The Wetlands Conservancy

Well ... we have a lot to say about this past week's Wonder of Wetlands event, but the first and biggest thing is this: THANK YOU. The Wetlands Conservancy is so pleased to report that we were able to raise more than $40,000 to support the protection and stewardship of wetlands in Oregon. Those of you who were in attendance will be familiar with this new video piece, but we wanted to share it far and wide with all of those who weren't with us as well. This is who we are. This is why we do what we do. If you couldn't make it, you can still support us by making a donation at https://lnkd.in/esHvFnDz

Signs of the season. Captured during a recent amphibian survey. PC: Bruce Block #wetland #springtime #oregon #conservation #amphibians #naturelover

It all started here. Our founder Althea Pratt believed this place, her home wetland, was worth protecting. While the landscape was changing quickly and permanently around her, she organized. Her leadership won protection for nearly 60 acres – the first preserve managed by a land trust founded to defend all Oregon’s wetlands from similar threats. That's how TWC was founded more than 50 years ago. And for the sake of all the wetlands that quietly and persistently deliver invaluable benefits for Oregonians and thousands of creatures, we're so glad it was. Pictured: Hedges Wetland in Tualatin, TWC's founding wetland

How do you HUG a wetland? Well, we'll show ya next Saturday. Join TWC and our partners at the City of Tualatin and Tualatin Riverkeepers as we get tough on trash throughout Hedges Creek. We’ll walk trails from Tualatin Community Park, along the Tualatin River and towards the surrounding watershed region, looking for litter and talking about wetland function. Extra brave volunteers have the option to borrow a pair of waders and venture into the mud, retrieving trash from under the bridge and beyond. This event is free and family friendly. Tools, gloves, trash bags, guidance and snacks are all provided. 9am-12pm. RSVP at our website. PC: Shea Fuller #tualatin #tualatinoregon #oregon #volunteer #pdxevents #portlandoregon

40% of all species in the world live or breed in wetlands. When salmon are young and heading out to live in the ocean, they need a safe place to adjust from freshwater to saltwater. Estuaries provide that space. When birds migrate from the tundra to tropical forests along the Pacific Flyway, they need all types of wetlands for food, shelter, and much needed rest. What happens to wetlands here in Oregon - for better or for worse - can have impacts globally. PC: Steven Mortinson #wetlands #conservation #oregon #nature #animals

The kids are alright. All photos captured on a recent amphibian survey. The Wetlands Conservancy is one of many partnered organizations tracking amphibian presence in the Pacific Northwest. Amphibians are highly sensitive indicator species whose ability to thrive depends on clean water and abundant food sources. If they’re there, chances are the water is clean enough for their survival and therefore others too, including humans. PC: Mackenzie Dunn #wetlands #amphibian #amphibians #science #oregon #scienceiscool #pnw #pacificnorthwest

"Greater even than the greatest discovery is to keep open the way to future discovery." - John Jacob Abel PC: Steven Mortinson #nature #discovery #oregon #exploregon #communityscience #science

“All walking is discovery. On foot we take the time to see things whole.”- Hal Borland During amphibian surveys, we're always walking to discover the egg masses that tell us our wetlands are on the right track. Check out one we spotted while on a recent survey at Pascuzzi Ponds. Also discovered on this trek? Osoberry blooms, Oregon grape buds, ducks, geese, red tailed hawks, red winged blackbirds, great blue herons, great egrets, footprints, dead bullfrogs, and all kinds of scat. PC: Shea Fuller & Shane Habel #oregon #wetlands #communityscience #nature #pnw #pacificnorthwest

Turbulence is always unnerving. Yet the unrest we are living through today is unprecedented. This moment calls us to double down on our core values - those that have set us apart and kept us weathering nearly five decades of massive change. Today, our focus remains on engagement with our communities, local partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to equity, all in pursuit of protecting and stewarding Oregon’s vital wetlands. Decisions made nationally will undeniably impact our work, our neighbors, and the landscapes we know as home. But holding the line means being an active embodiment of all the values that characterize the Oregon we love. We will continue to stand for: Science: Science should be at the heart of all decision-making - especially in our world. Partnerships: It is only through collaboration with tribes, other organizations, and businesses we are able to truly move the needle for the environment. Thriving Communities: TWC’s mission embraces values and practices that aim to represent all people and treat them with respect. TWC strives to bring communities together to find common goals in protecting wetlands. TWC recognizes that conservation must support healthy communities and that resilient ecosystems are only possible when they include people of all identities. PC: Steven Mortinson #equity #partnerships #conservation #wetlands #oregon #exploregon #pnw #northwest #pacificnorthwest #science #scienceiscool #community #communities #empoweringcommunities #corevalues

Join us in saying "Thanks!" to Michele Lytle in our latest volunteer spotlight. As you’ll discover by reading a bit of her story below, she has been a bird watcher, animal lover, and wetlands advocate during every stage of her life. “As a kid in the 60s, my family had allergies to fur, so we had lizards and snakes as pets. My favorite story was when one escaped during my fourth grade birthday party scaring my guests. In junior high, my science teacher organized us to help save the Hayward, California San Francisco Bay shoreline and salt flats which were at risk of being turned into a race track. We succeeded, and now it’s part of the East Bay trail system. In high school, I had a tank of frilled newts and a few feral cats. As a young adult in Portland, garter snakes started hatching out of the brick wall where I worked and people ran screaming while I got a bag and relocated them outside. I am mostly retired and now have time to volunteer with The Wetlands Conservancy, whether it’s donning hip-waders for a survey or pulling invasive ivy. Wetlands are a magical place filled with life and I love to just stand quietly, letting the breeze, frog chirps and bird calls surround me. I am lucky to live in a place where people care about the environment and volunteer opportunities abound. Volunteering is food for my soul.” - Michele #oregon #volunteering #dogood #volunteermore #conservation