Volunteers celebrate Earth Day 2013 by caring for Tryon Creek with stewardship activities in the park

 

The Friends of Tryon Creek welcomed volunteers from Lewis & Clark College, Intel, First United Methodist Church, and SOLV, to help care for the park by removing invasive species at the April 20th annual Elinor Levin Garlic Mustard Day & Earth Day Celebration.

 

Friends' member Stephanie Wagner teaches Intel employees about garlic mustard

 These power-house volunteers pulled enough garlic mustard to fill three big bags, and fifteen cubic yards of ivy!

The ecological health of Tryon Creek State Natural Area depends upon volunteer work parties that tend to the park and its trails: without these stewardship efforts Tryon Creek would be overrun by non-native species that outcompete native plants and threaten the whole ecosystem of the park.  The Friends thank Lewis & Clark, Intel, First United Methodist Church, and SOLV for lending a hand and helping to care for Oregon's only urban state park.

Photo credit: Mike Beard

The Friends' 2013 Trillium Festival Gala: "A great time was had by all"



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.

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.



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.


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.


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.

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.

NWRESD recognizes the Friends of Tryon Creek

NWRESD presents Partners in Education Award to the Friends

In June of 2012, students from the Cascade Academy in Beaverton spent time at Tryon Creek doing stewardship activities in the park as part of a pilot program with instruction in Ethnobotany and Forest Ecology.

 

Cascade Academy Students hit the trail

The pilot program was conceived of by Friends' Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator Sarah Kreisman, Friends' Board Member and Service Learning Outreach Volunteer Carl Axelsen, and Friends' Educational Outreach Volunteer Roland Begin. These three individuals harnessed their energy, talent, and time in a unified effort to serve their community while caring for the natural world.

Trees waiting to be planted

 

Sarah, Carl, and Roland coordinated with Cascade Academy to create a program that would empower their students to experience the rewards that come from spending time in nature while simultaneously engaging in stewardship activities to enhance the park. These activities included removing invasive species like ivy and tree planting.

 

Protecting a little tree

Cascade Academy is dedicated to serving students with serious conduct, behavioral, and emotional needs. Students rely on the creativity, skills, and stability of Cascade Academy staff to provide a learning environment that supports, inspires, and sustains them. The Friends' pilot program provided Cascade Academy students with an opportunity to connect with nature in a hands-on fashion, and the benefits that the students experienced while participating in the program were noticeable among staff and students alike.  

 

Cascade Academy student connects with park fauna

 

For their efforts in crafting the stewardship program for Cascade Academy, Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD) recognized Sarah Kreisman, Carl Axelsen, and Roland Begin as their March 2013 Partners in Education. NWRESD teacher Susan Harrell observed that the Friends' efforts will have a life-long impact on Cascade Academy students: "Without the partnership with the Friends of Tryon Creek, students would not have had this opportunity for personal growth and relevance to learning and their environment."

 

The Friends are honored to have been recognized by Northwest Regional Education Service District and are pleased to have been able to make a difference in the lives of Cascade Academy students.



"Gathering of Friends" annual event

On Saturday, March 9, 2013, the Friends' community came together to honor outstanding volunteers and reflect on the accomplishments of the past year at the "Gathering of Friends" annual event.

Friends' Executive Director David Cohen presents Phil Hamilton with the Highest Number of Hours Award

Volunteers are the backbone of the Friends and the number of hours volunteers dedicate to the park and the organization is truly inspiring. Consider, for example, Phil Hamilton (shown above): he received his award for Highest Number of Hours after putting in a whopping 19,356! 

Bob Snyder receives the Individual Volunteer of the Year Award from Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Kreisman and David Cohen

Bob Snyder serves on the Friends' Board and Volunteer Committee; acts as a Nature Guide and Nature Center host; and supports auctions and raffles by donating handcrafted wood objects and art.

Dave & Dixie Johnston are presented with Trail Hosts Volunteer of the Year Award

Committed, long-serving volunteers Dave and Dixie Johnston are well known for being dedicated, detail-oriented, and positive. 

Sarah Bidwell receives Interpretive Volunteer of the Year Award from Park Manager John Mullen

Sarah Bidwell leads engaging guided hikes and assists with Oregon Parks and Recreation Department's interpretive programs at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. 



David Cohen presents Nature Center Host Volunteer of the Year Award to Shannon Zimmer

Shannon Zimmer, Nature Center Host Extraordinaire, is always helpful with a smile on her face. Shannon provides great customer service to Nature Center visitors and is a pleasure to work with.

 

Education Coordinator Linda Koser presents Education Volunteer of the Year Award to Jan Johanns

Jan Johanns works lots of hours, has lots of wonderful ideas that support and energize the Friends' Education Program, and is always ready to help .

Nature Day Camp Director Casey Newman presents Assistant Counselor of the Year Award to Doug Sam

Doug Sam is an enthusiastic young volunteer who puts in a lot of time with the Friends' nature day camp program and is always ready to lend a hand without waiting to be asked. His good humor is always appreciated.

Terry Gibson received the Stewardship Volunteer of the Year Award

Terry Gibson co-created the training program for Educational Stewardship Guides. Terry implemented the training, led guided hikes, and volunteered many hours doing hands-on stewardship work.

David Cohen and Sarah Kreisman present Rising Star Award to Diane Quivey

Diane Quivey volunteered with the owl monitoring project, maintains the trail she adopted, helps with special events, and solicited a Century Link grant for working 40 hours.

David Cohen presents Partner Award to Happy Cup Coffee

Happy Cup Coffee, a great partner to the Friends, helps keep volunteers' energy level up at park events.

David Cohen presents Partner Award to National Charity League of Lake Oswego

National Charity League of Lake Oswego regularly provides volunteers that participate in park ivy pulls and special events.

David Cohen presents Partner Award to Lewis & Clark College

Lewis & Clark College supported the Friends by donating facilities' use and bringing volunteers to help out with stewardship activities in the park.

We thank all the great volunteers that helped the Friends' environmental education and stewardship programs thrive. In 2012, 1,465 people gave over 8,000 to the park and to the organization. Their focus, dedication, and contagious love for the natural world is the bedrock that supports the Friends' mission "to connect people to Tryon Creek, share our passion for the wonders of nature and inspire environmental stewardship in all." Thanks, volunteers!

The Friends' First Annual Trillium Festival Gala

Spring trillium graces Tryon Creek State Natural Area

On March 29th the Friends of Tryon Creek will welcome their supporters to the Trillium Festival Gala, an evening fundraiser to benefit the Friends' environmental education and stewardship programs. The gala will take place at Lewis & Clark College and features a great lineup that is sure to engage and inspire.

Brian Doyle, award-winning author and Portland Magazine publisher

The gala kicks off with a talk by special guest Brian Doyle, celebrated author of Mink River, the essay collection Grace Notes, and many other wonderful books. When asked what the title of his talk would be, Mr. Doyle's reply was...

"...notes on wonder and amazement and astonishment and the slather of mud and owls and how kids are the agents of the world to come; with sidelong commentary on how if we are not drafting kids into armies of wonder we are totally punting our responsibilities here, brothers and sisters."

Portland, Oregon Philanthropist John Gray

The Friends will also be presenting the first annual John Gray Award for Environmental Education to an outstanding individual or organization in recognition of their commitment and contribution to environmental advocacy. John Gray was a great supporter of the Friends and, as the Oregonian reported in Mr. Gray's November 2012 obit, much of his "philanthropy was devoted to environmental education programs that aimed to bring young people to the region's forests..." The Friends are honored to present the award in recognition of Mr. Gray's legacy.

The gala will also feature a silent auction with items that include vacation packages; original artwork; merchandise from Columbia Sportswear, Keen, Patagonia, and REI; gift certificates, and more.

To purchase tickets please visit www.tryonfriends.org.

Tryon Creek Heats up with Chili Fest 2013!

Roger Ackerson, Chili Master 2013! 

If you found yourself needing a little warm up Saturday, January 26^th, then you should have been at Tryon Creek State Natural Area enjoying the hottest cold day of the year. The annual Chili Fest was not just filled with warm bodies and hot chili. The music of Jonathan Brinkley provided a fun backdrop to conversations between new and seasoned "Friends", members, and visitors of Tryon Creek, our great community treasure.  The palates ranged from Sweet ‘n Spicy to Bourbon to Classic, with folks sharing recipes and hints amid "oooohs" and "ahs".

Phil Almgren, 2nd Place Chili Chef

As the tasting heated up so did the banter of the Guest Chili Chefs, culminating in many satisfied patrons and the new Chili Master of the year. Third place went to Dana Lamont for his tangy and meaty “Southwest Smokey Chipotle” chili. Second place went to Phil Almgren, a repeat winner from last year, whose “Burnside Bourbon Buffalo Bacon” chili featured a new twist that warmed the belly and cheeks with magic ingredients. Roger Ackerson’s “Three Little Pigs” black bean chili took first place for taste and texture, and the presentation was marvelous too. The rich chili base was enhanced by simply spiced corn, and other fixin’s for a perrrrrrrrrfect follow-up to a crisp hike around the park.

Dana Lamont, Runner Up Chili Chef

Jonathan Brinkley, musician extraordinaire

Cornbread heaven!

As if the fantastic chili choices weren't enough, there was a tasty variety of cornbread, desserts, and beverages too.

Yummy cookies, one of many delicious desserts

Friends' Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Kreisman and Executive Director David Cohen present Chili Master Roger Ackerson with his prize of a handmade wooden cutting board
 

"A good time was had by all"

If you haven't planned your January 2014 yet, keep this day open like we do and bring your Family Recipe or discerning tastebuds to next year's event.

Submitted by Guest blogger/photographer Rachel T.

The Crawdads are Coming!

Clash of the Crawdads

Every year the Friends of Tryon Creek holds its annual Daryle Seil Tall Tale Contest, and this year the contest theme is "Why Crayfish Swims Backward". First established in 1995, the contest encourages young people from kindergarten through sixth grade to use their writing ability, creativity, observations, personal research and imagination to craft a tale (think Aesop's fable).

This year's Tall Tale Contest Award Ceremony will be held in Tryon Creek State Natural Area in April. Contest participants and their families will enjoy an evening of crawdad activities (crawdad relay race, anyone?!) and listen to readings by winners.

Crawdads will make a live appearance at the Tall Tale Contest Award Ceremony, and to make sure these special guests are at the top of their game and prepared for their turn in the spotlight, the Friends have been treating them with care, keeping them safe, and trying to keep their squabbles to a minimum.


I love you, no I hate you! I love you, no I hate you!

This is proving to be easier said than done, as the little critters have a natural tendency to "confront" each other with great vigor. Their fighting is also a courtship behavior, so between their expressions of affection and competition, the Friends have their work of protecting the crawdads cut out for them.

Last year over 400 children from around the Portland metro area participated in the Tall Tale Contest. The Friends are once again accepting submissions from students from kindergarten through sixth grade through Friday, March 15th. Please visit the Tall Tale Contest webpage to learn more.