On March 29th, 2013, the Friends of Tryon Creek and their supporters came together for the first-ever Trillium Festival Gala. Held at Lewis & Clark College, the Gala showcased the importance of environmental engagement with communities. Event goers enjoyed the company of other individuals who share a commitment to environmental preservation and recognize the importance of maintaining a close connection to the natural world throughout one's life.
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| Oregon Parks & Recreation Director Tim Wood |
For more than forty years the Friends, who were the first Friends group in the Oregon State Parks System, have worked hand-in-hand with OPRD to provide opportunities for the public to connect with Tryon Creek. Tim Wood, the Director for OPRD, discussed the value that State Parks bring to Oregonians and acknowledged the people and Friends' groups who support them.
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| Outdoor School Education Director Dan Prince, 2013 John Gray Award for Excellence in Environmental Education recipient Margaret Eng, and Friends' Executive Director David Cohen |
Another Gala highlight was the presentation of the 2013 John Gray Award for Excellence in Environmental Education to Margaret Eng. Eng was an early proponent of the Outdoor School concept and helped nurture the organization during its first few decades. She was the creative force behind its development and integrated new ways of approaching environmental education so as to make it more meaningful to students.
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| Sam Gray introduces the John Gray Award for Excellence in Environmental Education |
The John Gray Award for Excellence in Environmental Education was so named because of the late philanthrophist John Gray's commitment to environmental education programs that bring young people to the forests of the Pacific Northwest. Gray was a great supporter of the Friends and has been instrumental in expanding the organization's ability to connect children from around the region to Tryon Creek State Natural Area. His grandson, Sam Gray, introduced the Award, and reflected on his grandfather's legacy, dedication to the environment, and the many happy memories the two of them shared backpacking in the wilderness.
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| Guest speaker and celebrated local author Brian Doyle |
Brian Doyle, award-winning author, essayist, and editor of the University of Portland's
PortlandMagazine, gave a rousing talk about how critical it is to engage people, starting from a very young age, with the natural world. He shared stories of his own children's expeditions and adventures in Tryon Creek State Natural Area, and how fostering that connection created a close bond with the park and natural systems. Doyle's talk was a call-to-arms of sorts, to remind everyone that nature plays a critical role in the health of our bodies and minds: by cultivating experiences with the natural world we nurture our very spirits. Doyle expressed great appreciation for the Friends' environmental education programs and the wonderful opportunities they provide children with to connect with nature.
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| Toni and Gary Pagenstecher, Friends' Board President, with Fred Harwin and Sharon Hawley |
The Trillium Festival Gala proved to be an exceptional evening of conversation, stories, and laughter (accompanied by music, fine wine, and delicious cuisine). There were nostalgic reminders of past experiences in the forest and promises of adventures to come. The Friends of Tryon Creek are grateful to the many supporters who attended the event for their enthusiasm, sponsorship, and dedication to ensuring that Tryon Creek State Natural Area will continue to be a source for excellent opportunities to connect to nature for this and future generations.
