Douglas Fir (Oregon’s official state tree) to the Western red cedar, provide shade and shelter and a wealth of tales about their history and uses.

What is Ms. Newman’s favorite thing about Nature Day Camps? “Seeing the kids out there, having fun and hearing about the forest and being filled with curiosity and enthusiasm.” That is about as good as it gets.

Research shows that adults who spend time in the Great Outdoors - and are more likely to protect and preserve it - cultivated an appreciation for nature early on, spending time outside as children. Nature Day Camp is a great place for kids to experience that magic and inspiration and an appreciation for the natural world that encourages a lifelong ethic of stewardship.

Summer camp returns on June 25^th, 2012. We hope to see you there!

Friends reach out for volunteers

Richard Diffenderfer & Jessica Sweeney represent the Friends at The Standard's Volunteer Expo

The "support your community" ethic is alive and well in the Portland area. On Thursday, September 8th, Richard Diffenderfer, who volunteers for the Friends, and Jessica Sweeney, the Friends' Media/PR coordinator, participated in The Standard's annual Volunteer Expo in Pioneer Courthouse Square.

Among the items Jessica toted along to display at the expo was a beaver (see above photo). This furry fellow usually resides in Tryon Creek's Nature Center. His urban appearance at the Friend's booth drew many glances and inspired spirited discussion about the nature of such animals. Was this an adult beaver, people wanted to know (yes). Do its teeth keep growing (yes, but gnawing on wood keeps them to a manageable length)?  Is it a rodent (yes)? Beavers swim faster than Michael Phelps thanks to their large webbed rear feet and their paddle-shaped tail, and have been hunted to extinction in certain areas (it's amazing the facts that come to light when people are networking!).

Along with beaver analyses, booth visitors were given information about the many volunteer opportunities that exist at Tryon Creek. Many people were interested in volunteering on their own while others represented companies and were looking for group volunteer opportunities that their entire staff could participate in.

Volunteers really are the backbone of the Friends of Tryon Creek. Their support and commitment help us provide environmental education and interpretive opportunities to the public, staff the Nature Center, lead guided hikes, maintain park trails, remove invasive species, assist with events and much, much more. The Friends were pleased to have the opportunity to reach out to the community to strengthen our volunteer base. Many thanks to The Standard for sponsoring the Volunteer Expo and allowing us to engage with the public.

Tryon Creek Daytrippers

Daytrippers hiking the Toutle River Trail, Washington

In the Fall of 1980 Barbara Orloff, then-Director of the Friends, suggested that volunteer Andi Gassman organize a hiking club. Thus, the Daytrippers hiking group was born.

The Daytrippers meet on Tuesdays and hit the proverbial trail for either a moderate hike (between 5 – 12 miles in length with negligible to 3000-feet elevation gain) or an easier “ramble” (shorter in length and less than 1000-feet elevation gain). Each year they meet in the Nature Center to plan their annual hiking schedule and, at season’s end, they enjoy a potluck with an awards ceremony for hikers’ achievements on the trail.

The Daytrippers consider Tryon Creek their home base and although they occasionally hike in the park their adventurous spirits take them beyond, to the gorge, coast, and mountains, trying to keep the roundtrip under 200 miles. They strive not to repeat hikes for at least three years. Sharon Hawley, who has been active with the Daytrippers since 1998, notes that with “the almost unparalleled hiking opportunities in this area, we are truly blessed!”

The group has a wonderful social dynamic (and still retains some of the original members). Participants look out for each other, share a common love of the trail, and deep friendships and bonds develop (a few marriages have resulted from hiking together!).

The Daytrippers welcome new hikers. Please visit this link for more information: http://home.comcast.net/~l-simmons/daytrippers.htm

 Hope to see you on the trail!

Volunteers contribute their time to Save the Forest

Big thanks to Moss Adams volunteers!

A few weeks ago the slopes of ravines finally became dry enough that we could safely pull ivy there.  Since then a Saturday work party and three other groups have worked in the upper reaches of High Creek’s branches and the lower part of the first ravine north of High Creek.  Among these groups was a contingent from the accounting firm, Moss Adams, in a work party facilitated by SOLV.

Another area only recently dry enough to work in is the boggy middle of the North Horse Loop.  With blackberry removal accomplished first, groups of teens from Self Enhancement and Aspiring Youth have been making inroads on the ivy there.  Other individuals have worked scattered patches of ivy skipped last winter due to wet conditions.

At the same time three of our most active volunteers have been cutting ivy on trees deep in the area between Old Main and Iron Mountain trails, saving the forest there until the probably distant year when the ivy around the trees is pulled from the ground.  While covering that area we’ve found several patches of wild European clematis, which we dug out.

(Submitted by FOTC Board President and Volunteer Par Excellence, Phil Hamilton)

Stephanie Wagner's contributions celebrated as she retires from the Friends of Tryon Creek

FOTC Education Coordinator Linda Koser toasts to Stephanie Wagner

On a warm evening in July people gathered at Tryon Creek’s Nature Center to raise a glass to Stephanie Wagner, an extraordinary environmental educator, and applaud her 27 years of service and achievements with the Friends of Tryon Creek.

Stephanie first became a part of the Friends in 1979, teaching nature education to children. In the years that followed Stephanie served in seemingly every position within the organization from FOTC Board President to Executive Director, a role she filled for nine years. She most recently served as Education Director and was responsible for overseeing the creation and implementation of the Friends’ education programs.

The celebration for Stephanie was billed as an “intimate fundraiser” and guests were asked to make a modest contribution on a sliding scale, starting with $10. Attendance was strong, with nearly 100 people on hand to pay tribute to Stephanie. Every dollar that was raised went directly to support the Friends’ education programs for children to honor Stephanie’s passion for inspiring a love and appreciation of nature in young people.

It was wonderful to see many familiar faces, and the positive sentiment in the air was palpable. Gratitude for Stephanie’s contributions over the years was abundant, as well as a sense of awe at the realization that Stephanie’s efforts touched literally thousands of people and impacted them for the good through her role as an outdoor educator.

The evening culminated with individuals toasting to Stephanie and sharing anecdotes that demonstrated her commitment to the Friends and to education. Words like “passion”, “dedication” and “engagement” factored prominently. Friends’ Executive Director David Cohen presented Stephanie with a gift from the staff, a framed photograph of the park, and Board President Phil Hamilton announced that that the classroom will be renamed in her honor as a gift from the board.

The Friends of Tryon Creek have been fortunate to have had Stephanie’s expertise over the past 27 years. We will continue to see her around the park, as she plans to remain on the education committee and will continue to produce programs for the Friends. We wish Stephanie all the best with her future endeavors and appreciate all she has done for the organization.

(For more information on Stephanie and FOTC please visit http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2011/06/stephanie_wagner_to_retire_fro.html)

Meet FOTC's New Summer Intern

This summer Maureen Traxler will be leading weekly Evening Guided Walks that take place every Wednesday from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at Tryon Creek. As the Interpretive Education Intern with the Friends of Tryon Creek, Maureen has become an expert on nocturnal creatures so that she can educate hike attendees about the wonders of the nighttime forest and its occupants. The Evening Guided Walks are free, fun and family-oriented, so be sure to attend one and learn more about Tryon Creek if you have the chance.

Maureen is one of two interns who are working with the Friends this summer. Raised in Alabama, Maureen chose to make the Pacific Northwest her home and enrolled at Lewis & Clark College in 2007. Now a recent graduate with her BA in Biology, Maureen began volunteering at the park last fall after learning about our Volunteer Field Trip Training Program.

Although Maureen spent time helping out at Tryon Creek while in school, her activities were limited to assisting with ivy pulls and maintenance.  The Field Trip Training Program provided something new. Maureen enjoyed the opportunity to interact with park visitors of different ages and backgrounds and learn more about Tryon Creek’s plants, animals, history and ethnobotany. 

After graduating this spring, Maureen chose to expand her role at Tryon Creek by becoming the Interpretive Education Intern. In addition to leading Wednesday’s walks, Maureen assists with Kids in Nature classes on Thursday mornings and provides extended care for Friends of Tryon Creek’s summer day campers.

Regarding Maureen’s post-internship plans, as a “product of public education (she is) interested in making science and biology interesting for others” and hopes to become a formal or informal educator (engaging in academic research is also a possibility). The Friends are pleased to have Maureen on board with us this summer.

Update on Volunteer Efforts at Tryon Creek

As the ground in the Park starts to dry this summer the emphasis of our invasive species control efforts is shifting.

Most notably we have already cut the ivy growing on trees on nearly ten acres in the last few weeks, with a target of covering 50 more acres by the end of summer.  The recent work was accomplished on ridges and in ravines running from the bicycle path toward Tryon Creek, north of the houses that adjoin the Park west of Terwilliger.  The trees in that area were originally "saved" about eight years ago.  Since ivy, once cut, regrows about ten feet a year, it was time to save those trees gain.  Our small cadre of weekday and Sunday volunteers will continue working in the area between Iron Mtn. and Old Main trails for some weeks to come.

While cutting ivy on trees we found and hopefully eradicated two patches of mature clematis.  Although we've cleared most mature clematis patches in the Park, it's inevitable that we will find a few when we return to areas that we've ignored for eight years.  Since clematis may grow over fifty feet in a single year it can take over a site rather quickly in that time.

As the boggy area in the middle of the N Horse Loop has also begun drying, I've resumed digging up Himalayan blackberries there.  That project was halted early last winter when the site got too soggy.  Blackberry removal there is a preamble to ivy pulling, so that work will follow.  

One person has been helping me with with ground ivy maintenance (second pass) inside the N Horse Loop, while a few groups did initial pulling in the same general area, near the middle of the loop.  As the ground dries further most group work will shift to ravines until fall rains drive us off them.              

(Submitted by Guest Blogger Phil Hamilton)

Update on Invasive Species Removal at Tryon Creek

Thanks to volunteers from Waggenner-Edstrom for their efforts at Tryon Creek

Volunteer invasive species control efforts in the first half of June were varied.  As always, English ivy received the most attention, with three groups removing sections in the middle of the N Horse Loop.  Adding a group from Northwest Bank to our usual second Saturday turnout brought the number of participants that day to 30.  And on another day a dedicated group of ivy pullers from public relations company Waggener-Edstrom enthusiastically cleared a difficult site.

Some veteran volunteers, abetted by a ranger with a chain saw, began the season's cutting of holly and sweet cherry.  The holly, in particular, was removed only in places where ivy removal had happened first.  

A third part of our collective energy was spent removing garlic mustard, a non-native weed toxic to soil, which inhibits sprouting by other plants.  We'd like to think we've tackled all the patches in the Park, but I found a previously-unknown one on June 17, so we know better.

A company group and an individual each adopted a plot for ivy removal this month, and another individual expects to do so soon.  Our number of adopted plots is growing. 

We're on the verge of starting our summer project of cutting the ivy climbing trees, to save them, on the 70% of the Park where we haven't largely cleared the ivy from the ground.  Since we try to do that every 8 or 10 years (Ivy climbs trees at least ten feet every year), that means we want to cover about 60 acres each year, a major challenge.

(Submitted by Guest Blogger Phil Hamilton)

Junior Ranger training at Tryon Creek

On weekends from June through August, OPRD offers the wonderful Junior Ranger program to get kids out and about in the Great Outdoors while engaging them in activities and teaching them about the landscape and its flora and fauna, all in a fun hands-on way. The program is free and open to children ages 6 - 12 years old.

The 2011 Junior Ranger program at Tryon Creek kicked off the first weekend in June. Children excitedly signed up, got their official Junior Ranger passport and prepared to hit the trail with Park Ranger Patricia - but not before a quick visit to the back deck of Tryon Creek's Nature Center.

Relaxing Rabbit just in back of the Nature Center

This adorable critter was seen resting on a log. When it was first spotted, its front and hind legs were splayed out like a bearskin rug! We also saw an American robin nesting on her eggs under the eaves of the Nature Center.

Ranger Patricia took the troops out scouting for invasive weeds.

Removing Creeping Buttercup

Although there are native varieties of buttercups that pose no threat to park flora and fauna, the Creeping Buttercup is in an altogether different camp. It spreads quickly, crowding out and eliminating native plants. The newly appointed Junior Rangers took their roles very seriously and set to work eradicating these invasive weeds.

Next up: English Ivy.

Ranger Patricia pointed out trees choked by English Ivy. If the ivy is allowed to spread, it will eventually overtake the canopy of the tree, thereby preventing photosynthesis, and cause the tree to die. This is the tree she asked the Junior Rangers to help her clear of ivy.

Ranger Patricia explained that as long as the base of the tree is cleared of ivy (including the ivy's roots), the ivy remaining above the cleared portion will die. This is a comforting thought, as the idea of having to scale the entire trunk to remove the vine is daunting indeed (especially when kiddos are doing the dirty work!).

Ten - fifteen minutes later Ranger Patricia and her triumphant helpers revealed a healthy trunk, bare of ivy at the base. The tree is saved! Thanks Junior Rangers!

Junior Rangers show off the vines they removed from the tree

2011 Tall Tale Writing Contest Awards Ceremony "Why Woodpecker Make Holes"

Yesterday, May 15th, the Friends of Tryon Creek hosted our annual Tall Tale Writing Contest Award Ceremony followed by the fun "Celebration of Woodpeckers" family event. The writing contest has been taking place for the past 16 years and honors the memory of Daryle Seil, a dedicated member of the Friends who provided our organization with much inspiration and support.

It was a rainy spring day in the park and children from around the Portland Metro area gathered in the Nature Center to read their imaginative essays on this year's  writing theme, "Why Woodpecker Must Make Holes".

Over 400 students, ages 1st - 6th grade, participated in the contest. Out of these, nineteen winners were selected. Categories included Honorable Mention, Second Place and First Place for every grade level. The winning essays were based on creativity, scientific knowledge, observations, personal research, and narrative ability (misspellings and grammar counted!). 

The confidence, poise and pride displayed by the students as they read their stories was striking. It was clear that each and every budding writer had taken a great deal of time crafting his or her essay, a skill that will serve them for years to come. The large turnout of teachers, family and community members who came to support their students in this endeavor was also very impressive.

The goal of the Tall Tale Writing Contest is to provide a fun, engaging opportunity for young people to tap into their creativity and language skills while thinking about the natural world and their relationship to it. The joy and pride of this year's winners was wonderful to see.

Thanks to all who participated, and congratulations to the nineteen winners of the 2011 Tall Tale Writing Contest:

1st Grade - Millie Polzin, Capitol Hill, 1st Place
                   Katisyn Sweeney, Capitol Hill, 2nd Place
                   Zoe Olivia Elliot, North Plains, Honorable Mention

2nd Grade - Makenna Kellogg, Riverside, 1st Place
                    Alexis Nguyen, Mount Scott, 2nd Place
                    Wyatt Murphy, Maplewood, Honorable Mention
                    Bridget Brown, Maplewood, Honorable Mention

3rd Grade - Cristal Alfaro, McKinney, 1st Place
                   Mary Sherden, West Union, 2nd Place
                   Annie Deforge, West Union, Honorable Mention

4th Grade - Raven Wilson, Maplewood, 1st Place
                   Carmen Quintos, Riverdale, 2nd Place
                   Janey-Mae DeLaPena, Fairview, Honorable Mention

5th Grade - Jaran White, Durham, 1st Place
                   Tiffany Ong, Earl Boyles, 2nd Place
                   Katsumi Lew, Happy Valley, Honorable Mention

6th Grade - Jenna Jordahl, Forest Hills, 1st Place
                   Hilario Avalos Damian, W.L.Henry, 2nd Place
                   Johanna Selover-Stephan, Forest Hills, Honorable Mention

The 31st Annual Trillium Festival is just around the corner!

The Trillium Festival's namesake

Things have been abuzz here in the Nature Center at Tryon Creek. FOTC employees are performing a spring ritual that requires energy and planning reminiscent of squirrels gathering nuts for the winter: It is time for the annual Trillium Festival!

This year's festival takes place the first weekend in April, the 2nd and 3rd. It is the first time I have had a hand in helping to organize it and I am enjoying the process immensely. One of the key ingredients is the native and hardy plant sale, a regional favorite that is one of the year's earliest native plant sales. I am learning about plants with such evocative names as chocolate lilies, iris tenax, erythronium and lewisia (named after Meriwether Lewis), and as the forest here in Tryon Creek State Natural Area rouses from its winter slumber, with grateful green things growing everywhere, I am reminded once again to be thankful for the bounty of nature here in the Pacific Northwest.

In addition to the native and hardy plant sale the Trillium Festival will enliven the forest with music performed outside by a number of talented musicians. There will be food and beverages to keep visitors alert and satisfied as they stroll along the park's wooded paths, enjoying such sights as an installation of garden art that includes sculptures, wind chimes and mosaics, for their viewing (and purchasing) pleasure.

Those wanting to get out and explore the flora and fauna of Tryon Creek are invited to participate in free guided nature hikes led by special guests from REI and Friends' volunteers. There will be story times, face painting and craft activities for children as well.

The forest isn't the only place that will be springing to life during the festival. The Trillium Market in the Nature Center will feature wonderful edibles, beautiful locally made arts and crafts, and Annie Bloom's books available for purchase; the Tryon Creek Photo Club will display photographs of the park;and local environmental groups will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on the important work they do to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship. This includes OPRD, a vital partner to the Friends who help make the Trillium Festival possible.

A raffle featuring outdoor gear from Columbia Sportswear, Patagonia and REI, as well as vacation packages and other wonderful things, goes to support the nonprofit Friends' educational and restoration projects.

We hope to see you at this free, fun, family-friendly event on April 2nd - 3rd, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. both days. Please take advantage of the free shuttle service from Lewis & Clark College and Riverdale High School.

Gettin' our boots muddy

Muddy Boots' ventures into the wintry woods

This morning Muddy Boots Family Nature Club paid a visit to Tryon Creek. About fifty people participated in the morning's activities...

Matthew Collins reads Diary of a Worm to families

First stop: Story time! Muddy Boots' members listened to Diary of a Worm, a truly wonderful (and hilarious) children's book about the trials and tribulations of life as an earthworm. (Side note: A play about the book, Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly, is playing at the Oregon Children's Theater through February 20th. It is a delightful production and fun for the whole family.)



The lowly earthworm - an essential park resident

After the story hikers bundled up and hit the trail. It was chilly but no one complained. Children and adults alike got up close and personal with one of the park's most important residents: The earthworm. Hiking guides explained how they breathe (through their skin!), whether or not they grow back their missing half if they get separated (they do, as long as the part includes their hearts and brain), how they prefer to while away the winter hours (curled up inside mounds they create out of dirt), and many more fascinating facts.

OPB gets some candid shots for a fall episode of Oregon Field Guide featuring Muddy Boots at Tryon Creek

After digging in the dirt and investigating the park's flora and fauna hikers returned to the Nature Center for some hot cider - a perfectly delicious way to warm up and reflect on the wonderful experience of adventuring in the forest.

Warm thanks to Muddy Boots' Jess Hoylman and Angela Fojtik. Their shared inspiration to create a family nature club is a wonderful thing.  The Friends of Tryon Creek enjoyed partnering with them for today's activities.

Muddy Boots at Tryon Creek

I recently had the good fortune of meeting Angela Fojtik and Jess Hoylman, the dynamic duo behind Portland's family nature club, Muddy Boots. Next month the Friends of Tryon Creek are hosting Muddy Boots on a guided hike through the park. Hikers of all ages will participate (must be the hike's "Winter Worms" theme!) and get their hands - and boots! - dirty.

Muddy Boots is the brainchild of Jess Hoylman. She was assigned the task of crafting a Community Action Project of her own design while completing her AmeriCorps term at the Northwest Service Academy (NWSA), an environmentally focused AmeriCorps program operating in Oregon and Washington. The end result was Muddy Boots, a nature club she was inspired to organize after hearing Richard Louv, author of "Last Child in the Woods", speak at the Nature Play Summit in Vancouver, Washington in June 2010.

Richard Louv has had an immeasurable impact on the way society views children and their relationship to the outdoors. After publishing his book, Louv partnered with other like-minded individuals who shared his passion for promoting the importance of getting kids out in nature and combating what Louv termed, "Nature Deficit Disorder". Together, Louv's group formed the Children and Nature Network (C&NN). Their objective is to get children outside and engaged with the natural world.

After hearing Richard Louv speak, Jess was moved to take action. Her Community Action Plan needed to serve the community - what better way than to provide a vehicle for getting families out and about in Portland-area parks! C&NN provided a model for a family nature club. Jess expanded it and used her background and expertise to build more structure into the program. Angela Fojtik, who Jess met while attending NWSA, shared Jess' vision and together they made Muddy Boots into an accessible hiking club.

Muddy Boots' first official hike in November 2010 was a great success. A dozen families from around the Portland area got together, hit the trail and spent time getting to know each other and the landscape. Jess and Angela have chosen Tryon Creek as the site of Muddy Boots' second hike. The Friends are looking forward to guiding them - and providing them with an opportunity to get up close and personal with one of the park's most important residents: The lowly earthworm.

For more information about Muddy Boot follow this link: http://www.muddybootspdx.org/. To learn more about the Children & Nature Network follow this link: http://www.childrenandnature.org/news/center/