Friends of the Columbia Gorge

Protecting the Gorge Since 1980 Summer 2018 Newsletter

The Western Gateways to the Columbia Gorge

Columbia Gorge. Gorge. Columbia

Photo: Debbie Asakawa Debbie Photo: 2

Cover: Steigerwald National Wildlife Refuge is Washington’s western gateway to the the to gateway western Washington’s is Refuge Wildlife National Steigerwald Cover:

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Hiking E-news: E-news: Hiking Receive updates on Friends’ guided outings, stewardship stewardship outings, guided Friends’ on updates Receive Editor: Betsy Toll / Lumin Creative Services Creative Lumin / Toll Betsy Editor:

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how to take action. take to how Newsletter Design: Kathy Fors and and Fors Kathy Design: Newsletter

Publications:

Action Alerts: Action Stay updated on conservation threats to the Gorge and and Gorge the to threats conservation on updated Stay

Published May 2018 May Published

Stay Connected with Friends with Connected Stay

*Gorge Area Residents Area *Gorge

Wright Sandy Development Director Development

Woods* Sara Land Stewardship Coordinator Stewardship Land

. at at Unangst Paige Finance Director Finance Land Trust maintains more than 1,400 acres acres 1,400 than more maintains Trust Land #GetOutdoorsOR

Tkach* Renee Gorge Towns to Trails Manager Trails to Towns Gorge

Share your photos, videos, and more more and videos, photos, your Share The Friends of the Columbia Gorge Gorge Columbia the of Friends The

Smith Ali Trail Ambassador Coordinator Ambassador Trail

free that day. that free

our forests, rivers, and farms. and rivers, forests, our

Rittenhouse Ryan Conservation Organizer Conservation

Nylen Ingrid Events Assistant Events Entry into all Washington State Parks is is Parks State Washington all into Entry highlight the work of land trusts to protect protect to trusts land of work the highlight

McCoy Steve Staff Attorney Staff

program, visit program, . . connect the public to the great outdoors and and outdoors great the to public the connect nationalgetoutdoorsday.org

McBride* Kate Accreditation Manager Accreditation

To find out more about the national national the about more out find To hosting events on Saturday, June 9, to to 9, June Saturday, on events hosting

Martin Libby Development Assistant Development

Lindberg Kate Outdoor Programs Coordinator Programs Outdoor . Washington, dozens of land trusts are are trusts land of dozens Washington, at efforts gorgefriends.org/landtrust

Lang Michael Conservation Director Conservation

all across the country. In Oregon and and Oregon In country. the across all property is important to our conservation conservation our to important is property

Jossy Maegan Outreach Manager Outreach

to encourage healthy, active, outdoor fun fun outdoor active, healthy, encourage to spaces this summer, and learn why each each why learn and summer, this spaces

Harbour Kate Membership Coordinator Membership

Hall Stan Digital Content Specialist Content Digital

is intended intended is Enjoy the beauty of these land trust trust land these of beauty the Enjoy National Get Outdoors Day Outdoors Get National

Gorman Kevin Executive Director Executive

. at

this spring. this Day gorgefriends.org/hikes

Edwards Burt Communications Director Communications

those trails and many more on our website website our on more many and trails those

in the 11 the in annual National Get Outdoors Outdoors Get National

Davee Pam Development Officer Development

th

F Cornelison* Peter Field Representative Field enjoyment. You can find directions to to directions find can You enjoyment. is encouraging Gorge lovers to take part part take to lovers Gorge encouraging is

Broeckel Kyle Database Maintenance Associate Maintenance Database

that are open to the public for hikes and and hikes for public the to open are that across Oregon and Washington, Washington, and Oregon across

Bell Dan Land Trust Director Trust Land

Lyle Cherry Orchard and Mosier Plateau, Plateau, Mosier and Orchard Cherry Lyle in partnership with land trusts trusts land with partnership in

Barrett Mika Stewardship Volunteer Coordinator Volunteer Stewardship

Baker Nathan Senior Staff Attorney Staff Senior in the Gorge, including two properties, properties, two including Gorge, the in riends of the Columbia Gorge, Gorge, Columbia the of riends

Staff

on June 9 9 June on Celebrate Get Outdoors Day Outdoors Get

Baugher John Land Trust Advisor Trust Land

Rick Ray* Rick

Buck Parker* Buck

Barbara Nelson Barbara

Dustin Klinger Dustin

Pat Campbell Pat

Michalek* David Secretary/Treasurer

Nelson* John President

Board of Trustees – Land Trust Land – Trustees of Board

Mizutani Patty Meredith Savery Meredith

Michalek* David Vince Ready* Vince

Lentz Temple Mia Prickett Mia

Hickey* Wes Lisa Berkson Platt Berkson Lisa

Harrison John Buck Parker* Buck

Farnham Gwen Carrie Nobles Carrie

Delwiche Greg John Nelson* John

Campbell Pat Annie Munch Munch Annie

Skedsvold Kari Secretary/Treasurer

Asakawa Debbie Vice Chair Vice

Carr Geoff Chair

Photo: Debbie Asakawa Debbie Photo:

Board of Directors of Board

at Lyle Cherry Orchard. Cherry Lyle at

Hiking down from Lyle Point Point Lyle from down Hiking Founder Nancy Russell, 1932-2008 Russell, Nancy Founder Friends of the Columbia Gorge Columbia the of Friends Director’s Letter

early twenty years ago, when decades for their opportunity to flourish. I stage of our Preserve the Wonder campaign I was just starting as the found that impossible to believe until I did (see pages 8-9), I am reminded of the executive director of Friends some research and learned that silver firs silver fir’s patience eventually paying off, ofN the Columbia Gorge, I had the more than a century old and barely seven as we first met two of the landowners opportunity to hike with author and feet tall have been found in densely shaded whose properties we are purchasing more noted wildflower expert Russ Jolley. Pacific Northwest forests. than 17 years ago. As we support Eagle Though Russ was in his seventies, he was Creek fire restoration efforts and hikers a rock star of our Gorge hiking program clamor to revisit closed trails, we all need and I felt lucky to have him to myself to call upon our silver fir patience and that day. As we hiked, I kept thinking allow the forest to come back in its own about something I had read in his book, time, not ours. Wildflowers of the Columbia Gorge. He wrote I’ve been thinking about those that the forests around Multnomah Falls silver firs around Multnomah Falls, as Celebrate Get Outdoors Day on June 9 were considered silver fir forests, yet as it is likely many of them burned in the we walked along the trail the forest was fire, since their thin bark would not be thick with Douglas firs. Flummoxed, I as fire resistant as some of their larger asked Russ, “Where were the silver firs?” contemporaries. Nevertheless, future Russ gave me a knowing smile and said generations of silver firs will come forth, that if this forest ever reached its mature Kevin Gorman, right, with Friends members sprouting and then waiting patiently for stage, the silver firs would take over. He at the Annual Meeting. Photo: Richard Kolbell their opportunity to shine. explained how silver firs can grow and take hold in an old-growth forest . . . then wait. The patience and persistence of the That’s right, wait. They stop growing and silver fir seems to offer a perfect metaphor bide their time until the older trees topple for where Friends of the Columbia Gorge Kevin Gorman, Executive Director over and create daylight, sometimes waiting sits right now. As we head into the final [email protected]

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

The view from Portland Women’s Forum in Corbett. Photo: Greg Lief | liefphotos.com

Friends of the Columbia Gorge works to ensure that the beautiful and wild Columbia Gorge remains a place apart, an unspoiled treasure for generations to come.

3 Development Assistant Libby Martin and Friends staff explore the site of a former dam in the Sandy River. Photo: Stan Hall

Exciting Changes for Gorge Gateways

Kevin Gorman, Executive Director, [email protected] Michael Lang, Conservation Director, [email protected]

f the passage of the Columbia River The National Scenic Area calls for Watershed Council, Friends of the Sandy Gorge National Scenic Area Act “protection and enhancement” of sensitive River Delta, Friends of Trees, and the was a grand statement to stop the lands, and while these acquisitions were Confluence Project, the Forest Service Iresidential sprawl of the Portland/ certainly protective measures, it is has removed a 750-foot earthen dam built Vancouver metropolitan area, the public collaborative work over the last decade that in the 1930s, restoring the mouth of the acquisitions in the 1980s of what we is creating a transformational enhancement Sandy to a braided shallow-water habitat now call the Sandy River Delta and to bring both of these landscapes closer to beneficial to salmon and smelt. Steigerwald National Wildlife Refuge their natural states. Massive efforts to remove Himalayan were emphatic exclamation points to that blackberry have also been underway for statement. With the support of Trust for Sandy River Delta decades, and thousands of trees have Public Land, the U.S. Forest Service and Once zoned as industrial land and been planted to bring the landscape U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service purchased owned by Reynolds Aluminum, the closer to its presettlement condition. But more than 2,000 acres, ensuring that the 1,400-acre U.S. Forest Service property is restoration efforts are not simply looking western boundaries of the Columbia River perhaps best known today as a dog-friendly backward. In preparing for climate Gorge National Scenic Area, from the natural area. Behind the scenes, though, change, Friends of Trees has planted Sandy River in Oregon to Gibbons Creek significant efforts to restore habitat for ponderosa pine, typically an east Cascade in Washington, would remain free of both fish and wildlife are underway. In conifer, recognizing that a warm, drier residential development. partnership with the Sandy River Basin climate is a likely scenario for the future.

4 Collaborative work over the last decade is bringing both of these landscapes closer to their natural states.

The Steigerwald Lake National pumping water out of their industrial lands. Wonder campaign. By purchasing this Wildlife Refuge Because of the environmental and economic property and allowing it to be part of the Just across the Columbia from the benefits to this project, its partners and restored lands in the restoration area, the Sandy River Delta, Steigerwald Lake supporters run the gamut from U.S. Fish & expanded project can scale up and pencil National Wildlife Refuge was also Wildlife Service, Friends of the Columbia out from both a financial and habitat once zoned as industrial land, and was Gorge, and Vancouver Audubon to the Port standpoint. In addition, the project will even proposed as a site for a nuclear of the Camas-Washougal, Bonneville Power extend the existing trail system nearly a reactor. Local birder Wilson Cady and Administration, City of Washougal, and mile further east on to the Steigerwald others rallied the federal government Washington Department of Transportation. Shores property. It will also bring our to recognize the value of the land, Gorge Towns to Trails vision one step closer and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Steigerwald Shores to creating a trail connection between purchased the property a few years Critical to the success of this the towns of Washougal and Stevenson. before the National Scenic Area came restoration project is our land trust’s Restoration work at Steigerwald is into existence. But the namesake of the acquisition of the 160-acre Steigerwald expected to begin in the spring and refuge, Steigerwald Lake, is still mostly Shores property, part of our Preserve the summer of 2019 and conclude in 2020. a memory, as a flood-control dike built after the 1964 floods turned the lake and its surrounding wetlands into farmlands. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has brought much of the land back to support waterfowl rather than crops, but the dike is an overwhelming obstacle to real habitat improvements. While flood control was the reason the dike was built, flood control is ironically what supports breaching the Steigerwald dike now, as part of the largest environmental restoration project in Gorge history. The Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership is leading a $22 million effort to breach the dike in three sections, allowing water to come in from the Columbia for the first time in half a century. This inflow will create resting habitat for migrating salmon and provide year-round access for salmon and lamprey to the Gibbons Creek watershed. The project also supports flood control efforts downstream and is projected to save the Port of Camas-Washougal hundreds of Architect Maya Lin’s bird blind at the Sandy River Delta. thousands of dollars annually, funds that Photo: Joan Amero are necessary to pay the electrical costs of

5 Trainees visit the ice age kolk pond on Friends’ Dancing Rock property. Photo: Micheal Drewry

spring. With role playing and educational Staying Safe on the Trail briefings, the day-long training takes new and experienced volunteers through the best Burt Edwards, Communications Director, [email protected] practices, strategies, and skills needed to lead the best possible hike. ast summer, what started as another Gorge has taken a series of steps to better In response to the Eagle Creek fire, this beautiful Labor Day weekend in the equip our hike leaders and shepherds with year’s training included a field simulation that LColumbia Gorge transformed in a strategies and skills to handle emergencies. illustrated the difficulty of spending a night matter of hours, for some Gorge visitors, Friends has offered guided hikes outdoors during an emergency on a trail, and into a harrowing escape from a rapidly for decades, sharing the Gorge’s beauty, the importance of advance preparation for spreading wildfire. For more than 150 resilience, and fragility with the public. A even the most leisurely hikes. The fire also hikers near Eagle Creek, the fire’s advance dedicated corps of volunteers and members created record demand for the training, with quickly cut off any easy escape, forcing serve as hike leaders and shepherds, and twice as many volunteers attending this year. them to shelter overnight. their passion and knowledge of natural Led by Outdoor Programs Coordinator Kate While all the hikers were ultimately history, flora and fauna, geology, and Lindberg and former Friends board member safely evacuated, the fire was a dramatic culture set our outings apart. Jim Chase, a role-play exercise required illustration of why all hikers should be To optimize the experience for trainees to break into subgroups and devise prepared for the unexpected. In the volunteers and hikers alike, Friends offers collective strategies to shelter overnight, wake of the fire, Friends of the Columbia a hike leader and shepherd training each using just the supplies each hiker had with them that day. Trainees were then led through a group discussion exploring the pros and cons of their strategies. Jim demonstrated how to construct a makeshift emergency shelter using supplies he keeps in his standard- essentials hiking kit. During a working lunch, Kate offered a series of educational briefings. Later, these trainees were able to build on these skills in a two-day Wilderness First Aid course. Led by NW Responder, this 16- hour, hands-on, interactive class has been customized over the years specifically for Friends’ hike leaders and shepherds. For more information on becoming a hiker leader or shepherd with Friends’ hike program, contact Kate Lindberg at Jim Chase shows trainees how to construct emergency shelter. Photo: Kate Lindberg [email protected]. 6 The endemic Penstemon barrettiae; for locations, see 554 in Russ Jolley’s Wildflowers of the Columbia Gorge. Photo: Mark McConnell

Climate Change in the Columbia River Gorge

Michael Lang, Conservation Director, [email protected]

riends of the Columbia Gorge’s endemic wildflowers, efforts to stop coal and oil terminals the rare Larch Mountain and the trains carrying fossil fuels salamander, and low- throughF the Gorge have been successful in elevation pika populations, protecting the National Scenic Area. The as well as endangered work has also helped combat global climate salmon runs, are likely change by stopping the development of to be impacted by new fossil fuel infrastructure. human-caused climate change. Yet the Low-elevation pika populations Yet unfortunately, the Management Management Plan gives no consideration inhabit the Gorge. Photo: Linda Steider Plan for the Columbia River Gorge National to these species to protect their habitat Scenic Area does not currently address from the impacts of climate change. there is need for revision. In public scoping climate change. In the entire 461-page As temperatures increase, glaciers for the plan review, these agencies heard document that governs all land use and shrink, and snow pack decreases, from hundreds of citizens and groups development outside of the urban areas in ecosystems inevitably change. New insect insisting that climate change adaptation the Gorge, there is not one single mention infestations like the California five-spined must be a top priority during plan review. of climate change and its impacts on the ips, are already invading Gorge forests, Thus far, these agencies have not made scenic, natural, cultural, or recreation killing ponderosa pines. Wildfires will climate change a priority in their review of resources of this national scenic treasure. become more frequent and more intense. the Management Plan. The Gorge’s five major ecosystems Water will become scarce, affecting Please take a moment to visit are home to 800 species of flowering ecosystems, agriculture, and human needs. gorgefriends.org/planreview, and find out plants, 16 of which are endemic to The Columbia River Gorge how you can help make climate change the Gorge. Dozens of threatened and Commission and the U.S. Forest Service a priority in the review of the National endangered animal species, some are currently reviewing the National Scenic Area Management Plan. The future endemic, also live in the Gorge. Many Scenic Area Management Plan to see if of the Gorge depends on it.

7 Make a Gift to Preserve the Wonder and Get Your Donation Matched

We just crossed the $5 million mark of our $5.5 million goal, and with $500,000 to go, we’ve launched a $250,000 matching gift challenge. If we can raise $250,000 from the public, two of our donors will match those funds with another $250,000 and complete our campaign.

STEIGERWALD SHORES 160 acres The crown jewel of the campaign, Steigerwald Shores is adjacent to the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. It has nearly a mile of riverfront with views of Crown Point and Mount Hood. Acquisition provides for the expansion of the refuge, the largest habitat restoration project ever in the Columbia Gorge, as ebbie Asakawa ebbie

D well as scenic protection, and additional public trails. Photo: UPLAND OAKS 55 acres This lovely oak woodland on the hillside above Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge has been threatened by development that would remove existing trees. Acquisition will ensure that this vital upland oak habitat is preserved. Photo: Michael J. Horodyski

CAPE HORN VISTA 58 acres This beautiful property adjacent to the popular Cape Horn Trail is currently fenced off, routing hikers away from the bluff. Acquisition allows for an extended Cape Horn trail with a magnificent view, completing the vision of Friends founder, Nancy Russell, for the area. ebbie Asakawa ebbie D Photo: DUNCAN CREEK 50 acres Duncan Creek is a magical land of moss, ferns, and waterfalls. The forest we seek to protect is just upstream and located between two large swaths of public land. Acquisition of the land protects it from logging and ensures water quality in the stream. It also makes a 17-mile trail from Cape ebbie Asakawa ebbie D Horn to Beacon Rock possible. Photo:

8 TURTLE HAVEN 64 acres For more than 20 years, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon Zoo have collaborated on conservation of the endangered western pond turtle on this private land. Acquisition will protect the habitat and allow turtle recovery to continue. Photo: Stan Hall COYOTE MEADOW 10 acres This oak-studded grass savannah is surrounded by the public lands of Catherine Creek and Coyote Wall, an area renowned for hiking and mountain biking. Acquisition expands the recreation area and creates a continuity of land use. Photo: Ryan Gallagher LYLE PEAK 25 acres This peak is one of the highest points in the eastern Gorge and is adjacent to state land that is managed for the protection of the endangered western gray squirrel. Acquisition preserves the habitat and will one day offer a trail with views of the Gorge. ebbie Asakawa ebbie D $5.5 million

Photo: GOAL

$5 million AMOUNT RAISED TO DATE

To discuss details of your gift please contact Development Officer, Pam Davee at 971-634-2036 or [email protected]

Learn more: PreserveTheWonder.com

9 Trailhead Ambassadors Cover the Region Photo: Courtney Bellefeuille Maegan Jossy, Outreach Manager, [email protected]

crush of hikers typically visit Dog hikers in the Mount Hood National Mountain each May and June Forest and the entire Columbia River to experience one of the Pacific Gorge National Scenic Area, several new Northwest’sA greatest wildflower shows. This partners – including the Mount Hood and has led to traffic congestion and safety issues Columbia River Gorge Regional Tourism on Washington State Hwy 14, presenting Alliance and the Oregon Parks and challenges for local communities. Recreation Department – have joined this Friends of the Columbia Gorge year’s effort. The Trailhead Ambassador partnered with the U.S. Forest Service program is designed to work in tandem over a five-week period last May-June with other efforts, to help proactively Trailhead Ambassador Coordinator to provide nearly 150 volunteer hours of provide as much information to the public Ali Smith trailhead ambassador services to promote as possible on available hiking options in Over 80 people have signed up the Dog Mountain shuttle and provide the aftermath of the Eagle Creek fire. to volunteer at trailheads and have advice for hikers at the trailhead. Trailhead Overseeing this program is Friends’ completed the required four-hour ambassadors also served as an on-the-ground Trailhead Ambassador Coordinator Ali training. Volunteer trailhead ambassadors presence to help discourage car break-ins. Smith. Ali joined Friends in February and will be placed at some of the busiest Because of the success of this program previously served as a volunteer. Before trailheads in the Mt. Hood National and the increased need for better educated joining Friends, she received her Bachelor’s Forest and the Columbia River Gorge degree in environmental studies and National Scenic Area – including geography at Ohio Wesleyan University and Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, Dog worked in customer service in the outdoor Mountain, Cape Horn and Trillium Lake apparel industry. – on the weekends during peak season. The volunteers also will answer hiking and Eagle Creek fire-related questions, promote responsible hiker ethics like Leave No Trace principles and steer people to ReadySetGorge.com, an online resource to help visitors plan their hiking trips in the Gorge. To get involved and to sign up for a future Trailhead Ambassador training, visit gorgefriends.org/ambassador.

New Columbia Gorge Car-Free Site Launches Ready to plan your next trip through the Gorge? Visit the new website columbiagorgecarfree.com to see your best options for exploring and getting to and from the Gorge car-free. Volunteers uprooting houndstongue at Balfour-Klickitat Trail, Washington.

An Ecological Response to the Eagle Creek Fire Photos: Mika Barrett

Mika Barrett, Stewardship Volunteer Coordinator, [email protected]

he Eagle Creek fire swept through Friends of the Columbia Gorge has volunteer work parties. Friends’ staff have the Gorge forest quickly, burning partnered with the U.S. Forest Service been actively working with U.S. Forest away underbrush and moss while and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Service and Oregon State Park rangers Tleaving much of the upper tree canopy Department to focus on mitigating the to identify areas where non-native plants untouched. Eight months later, these areas spread of invasive plants during this first are present or likely to get established and are starting to green up as the forest floor season after the fire. The timing of this spread. Friends’ volunteers will manually returns to life. work is critical while the trails are closed remove invasive plants at key trailheads and Sightings of ferns, trillium, and other to public access, since invasive plants are access points surrounding the burned areas. spring blossoms are being reported, as most commonly introduced by human As part of a multi-phase process, newly exposed soil with ample sunlight activity and seeds hitchhiking on boots, these initial efforts will set the stage and moisture enables plants and tree vehicle tires, and pets. to re-establish native plants. After seedlings to sprout for the first time in Friends’ strategy is to focus on manually removing the invasives, our decades. Unfortunately, not all of those mitigating weed infestations in the fire- volunteer stewardship parties will work blooms are welcome. affected areas, implemented through in partnership with land managers this Invasive plants with names like garlic coming fall and winter to plant native mustard, shiny geranium, and Herb vegetation within the newly created open Robert are a serious ecological threat in areas to avoid recolonization by weeds. the Gorge. These and other invasive plants The fire has long been contained, but can out-compete native plants, causing the focus on mitigating weed infestations economic, ecological, and even human- in the burned areas will continue for years health related harm. to come. For information on volunteering Even before the Eagle Creek fire, this summer and fall, please visit invasive plants were degrading wildlife gorgefriends.org/stewardship. habitat and increasing trail maintenance costs Regular stewardship updates and in the Gorge. But in this first year after the Invasive false brome, sprouting at related news are available now on our fire, the newly exposed soil is an invitation Tanner Creek, near Wahclella Falls in new stewardship email list. Subscribe at for an invasive plant invasion. the burned area. gorgefriends.org/firestewardship.

11 Thunder Island. Photo: Jane Garbisch

38th Annual Picnic in Paradise

Sunday, July 15, 12 – 2 p.m. Enjoy a summer afternoon relaxing on Thunder Island in the heart of the Gorge. This free, family-friendly event will feature live music, a delectable potluck buffet, short walks, and updates by Friends staff and board. 2017 Friends Picnic. gorgefriends.org/summerpicnic Photos: Micheal Drewry

Giving for the Future Photo: Courtesy of the Barker family Kate Harbour, Membership Coordinator, [email protected]

Elizabeth “Katie” Barker had a lifelong irrigation system to baking pies with connection to the Columbia Gorge, with the farm’s Gravenstein apples. family ties to the Gorge’s agricultural As an adult, Katie was aware that and industrial history. In 1884, her great- much of the privilege she enjoyed in grandfather started a paper mill in Camas, her life grew out of her family’s roots Washington, and in 1906, her grandfather in the Gorge. Katie included Friends bought an orchard across the Columbia of the Columbia Gorge in her estate River in Parkdale, Oregon. In 1937, as a plans as a way to take something young girl, Katie lived in Cascade Locks from her family’s legacy and pay it while her father worked as an engineer forward to the Gorge for the future. constructing Bonneville Dam. According to her daughter, Betty, Elizabeth “Katie” Barker Katie spent many happy summers “Our mother hoped, as we do, that on her family’s orchard, and she helped her gift will inspire others to give of We are so grateful for Katie’s gener- in its operations however she could, themselves to cherish and protect the ous foresight, and to her children Betty, doing everything from laying the original Gorge and the Hood River Valley.” Charles, and Neil for sharing her story.

12 Trail Mix hikers at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Photo: Debbie Asakawa

Trail Mix: Preserving the Wonder

Kate Harbour, Membership Coordinator, [email protected]

hen Friends Board Vice women of Trail Mix saw a new way to season or observing ten lazy turtles Chair Debbie Asakawa give back to the Gorge and jumped in sunning on a log.” started her women’s hiking with their characteristic enthusiasm. For many Trail Mix members, group,W Trail Mix, she had three simple Together, Trail Mix members have given including Susie, the Preserve the Wonder goals: build community, get some over $250,000 to Preserve the Wonder. campaign is a connection between exercise, and spend more time outdoors. Not one of them could have done this the past, present, and future of the Eleven years later and 200 members alone, but together, they have moved the Gorge. Susie notes, “My husband and strong, Trail Mix has fulfilled those needle for Gorge protection. I recently gave again in my mother’s hopes, and evolved into so much more. The two properties that are memory because she bestowed upon Going beyond day-hikes, Trail bookends of the campaign, Steigerwald me the love for nature. I feel these Mixers deepen their connection to to the west and Lyle to the east, are donations are investments that will the Gorge through their volunteer two areas frequented by Trailmixers, foster a new generation of nature lovers work with a variety of nonprofits and and behind every gift there is a personal and preservationists.” public agencies. If you’ve hiked in connection to the land. For Susie Masin Their impact is evident in the the Gorge, you’ve likely seen their it’s with Steigerwald Shores: “I love the Gorge, but Trail Mix isn’t done yet. work at the Cape Horn trail, Mosier accessibility factor at Steigerwald. It is The match challenge has inspired Plateau, or maybe talked to one of them a gateway for any age and ability.” She new enthusiasm, and Trail Mixers volunteering as a Trailhead Ambassador. also cites the powerful interface with hope to raise another $50,000 by the When the Preserve the Wonder wildlife, no matter the season, “whether end of the campaign. campaign was announced last year, the spying the first tundra swan of the Thank you, Trail Mix!

13 A Lasting Donation: Good’s Woods

Sandy Wright, Development Director, [email protected]

s we wrap up our Preserve the family member got back to us. She had Indian Mary was a strong woman Wonder land acquisition campaign, decided to donate the property to the whose tenacious determination to stay an unexpected donation was campaign, with two special stipulations. on her family’s homeland, despite efforts Arecently offered to us in the form of land. First, the land is never to be logged, and to forcibly remove her, succeeded. The Good family, with whom the land the second request was that we name The Skamania County creek that runs trust worked to purchase the 50-acre Duncan the property Good’s Woods, in honor of just west of Duncan Creek is named Creek property, is now donating an additional her parents Vern and Virginia Good. We Indian Mary Creek, after Mia’s great- 50 acres of their land, with Duncan Creek happily agreed to both of those conditions. grandmother. Part of Indian Mary’s land running through the heart of it. The Gorge has long inspired a strong was eventually given by her family to the Late in our Preserve the Wonder sense of connection and legacy in many U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to be part of fundraising campaign, following the people, and the land around Duncan Franz Lake National Wildlife Refuge. purchase of Duncan Creek, a member of Creek is a prime example. Friends board At gorgefriends.org/goods-woods, the Good family approached us about member Mia Prickett is a member of the you can watch our short video where Mia purchasing an additional 50-acre tract. We Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde describes the story of the land and her explained the current campaign and our and the great-great-granddaughter of Chief family’s history in the area. need to complete fundraising in order to Tulmuth. A century ago, Chief Tulmuth One year ago, we began our Preserve purchase the lands already secured. Because was the leader of the Watlala band of the Wonder campaign as an effort to protect of the timing, we let them know that, Cascade Indians and resided in the mid- seven magnificent properties. Thanks to regrettably, we wouldn’t be able to purchase Columbia Gorge. His daughter, known as the Good family’s love of the land and their additional acreage. Within days, the Indian Mary, was Mia’s great-grandmother. sense of legacy, that number is now eight.

Board member Mia Prickett, from Friends’ video, “Good’s Woods.” Videographer: Brady Holden

14 Coyote Wall, looking toward Mount Hood. Photo: Sharon Philpott

Special Gifts Tribute Gifts January 23, 2018 – April 12, 2018

In Honor of Justin Alquist In Honor of Laura Van Fleet In Memory of Ida Dubuar In Memory of Arthur and Hazel Mielke Hartnett Homes Group Janet Van Fleet Burt E. Schuman Jean Avery

In Honor of Debbie Asakawa and In Honor of John K. Vitas In Memory of Irving and Julie Harris In Honor of Norma Reich Gwen Farnham Pat Towle Dr. Andy Harris Deborah Thomas Laurie Turney In Honor of Pat and Macy Wall In Memory of William and Julianne Harris In Memory of Nancy Russell In Honor of Carol Boyer Holly Wall Laurel Harris Michael Rummerfield Arianne C. Boyer In Memory of Nancy Jackson In Memory of Ruth and Howie Smith In Honor of Jim Chase In Memory of Marjorie Sue Abramovitz Anne Kelly Barbara Smith Jay and McKay Nutt Dr. Marshall Goldberg In Memory of Patricia Jensen In Memory of Alice Wanke Stephens In Honor of Johnny Garth In Memory of Steve W. Ammons Florence Levy Gail Beaudain Georgina Garth Teresa Ammons Kyndra Needham-Blue John and Patricia Bentley Judith Berger In Honor of Kevin Gorman In Memory of Roger Bachman In Memory of Russ Jolley Janet Callum Kathleen Karey Reid Meredith and William Savery Betsy Toll Sonja Connor Barbara Giesy In Honor of David H. Kim In Memory of Shirley Jean Bienerth In Memory of Thomas Jones Betty and Joseph Labadie Andrew Kim Cascade Sports Car Club Terrie Jones Ina Potter Robert Inman Judith Rice In Honor of Sue McGee In Memory of Gloria Ladum Larry Richards Joan Shannon In Memory of Dennis Buchanon Karen Gardner Marvin, Maria, Andrew, and Joshua Stober Donald and Shirley Clark Doug and Kathy White In Honor of Cheryl Strayed In Memory of Martha Lawrence Bridget Buckley In Memory of Helen and Oliver Dalton Josh Lawrence In Memory of Verla Thomas Christine Dalton, Patrick Byrne, and Deborah Thomas In Honor of Tara Vanselow Trystan Byrne In Memory of Tom Lawson Kathleen Farrell Lois Engel In Memory of Matthew Winthrop In Memory of Carroll and Ida Dubuar Richard Lira and Gretchen Taylor In Honor of Barbara Robinson Anonymous In Memory of Kyle Macko Tom Nelson Alice Stevens Paula S. Barnes Peggy Macko 15 Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage PAID Portland, OR Permit No. 2623

P.O. Box 40820, Portland, Oregon 97240-0820

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Tom McCall Point. Photo: Debbie Asakawa