Friends of the Columbia Gorge

Protecting the Gorge Since 1980 Spring 2019 Newsletter

Spring Brings Hope for the Gorge

Cover: Spring view, looking east from Rowena Crest. Crest. Rowena from east looking view, Spring Cover: Photo: Janice Dunlap Janice Photo: 2

remains a place apart, an unspoiled treasure for generations to come. to generations for treasure unspoiled an apart, place a remains

We continue working today to ensure that the beautiful and wild Columbia Gorge Gorge Columbia wild and beautiful the that ensure to today working continue We 360-334-3180

887 Main St., Suite 202, Washougal, WA 98671 98671 WA Washougal, 202, Suite St., Main 887

of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act. Act. Area Scenic National Gorge River Columbia the of

Washougal Office: Office: Washougal

by Senator Mark Hatfield, Friends was instrumental in ensuring the passage in 1986 1986 in passage the ensuring in instrumental was Friends Hatfield, Mark Senator by

541-386-5268

John Yeon and the tenacity of Nancy Russell. Working with legislative champions led led champions legislative with Working Russell. Nancy of tenacity the and Yeon John

205 Oak St., Suite 17, Hood River, OR 97031 97031 OR River, Hood 17, Suite St., Oak 205

WHO WE ARE WE WHO

Friends of the Columbia Gorge was founded in 1980 by the vision of of vision the by 1980 in founded was Gorge Columbia the of Friends

Hood River Office: Office: River Hood

503-241-3762

@gorgefriends gorgefriends.org/subscribe 333 SW Fifth Ave., Suite 300, Portland, OR 97204 97204 OR Portland, 300, Suite Ave., Fifth SW 333

Portland Office Portland :

STAY CONNECTED WITH FRIENDS WITH CONNECTED STAY

Editor: Betsy Toll / Lumin Creative PDX Creative Lumin / Toll Betsy Editor:

Kathleen Krushas / To the Point Collaborative Point the To / Krushas Kathleen

already have laws similar to these these to similar laws have already Oregon from oil derailments and spills. and derailments oil from Oregon Newsletter Design: Kathy Fors and and Fors Kathy Design: Newsletter

Publications: response. Both California and Washington Washington and California Both response. call and/or write to them today to protect protect to today them to write and/or call

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and view their contact information. Then Then information. contact their view and Published February 2019 February Published

Oregon has the weakest laws on the West West the on laws weakest the has Oregon District and Legislators,” enter your address, address, your enter Legislators,” and District

. Click “Find Your Your “Find Click .

OregonLegislature.gov

*Gorge Area Residents Area *Gorge

24-hour notification for oil trains. trains. oil for notification 24-hour •

bills. To find your Oregon legislators, visit visit legislators, Oregon your find To bills.

Woods* Sara Land Stewardship Coord. Stewardship Land

and SB 99, the strongest possible oil-train oil-train possible strongest the 99, SB and

derailments and spills; and spills; and derailments

Unangst Paige Finance Director Finance

now now and ask them to support HB 2858 2858 HB support to them ask and to cover worst-case oil train train oil worst-case cover to Tkach* Renee Gorge Town to Trails Manager Trails to Town Gorge

Rittenhouse Ryan Conservation Organizer Conservation

Contact your state legislators legislators state your Contact railroads to have adequate insurance insurance adequate have to railroads •

McCoy Steve Staff Attorney Staff

and our allies are supporting. supporting. are allies our and

Martin Libby Development Assistant Development emergency preparedness; preparedness; emergency

HB 2858, which are bills that Friends Friends that bills are which 2858, HB

Lindberg Kate Outdoor Programs Coord. Programs Outdoor

response protocols and strengthen strengthen and protocols response

Lang Michael Conservation Director Conservation but three are weaker than SB 99 and and 99 SB than weaker are three but

that would fund improved oil spill spill oil improved fund would that

Jossy Maegan Outreach Manager Outreach

been introduced in this legislative session, session, legislative this in introduced been

Harbour Kate Grant Writer Grant railroad companies to pay fees fees pay to companies railroad •

Five bills addressing this issue have have issue this addressing bills Five Hall Stan Digital Content Specialist Content Digital

training for oil train spills; spills; train oil for training

Gorman Kevin Executive Director Executive companies accountable. accountable. companies

Edwards Burt Communications Director Communications

updated contingency plans and and plans contingency updated •

threat from oil trains and hold railroad railroad hold and trains oil from threat

Davee Pam Director of Philanthropy of Director

ensure it is doing all it can to reduce the the reduce to can it all doing is it ensure would require: require: would Cornelison* Peter Field Representative Field

Brooke-Willbanks Elizabeth Development Manager Development breaking technology, Oregon needs to to needs Oregon technology, breaking oil spills. House Bill 2858 and Senate Bill 99 99 Bill Senate and 2858 Bill House spills. oil

Bell* Dan Land Trust Director Trust Land

requiring oil trains to use newer, safer, safer, newer, use to trains oil requiring F protections against crude oil derailments and and derailments oil crude against protections

Barrett Mika Stewardship Volunteer Coord. Volunteer Stewardship

2015 Department of Transportation rule rule Transportation of Department 2015 in Oregon that would improve improve would that Oregon in Baker Nathan Senior Staff Attorney Staff Senior

Ambrose* Frances Land Trust Assistant Trust Land the Trump administration’s repeal of a a of repeal administration’s Trump the our allies are supporting legislation legislation supporting are allies our

Aepfelbacher Sophia Membership Coordinator Membership

proposed bills. Especially in light of of light in Especially bills. proposed riends of the Columbia Gorge and and Gorge Columbia the of riends Staff

Protect Oregon from Dangerous Oil Trains Oil Dangerous from Oregon Protect

Rick Ray* Rick

Buck Parker* Buck

Barbara Nelson Barbara

Dustin Klinger Dustin Take Action Take

Greg Delwiche Greg

Pat Campbell Pat

Baugher John Land Trust Advisor Trust Land

Michalek* David Secretary/Treasurer

Nelson* John President

Land Trust Board of Trustees of Board Trust Land

Annie Munch Annie Meredith Savery Meredith

Patty Mizutani Patty Vince Ready* Vince

David Michalek* David Mia Prickett Mia

John Harrison John Lisa Berkson Platt Berkson Lisa

Donald Friedman Donald Buck Parker* Buck

Gwen Farnham Gwen Carrie Nobles Carrie

Greg Delwiche Greg John Nelson* John

Pat Campbell Pat

Skedsvold Kari Secretary/Treasurer

Asakawa Debbie Vice Chair Vice

Photo: Paloma Ayala Paloma Photo:

Carr Geoff Chair

Oregon, 2016. 2016. Oregon,

Board of Directors of Board

oil spill in Mosier, Mosier, in spill oil

Oil train fire and and fire train Oil Friends of the Columbia Gorge Columbia the of Friends Photo: Richard Kolbell Director’s Letter

eneath the gamesmanship of the windows of the year to avoid disrupting recent government shutdown salmon spawning, the project timeline may is something anyone who pays now have to be extended, which in turn attentionB to Gorge geology should could impact funding. understand: erosion. While nature intended A shutdown like this is equivalent to for Gorge cliffs and stream beds to erode a single thread being pulled out of a rich, over time, the federal government’s complex tapestry. Even when the government commitment to the Columbia Gorge reopens, the unraveling cannot be undone; was meant to stand firm in perpetuity. a lesser version of its old self will be left to their slow pace getting projects back up to Shutdowns have an erosive multiplier effect carry on. speed, and they’ll good-naturedly roll their in places like the Gorge. The National Scenic Area calls for eyes at my unrealistic expectations. Then In December 2018, when the shutdown federal, state, and local governments to work we’ll catch up on stories about our families began, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service together with nonprofits and community and get back to all we were engaged in was working with local governments and organizations. The process at times is messy, together before the shutdown. nonprofits such as Friends of the Columbia controversial, and hard. But the result is But missing from that picture is one Gorge and the Lower Columbia River something no single entity could pull off more thread from the beautiful tapestry Estuary Partnership on a major salmon alone: an incomparable swath of public and we work so hard to protect. The Columbia restoration project at Steigerwald Lake. The private land has indeed been protected and Gorge is too precious, too sacred, for this. $22 million restoration project will be the even enhanced over three decades, even as We can’t allow its wonder to continue largest ever in the Gorge, employing up to population pressures have devastated other unraveling one thread at a time. 400 people and creating new habitat and new scenic locales around the country. trails for people to enjoy. Then government I look forward to catching up with agencies were shut down, putting years of the Gorge federal employees who were momentum in jeopardy. Considering that furloughed, whether it is in meetings or out Kevin Gorman, Executive Director this restoration work can only occur in short in the field. I may gently tease them about [email protected]

Hillsides of balsamroot blooming near Memaloose. Photo: Warren Morgan

3 Protecting Oregon from Dangerous Oil Trains

Michael Lang, Conservation Director, [email protected]

he Columbia River Gorge 2019 could be the year when the preparedness; notification of oil trains continues to be in the crosshairs legislature passes meaningful oil train passing though Oregon; and adequate of crude oil trains and terminals. emergency-response legislation. One of railroad insurance for worst-case oil train TThe dangers were brought home in June the rail industry’s staunchest allies in the derailments and spills. 2016, when an oil train derailed as it legislature resigned, and the 2018 election Senate Bill 99 and House Bill 2858 passed through Mosier, Oregon, spilling produced a more pro-environment legislature. contain significant, common sense thousands of gallons of oil into the The Oregon Department of Environmental steps to address oil train emergency Columbia River, contaminating the city Quality (DEQ) supports legislation that preparation and response. Several other of Mosier’s water plant, and igniting a would give DEQ authority over oil spill bills, including HB 2209, have also been significant fire that threatened homes and response plans. Friends of the Columbia introduced, but they do not include all of the elementary school. Gorge and the environmental community those essential components. Since 2015, several bills have been have made passing strong oil train legislation a introduced in Oregon to mandate priority for the 2019 session. Why Oil Train and Terminal important oil spill response measures Oregon Senate Bill 99 and House Legislation is Needed that would better prepare Oregon first- Bill 2858 would require important responders for the next oil train derailment protections, including contingency plans Unsafe rail cars and spill. To date, however, the railroads and training for oil train-related spills; fees Since 2012, explosive Bakken crude and their political allies have stalled these on railroads transporting crude oil to fund oil has been transported by rail at high common sense proposals. better oil spill response and emergency speeds through the Columbia River Gorge

Mosier derailment and fire, June 2016. Photo: Michael McKeag

4 The environmental community has made passing strong oil train legislation a priority for the 2019 session.

National Scenic Area, the Deschutes Crude oil export ban lifted Is Oregon ready? River Canyon, and many communities In 2015, Congress lifted the U.S. Oregon has the weakest laws on the throughout Oregon. This oil is transported crude oil export ban, creating a market West Coast related to oil train emergency through Oregon to refineries in California for development of new export terminals response. In fact, in 2016, Oregon had to and Washington and to export facilities on the West Coast. All oil train traffic in rely heavily on Washington’s Department with no direct benefit to Oregon’s the Pacific Northwest passes through the of Ecology for assistance in responding economy. Bakken oil and heavy tar sands Columbia River Gorge. As the price of to the Mosier derailment. California and oil (bitumen) are transported in unsafe rail oil rebounds and domestic consumption Washington have passed strong laws similar cars that puncture in accidents at speeds decreases, the Northwest can expect to see to those proposed for the 2019 session for as low as 14 mph, leading to oil fires and more oil train traffic and more proposals Oregon. Notably, federal railroad laws have explosions. New federal safety standards for oil export terminals. not preempted those state laws. There is for rail cars only slightly improve impact no reason for Oregon legislators to delay resistance. Unit trains of oil pull up to Repeal of oil train safety requirement any further in taking action to protect 120 oil tank cars containing more than Last September, the Trump our communities and waterways from the 3 million gallons of volatile Bakken or administration rescinded the 2015 dangers of oil trains and terminals. tar sands oil. These “pipelines on rails” requirement that by 2021, all oil trains use Friends of the Columbia Gorge and endanger communities and waterways electronically controlled pneumatic, or ECP, our allies are backing strong legislation throughout Oregon, presenting the risk of brakes. The rule would have improved oil this year to protect Oregon’s rivers and severe damage to public safety, drinking train safety and likely reduced the severity of communities from oil train derailments water, and Columbia River salmon habitat. derailments and oil spills. Safety advocates, and oil spills. Transporting oil by rail is transportation union leaders, and lawmakers inherently unsafe, but until it is stopped, Derailments and explosions opposed the repeal. Several governors, we must be prepared for the next accident In the past five years, oil train including Oregon Governor Kate Brown, and spill. derailments, explosions, and fires in criticized the repeal and called on federal Please join our efforts to protect the North America have resulted in 47 policy makers to put in place the strongest Columbia Gorge and the rest of Oregon deaths, evacuation of thousands of people, rail safety measures. (See “Inslee and Brown from the disastrous impacts of oil train millions of gallons of spilled oil, and Blast Trump Administration,” 12/8/2017, at derailments and spills. See page 2 to find billions of dollars of property damage and governor.wa.gov/news-media/) out how to get engaged. environmental destruction. Fears in the Gorge were realized in 2016 when a Union Pacific oil train derailed Oregon: Weakest Oil Train Laws on the West Coast in Mosier, catching fire and spilling 42,000 gallons of oil. The Mosier community was LAW OR WA CA spared only because it was a rare windless day, preventing the fire from devastating the Require Railroad Emergency Response Plans NO YES YES area. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) determined that Union Pacific Fees on Oil Trains For Emergency Response NO YES YES Railroad’s negligence caused the derailment. In fact, FRA statistics show Union Pacific Railroad’s Ability to Pay for Worst-Case Spill NO YES YES has more derailments and accidents caused by equipment failures than the industry 24-Hour Notice Required For Oil Trains NO YES NO average.

5 Great Gorge Wahoo outing in 2018. Photo: Nick Witgen

Learning to Love the Gorge Teaching youth that the Gorge belongs to them

Kate Lindberg, Outdoor Programs Coordinator, [email protected]

n 2019, Friends of the Columbia Gorge’s Explore the Gorge began in 2008, Columbia River Gorge. It makes me be able outdoor education programs will bring supported by Friends’ Vic Clausen Youth to tell people more about the history of more than 300 middle-school students Education Fund and the Camas-Washougal where I’m from.” fromI Washougal and Portland outdoors for Each year Friends asks students to Community Chest. This multiday program first-hand, interactive experiences in nature. provides creative opportunities to learn reflect on their experiences in the program Connecting the next generation to the Gorge about Gorge culture, history, ecology, and and share their “hope for the Gorge in the fosters the sense of wonder that’s the first step more for every sixth grade student in the next 20 years.” Many respond that they to becoming a steward. Washougal, Washington, school district. wish for it to stay beautiful for the next Great Gorge Wahoo! is an outdoor Students spend several days visiting generation. We wholeheartedly agree. education program started in 2011 for Beacon Rock State Park and natural areas Contact Kate Lindberg at to get involved students at St. Andrew Nativity School in around Bonneville Dam, testing their in this year’s program. Learn more at Northeast Portland, a school that enrolls a high senses as they see, smell, touch, listen, and gorgefriends.org/youthprograms. percentage of students of color and prepares even taste the natural elements that make them to attend college-prep high schools. the Columbia Gorge unique and special. Supported by Friends’ Matthew Winthrop and Friends’ volunteer naturalists lead the Buddy Nobles Memorial Funds, Great Gorge program activities alongside rangers from Wahoo! brings seventh grade students on a the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. field trip to visit eastern Gorge landscapes In 2018, one Washougal student and learn geology and cultural history. As reflected, “From this experience, I want eighth graders the following year, the students to learn more about the history of the take another trip to contrasting western Gorge landscapes, to experience lush forests and gushing waterfalls. Retired Oregon Parks and Recreation Department community outreach Above: An Explore coordinator Kevin Price first learned about the Gorge art project this program in its infancy and told Friends, last spring. Photo: Kate Lindberg “You need to get me in front of these kids so they can see that someone of their color can do this job.” Kevin has been a mainstay of Left: Great Gorge Wahoo these trips ever since. outing in 2018. Photos: Nick Wiltgen

6 Renee Tkach, Gorge Towns to Trails Project Manager, [email protected]

t first glance, the town of Lyle, Washington, might not bring to mind comparisons with places like Tuscany, AItaly. But anyone who has spent any time in this charming small town knows that its rolling hills, stunning vistas of the Columbia River, and easy access to world-class wineries make this unassuming area a hidden treasure of the Gorge. Trailwork volunteers at Lyle Cherry Orchard in December. Photos: Micheal Drewry

spots ideal for relaxing to enjoy lunch and take in the panoramic scenery. Working with Friends, Washington Trails Association (WTA) organized a trail construction work party in December 2018, to reroute roughly 700 feet of the existing trail – making the path a safer, less steep climb. WTA will continue this spring and fall to organize special weekend-long trail building work parties so volunteers can come for either a single day or stay overnight and combine the trail project with With the recent start of work to extend the a coordinated Gorge camping experience. trail on the Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Friends’ long-term goal is to connect the Trust’s 540-acre Lyle Cherry Orchard preserve Cherry Orchard trail into the town of Lyle. now underway, Lyle will soon be an even better The trail will become a key component of Gorge place to combine a day of great hiking with an Towns to Trails, an ongoing project to create a opportunity to taste some of the best wine the loop trail connecting Gorge communities on Gorge has to offer. both sides of the river. The Lyle Cherry Orchard After more than seven years of planning, in trail expansion is the second Gorge Towns to Trails December 2017, Friends received final approval accomplishment, following the Mosier Plateau from the Columbia River Gorge Commission to Trail, completed in 2013. start construction on two new trail loops that For more information on upcoming Cherry will eventually add three miles to the current Orchard work parties and other ways that you trail. The extensions will allow hikers to access can support efforts to build the newest trail in the new views of the Columbia River and new rest Gorge, please visit gorgefriends.org/lyletrail.

7 Conservation in Verse Photo: Curt Richter Photo: Kim Stafford Authors, Artists & Activists on Protecting the Landscapes We Love

Wednesday, March 27 I 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. The Old Church in Portland Tickets: $15/adults, $10/students available online at theoldchurch.org Jane Hirshfield Kim Stafford

Join award-winning poet Jane Hirshfield and Oregon Poet Laureate Kim Stafford for a special exploration of the intersection of artistic inspiration and the community-led conservation initiatives presented by Friends of the Columbia Gorge and Terrain.org.

Photos: Richard Kolbell Friends of the Columbia Gorge 39th Annual Meeting & Luncheon

Sunday, April 7 I 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m. Skamania Lodge, Stevenson, WA

Information fair, socializing, and no-host bar begin at noon

Members: $35/person Non-Member Special: $55/person includes an annual membership

Please register by April 1 at gorgefriends.org/luncheon.

Come meet old friends and make new ones, and learn how your actions protect the Gorge. We’ll celebrate last year’s successes and outline our vision for the year ahead.

Join us before the luncheon for a FREE Legacy Planning Seminar from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon.

8 SPRING & SUMMER 2019 Hikes, Outings & Stewardship

General Information Before attending Friends’ outings, please familiarize yourself with our program information and guidelines at gorgefriends.org/hikeprogram. Space is limited, so as a courtesy to others please register only if you’re sure you can attend. Carpool information and trip-specific details will be emailed within five days of each outing.

Details and registration at gorgefriends.org/hikes. Coyote Wall hikers. Photo: Debbie Asalawa

his season, we’re providing over 70 ways to landscapes of the Gorge. And, in hopes that our discover the magic and wonder of the Columbia outings can continue to be experiences of solitude and TGorge National Scenic Area. Our hike program peacefulness, we’re offering more weekday options will offer many wildflower-focused hikes and walks, for you to choose from, as weekends on the trail are scheduled to follow the blooms from the east Gorge increasingly crowded. to the west. We’ll maintain a focus on wildfire ecology and forest recovery as we’re able to access previously We look forward to another great spring and summer closed trails, and we’ll follow the forest as it regrows of hikes and outings around the Gorge this spring and after the 2017 Eagle Creek fire. summer. Whether hiking with Friends or on your own, remember to be especially careful in burned areas. Additionally, you’ll see more water-based trips and bike The steep slopes continue to move in response to rides on the schedule, as our leaders continue to offer harsh and changing weather patterns, and sensitive unique and different ways to experience the beautiful trails and landscapes are still recovering.

Members-only early registration begins February 25. Register at gorgefriends.org/hikes.

9 Friday, March 29 March Labyrinth Loop to Rowland Lake, WA Outing Icon Key Moderate: 5 miles | 1,000-ft elev. gain Saturday, March 9 Field Rep. Peter Cornelison will lead a faster- Members Only Horsethief Butte Walk, WA paced hike adjacent to the wildflower-covered Easy/Mod.: 4-5 miles | 150-ft elev. gain Wildflowers slopes of Catherine Creek, through the beautiful Labyrinth Canyon in the eastern Join board vice chair Debbie Asakawa for a Special Focus picturesque hike in an area rich both in Native Gorge to panoramic views. American history and geology created by the Fire Ecology & Recovery Saturday, March 30 ice age floods. Preserve the Wonder Sandy River Delta Evening Walk, OR

Sunday, March 10 Wiking Easy: 3-4 miles | little elev. gain Learn about the collaborative restoration Steigerwald Shores, WA Trails to Ales efforts of Sandy River Basin Watershed Easy: 3.8 miles | no elev. gain Bike Ride Council, Confluence and Friends of the Sandy Walk with board members Geoff Carr and John River Delta to preserve this multiuse area on Harrison to our land trust preserve adjacent Water-Based the way to Maya Lin’s bird blind. to Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge to Family Friendly learn its importance to Gorge ecosystems. Sunday, March 31 Dog Friendly Lyle Cherry Orchard Ecology, WA Friday, March 15 Moderate: 5 miles | 1,500-ft elev. gain Catherine Creek Naturalist Ralph Thomas Rogers will guide Wildflower Walk, WA Thursday, March 21 us to the original pioneer cherry orchard and Easy/Mod.: 3.5 miles | 500-ft elev. gain Wildflowers & Waterfalls stunning Gorge views, hiking at a slow pace to Botanist Pappy Corbitt will share knowledge and at Latourell Falls, OR identify early-blooming plants and learn the medicinal properties of early spring wildflowers Easy: 2.4 miles | 520-ft elev. gain unique ecology of this preserve. and other Gorge flora on a slow-paced walk Join Oregon State Parks ranger Miranda along the slopes of Catherine Creek. Mendoza for a hike through the mist zone at Latourell Falls. We’ll visit two April Saturday, March 16 waterfalls on this loop hike, pausing to Thursday, April 4 learn about emerging wildflowers and Lyle Cherry Orchard, WA Angel’s Rest, OR the park’s history. Moderate: 5 miles | 1,500-ft elev. gain Moderate: 5 miles | 1,500-ft elev. gain Gorge Towns to Trails Project Manager Renee Friday, March 22 Follow Executive Director Kevin Gorman on this Tkach will take us to view the newly acquired reopened trail to experience up close the 2017 Lyle Peak preserve to envision the future trail Lower Deschutes River, OR Strenuous: 7.5-8 miles | 800-ft elev. gain Eagle Creek fire’s effects on the forest and how expansion and celebrate the success of the it is recovering. We’ll highlight the trail work Leader Sharon Ross will guide us along Preserve the Wonder campaign. completed in the past year. this Wild & Scenic River to find early Sunday, March 17 wildflowers and to view how the landscape Saturday, April 6 is recovering after last summer’s Bridal Veil Falls Exploration, OR Klickitat Trail to Fisher Bridge, WA Substation fire, returning via the Ferry Easy/Mod.: 4 miles | 100-ft elev. gain Springs loop. Easy: 1.2 miles | 70-ft elev. gain Gorge Towns to Trails Project Manager Renee Bring the whole family to explore the falls, Tkach and Klickitat Trail Conservancy members Saturday, March 23 Pillars of Hercules basalt towers and abundant will guide us on a segment of this abandoned Military Road History Walk, WA native plants. Interactive trail packets from railroad-bed-turned-trail, sharing its rich history Moderate: 5 miles | 700-ft elev. gain Super Nature Adventures make learning more fun. $20/packet. on the way to dramatic canyon views. Hike a section of the old military and stagecoach road through Columbia Hills, Steigerwald Lake NWR Nature Walk, WA uncovering the 19th century history of Sunday, April 7 Easy: 2.5 miles | no elev. gain homesteading and land use of the area 39th Annual Meeting and Luncheon Bring the whole family to explore this with historian and author Judy Bentley. Skamania Lodge | Stevenson, WA special wildlife refuge at the “Gateway to the Gorge.” Interactive trail packets from Super Thursday, March 28 gorgefriends.org/luncheon Nature Ad ventures make learning more f un. Plants, Geology & History $20/packet. at Latourell Falls, OR Wednesday, April 10 Easy: 2.4 miles | 510-ft elev. gain Wildflowers at Catherine Creek, WA Join environmental educator Roland Begin Easy/Mod.: 3.5 miles | 500-ft elev. gain Members-only registration begins Feb. 25. to explore plants and geology at the falls, Botanist Pappy Corbitt will teach us about General registration begins March 1. learning the colorful history of the town of wildflowers and endemic plants on this slower- Register at gorgefriends.org/hikes. Latourell and viewing some of the oldest paced walk amid spring beauty and scenic rocks in the area as we go. views at this wildflower paradise. 10 Hikers on Hamilton Mountain. Thursday, April 11 Photo: Christoph Stauder Trail of Waterfalls, OR Easy: 1.6 miles | 100-ft elev. gain Join Oregon State Parks ranger Miranda Mendoza for a journey on the Historic Columbia River Hwy State Trail to visit four waterfalls and learn the area’s history. Friday, April 12 Wildflowers at Catherine Creek & Klickitat Trail, WA Easy/Mod.: 5 miles | 150-ft elev. gain Walk with Klickitat Trail Conservancy board members Barbara Robinson and Steven Woolpert to identify and learn about wildflowers at two different sites known for unique plant diversity. Saturday, April 13 Friday, April 26 Mosier Plateau Wildflowers, OR Wildflower Photography, WA Moderate: 3.5 miles | 600-ft elev. gain Mindfulness Earth Walk, WA Moderate: 4-5 miles | 1,340-ft elev. gain Enjoy panoramic views and wildflowers Easy: 2-3 miles | little elev. gain Follow leader Gloria Gardiner on the Weldon at their peak from this Friends land trust Enjoy a peaceful opportunity to connect more Wagon trail through an Oregon white oak preserve on the bluff above Mosier. Leader fully with nature, health and yourself, and learn conservation area, going at a leisurely pace to Jane Corboy will guide us past Mosier Creek the essence of forest therapy on the Klickitat take advantage of photo opportunities during Falls and teach us the history of the old Trail with KTC board member and counselor peak balsamroot bloom. pioneer cemetery. Steven Woolpert. Thursday, April 18 Sunday, April 21 Saturday, April 27 Fort Cascades History Walk, WA Swale Canyon Wildflowers, WA St. Cloud Meditative Walk, WA Easy: 1.5 miles | little elev. gain Expert: 11-12 miles | 450-ft elev. gain Easy: 0.5 miles | 150-ft elev. gain Join environmental educator Roland Begin for an Follow leaders Christoph Stauder and Dave In the tradition of walking meditation, leader informational walk to uncover the rich cultural Crout on this remote section of the Klickitat Judy Todd will guide us on this early-morning history of the area, from Chinook-speaking Trail, descending Swale Creek into a deep meditative saunter for a time of quiet, personal tribes to Euro-American pioneers, and learn canyon of pine groves and dogwoods on the reflection to become more mindful of our ethnobotanical uses of native plants. search for spring wildflowers. natural surroundings. Friday, April 19 Tuesday, April 23 Sunday, April 28

Wildflower Photography at Coyote Wall via Catherine Creek, WA Falls Creek Falls, WA Rowena Plateau & McCall Point, OR Strenuous: 8 miles | 1,655-ft elev. gain Moderate: 3.4 miles | 700-ft elev. gain Easy/Mod.: Up to 5.5 miles | 1,100-ft elev. gain Hike with leader Patti Kramer along the Join leader Billie Anger for a peaceful hike Leader Gloria Gardiner will guide us first on cliffs of Coyote Wall, across wildflower- through lush forest, traveling at a leisurely Rowena Plateau to take advantage of many filled, open grasslands and through oak pace alongside a cascading creek to the photo opportunities at this scenic wildflower woodlands to expansive views up and down stunning 200-foot waterfall. paradise. Afterward, we’ll head up McCall Point the Columbia River. for those wishing for more elevation. Hardy Ridge, WA Thursday, April 25 Strenuous: 7-8 miles | 2,000-ft elev. gain Klickitat Trail Mountain Bike Ride, WA Leaders Don McCoy and Madeleine Von Laue Crawford Oaks Loop, WA Experienced riders only: 28.5 miles | some elev. gain Strenuous: 9 miles | 1,300-ft elev. gain will take us on this lesser-used, wide trail above and behind Beacon Rock. Atop the ridge, we’ll Explore this steep and beautiful isolated canyon Find eastern-Gorge sunshine and lush get wonderful views of the Columbia Gorge. by bike with Field Rep. Peter Cornelison. We’ll wildflowers on the ascending Crawford Oaks Leashed dogs are welcome. follow the rails-to-trails path adjacent to the trail to Dalles Mountain Ranch. Listen for Klickitat River from the town of Lyle to Klickitat meadowlarks and watch for wildlife on this and back. faster-paced hike with leader Kim Owen. May Saturday, April 20 Plants and Geology at Rodney Falls Thursday, May 2 Catherine Creek to and Little Beacon Rock, WA Weldon Wagon Road, WA Coyote Meadow, WA Easy: 2.5 miles | 500-ft elev. gain Moderate: 4 miles | 1,100-ft elev. gain Expert: 10.4 miles | 1,900-ft elev. gain Join environmental educator Roland Begin at Join leader Steve Carples for a scenic hike Join wildflower enthusiast Paul Freeman on a quest one of the most geologically fascinating areas through Oregon white oak woodlands, past to identify 50-60 wildflower species during peak in the Columbia Gorge to learn the area’s slopes blanketed in wildflowers, to a scenic bloom on this challenging hike to Coyote Meadow, geology, identify plants and discuss the role of ridge offering views of the White Salmon a Preserve the Wonder campaign property. fire in forest ecology. River valley. 1111 Friday, May 3 Petroglyphs Tour, WA Easy: 0.5 miles | little elev. gain Retired Washington State Parks ranger Chon Clayton will lead us to ancient rock images and legendary She Who Watches. Conservation Organizer Ryan Rittenhouse will provide Caretakers of the Gorge updates on Friends’ ongoing work to protect this and other landscapes from fossil fuel Whether hiking with Friends or on your own, we’re all caretakers of impacts. the Gorge. We encourage everyone to hike responsibly by staying Deschutes River Ecology, OR on the trail, using a trailhead boot brush, and carrying out your Moderate: 4-5 miles | little elev. gain trash. Please leave no traces; take only memories – and photos. Take a leisurely walk with naturalist Ralph Thomas Rogers to learn the area’s riparian Horsethief Butte sunrise. Photo: Jeremiah Leipold ecology, emphasizing birds, plants and butterflies, and to discuss the ecological Thursday, May 9 Saturday, May 11 impacts of fire on the Columbia Basin shrub- Hidden History Walk, OR Historic Hwy State Trail Bike Ride, OR steppe habitat. Easy: Less than 1 mile | 70-ft elev. gain Experienced cyclists only: 14 miles | 600-ft elev. gain Saturday, May 4 Oregon State Parks ranger Miranda Mendoza Ride with leader Dave Crout at a leisurely will lead us on a walk through time at Bridal pace along a reopened section of the

Klickitat River Whitewater Rafting, WA Veil Falls State Park. We’ll get great views of the Historic Columbia River Hwy State Trail for Enjoy a full-day whitewater excursion guided by Columbia Gorge and the falls while learning the scenic views and to learn about the ongoing Wet Planet on the Wild & Scenic Klickitat River history hidden beneath the moss. restorative connection project. through thick pine forests, basalt-lined canyons and oak woodlands. $90 for lunch, gear. Dalles Mtn Ranch to Sunday, May 12 Stacker Butte, WA Wahkeena to Multnomah Falls Volcano Ridge Wildflowers, OR Strenuous: 7.8 miles | 1,950-ft elev. gain Loop, OR Easy: 2 miles | 600-ft elev. gain Digital Content Specialist Stan Hall will lead Moderate: 4.8 miles | 1,540-ft elev. gain Meander among the picturesque vineyards of us on a picturesque climb among fields of Climb aboard the Columbia Gorge Express Volcano Ridge with viticulturist, soil scientist balsamroot, lupine and other blooming flowers bus to this classic hike on the reopened and geologist Alan Busacca. We’ll discuss to stunning views of Mt. Adams, Swale Canyon loop trail. Leader Billie Anger will guide us sustainable farming and learn unique eastern and the Klickitat River Valley. at a comfortable pace past seven cascading Gorge geology on hillsides abloom with waterfalls and newly opened viewpoints. wildflowers.$20 for tour, tasting flight, snacks. Friday, May 10 Crawford Oaks Wildflowers, WA Thursday, May 16 Sunday, May 5 Strenuous: 8-9 miles | 1,300-ft elev. gain Cape Horn Upper Trail Wildflowers, WA Stacker Butte Wildflowers, WA Join leader Kristin Price on the meandering Moderate: 5 miles | 1,000-ft elev. gain Strenuous: 6.4 miles | 1,150-ft elev. gain Crawford Oaks loop trail to Dalles Mountain Join leader Karl Kratzer for a scenic out-and- Join leaders Christoph Stauder and Dave Ranch during peak wildflower blooms. We’ll back hike on the Cape Horn Upper trail to Crout at Columbia Hills Natural Area Preserve, take in scenic views, look for wildlife and listen panoramic views from the Nancy Russell ascending a wide service road adjacent to for meadowlarks. Overlook during peak delphinium bloom. fields of blooming lupine and balsamroot for a summit view of Swale Canyon and the Forest Disturbances & Fire Ecology, OR Friday, May 17 Columbia River. Easy: 3-4 miles | some elev. gain Cascade Locks to Bonneville Dam U.S. Forest Service Biological Science Technician Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge, WA Kayak Tour, OR Kate Santini will lead us on the Herman Creek Experienced Paddlers Only | 5 miles Easy: 3 miles | 100-ft elev. gain trail to view the 2017 Eagle Creek fire’s mosaic Naturalist Ralph Thomas Rogers will lead us Field Rep. Peter Cornelison will be our guide burn patterns and to learn how fire affects on the Columbia River from Cascade Locks on a slow-paced walk on the Willard Springs forest ecology. trail to learn about the natural ecology and to Bonneville Dam. We’ll pass by several management of the Conboy Lake NWR, historical sites and Native American in-lieu Saturday, May 11 fishing camps along the way. identifying many species of flora and fauna Forest Disturbances & as we go. Fire Ecology, OR Dog Mountain Wildflowers, WA Easy: 3-4 miles | some elev. gain Strenuous: 7 miles | 2,820-ft elev. gain Members-only registration begins Feb. 25. U.S. Forest Service Biological Science Technician Marvel at the wildflower showstopper General registration begins March 1. Kate Santini will lead us on the Herman Creek of yellow balsamroot, purple lupine, red trail to view the 2017 Eagle Creek fire’s mosaic Register at gorgefriends.org/hikes. paintbrush and more while enjoying burn patterns and to learn how fire affects breathtaking views of the Gorge with leader forest ecology. Sharon Ross on this challenging, steep trail. 12 Saturday, May 18 Friday, June 7 Petroglyphs Tour & June Mayer State Park to Mosier Dancing Rock Walk, WA Saturday, June 1 Kayak Tour, OR Easy: 2-3 miles total | little elev. gain Little Huckleberry Mtn., WA Experienced Paddlers Only | 7 miles Columbia Hills Historical State Park tour guide Mod./Strenuous: 5.2 miles | 1,750-ft elev. gain Field Rep. Peter Cornelison will lead us seven Jim Chase will lead us to ancient rock images, Join hike leader Jim Chase on a well-groomed miles down the Columbia River from Mayer including She Who Watches. Afterward, we’ll trail to the summit of this often-overlooked State Park to Mosier, passing Memaloose discover terrain shaped by the ice age floods peak. Views from the top include several Island along the way. and abundant wildflowers at the nearby Cascade volcanoes and the expansive Big Lava Dancing Rock preserve. Bed valley below. Saturday, June 8 Herman Creek to Sunday, May 19 Get Outdoors Day at Mosier Plateau, OR Benson Plateau, OR Wildflowers at Cape Horn Easy: 3.5 miles | 600-ft elev. gain Expert: 12.6 miles | 3,800-ft elev. gain Upper Trail, WA Celebrate National Get Outdoors Day with Hike a section of the Pacific Crest Trail Moderate: 5 miles | 1,000-ft elev. gain a walk on Friends’ Mosier Plateau land trust with Executive Director Kevin Gorman and Hike among plentiful spring wildflowers with preserve with Land Trust Director Dan Bell. leader Paul Freeman to discover up close board members Patty Mizutani and Lisa Platt the mosaic burn patterns from the 2017 and leader Richard Rosenhaft while learning HCRH State Trail Hike & Bike, OR Eagle Creek fire and identify late-blooming about our new land trust preserve acquired Moderate hike: 1.1 miles | 1,040-ft elev. gain wildflowers. through Preserve the Wonder. Easy bike: 10 miles | 480-ft elev. gain Join leader Steve Carples for a dual-sport Sunday, June 9 Friday, May 24 adventure filled with wildflowers and Bell Creek Ecology via

Falls Creek & Panther Creek Falls, WA magnificent views, starting with a short but Larch Mountain, OR Easy/Mod.: 3.7 miles | 700-ft elev. gain steep hike up Mitchell Point before a paved ride Moderate: 5-6 miles | 1,000-ft elev. gain Leader Jane Garbisch-Myers will lead us on through and beyond Mosier Twin Tunnels. Learn about the unique ecosystem that a gentle ascent next to a cascading creek to defines an ancient forest along the Bell Creek discover magnificent, multitiered Falls Creek Sunday, June 2 trail, passing through one of the best stands Falls, followed by hanging gardens and the Bridal Veil Falls Nature Exploration, OR of old-growth firs in the Gorge with naturalist moss-coated beauty of Panther Creek Falls. Easy: 1.2 miles | 70-ft elev. gain Ralph Thomas Rogers. Access to this trail Bring the whole family to explore the falls, depends on reopening of fire-closure area. Multnomah to Wahkeena Falls Loop, OR Pillars of Hercules basalt towers and abundant Moderate: 4.8 miles | 1,540-ft elev. gain native plants. Interactive trail packets from Saturday, June 15 Outreach Manager Maegan Jossy and Super Nature Adventures make learning more Dry Creek Falls, OR Trailkeepers of Oregon’s (TKO’s) Gorge trails fun. $20/packet. Easy/Mod.: 4.4 miles | 700-ft elev. gain intern Josh Durham will highlight TKO’s Board vice chair Debbie Asakawa will lead restoration work on this popular trail prior to Wednesday, June 5 us on a section of the PCT to this often- its reopening, and we’ll discover up close the Falls Creek Falls, WA overlooked, secluded waterfall. Afterward, recovering forest. Easy: 3.4 miles | 650-ft elev. gain we’ll stop by an eatery in Cascade Locks for Enjoy a creek-side walk with leader Steve lunch (optional). Saturday, May 25 Carples through old-growth forest to the HCRH State Trail to Rowena Crest spectacular falls, allowing time to appreciate Tuesday, June 18 Bike Ride, OR the sights, sounds and smells of the forest. Multnomah Falls to Leashed dogs are welcome. Experienced cyclists only: 24 miles | 1,600-ft elev. gain Larch Mountain, OR Expert: 14.3 miles | 4,000-ft elev. gain Enjoy a ride on the Historic Columbia River Thursday, June 6 Hwy State Trail with leader Dave Crout, through Ascend the trail behind Multnomah Falls to Mosier Twin Tunnels all the way up to the Beacon Rock Geology Ramble, WA view the effects of the 2017 Eagle Creek fire Rowena Crest viewpoint for panoramic views Moderate: 3.5 miles | 850-ft elev. gain with leader Paul Freeman, passing through before our return. Geology enthusiast Jim Chase will share an ice areas of intact forest to reach a 360 degree age floods presentation before taking us on a view from Sherrard Point before our descent. Thursday, May 30 historical hike up to the top of Beacon Rock to view Gorge Geology and how the floods carved the Gorge’s landscape. Thursday, June 20 Grassy Knoll Wildflowers, WA Ice Age Floods Tour, OR & WA Friday, June 7 Strenuous: 7.9 miles | 1,950-ft elev. gain Easy: Driving tour with short walks Leader Jim Chase will be our guide on a Herman Creek Loop to Follow naturalist Ralph Thomas Rogers along driving tour on both sides of the Columbia Indian Point, OR a ridge carpeted with diverse wildflowers River, stopping for short hikes that highlight Strenuous: 8 miles | 2,600-ft elev. gain through lush forest to an icy spring, making the Gorge’s unique geology and ice age Hike with leader Sharon Ross to view how the frequent stops to identify flowering plants floods remnants. $40 for lunch, chartered Herman Creek area is recovering from the and birds as opportunities arise. transportation. 2017 Eagle Creek fire while enjoying wildflower meadows and newly opened viewpoints. 13 Friday, June 21 s Hike & Stitch on the PCT, WA Moderate: 5.4 miles | 648-ft elev. gain Join Outdoor Programs Coordinator Kate Lindberg and designer-illustrator Amy Frazer on the first day of summer to Gillette Lake for a unique hike-craft opportunity inspired by the area’s natural beauty. $30 for supplies, embroidery kit.

Sunday, June 23 39th Annual Summer Picnic in Paradise Thunder Island | Cascade Locks, OR gorgefriends.org/picnic

Thursday, June 27 Larch Mountain Crater Loop, OR Stewardship Volunteer Opportunities Moderate: 6 miles | 1,100-ft elev. gain Lend a hand this season to remove invasive plants throughout the Gorge, Enjoy alpine wildflowers lining one of the highest or join an educational weed identification walk. Work parties are led by trails in the Gorge. We’ll hike through enchanted old-growth forest with leader Sharon Ross to stewardship coordinators Mika Barrett and Sara Woods and are held on breathtaking views from Sherrard Point of five public lands and Friends’ land trust preserves. Work parties are generally major volcanic peaks. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; no experience is necessary, and tools are provided. Receive a Friends custom T-shirt when you volunteer at three or more.

July Below are just some of the work parties scheduled for this spring and Friday, July 12 summer. Additional volunteer opportunities are continually being added. Details and registration at gorgefriends.org/stewardship. Multnomah Falls to Devil’s Rest, OR Strenuous: 7 miles | 2,400-ft elev. gain European Houndstongue Removal Weed Identification Walks Follow board vice chair Debbie Asakawa on the at Balfour-Klickitat, WA Wednesday, April 17 & steep ascent from Multnomah Falls Lodge to Thursday, March 21 Thursday, June 13 Devil’s Rest. We’ll hike through areas recovering Enjoy expansive views of the Gorge Join Friends and Gorge-area weed from the 2017 Eagle Creek fire, passing several from the Balfour-Klickitat loop trail while managers on a weed identification walk waterfalls and newly opened viewpoints. removing European houndstongue. Join to learn how to identify, report and us to be a part of this multiyear effort. effectively remove invasive plants. Saturday, July 13 Hike & Stitch at Starvation Creek, OR Teasel Removals at Herb Robert Removals at Moderate: 2.5 miles | 700-ft elev. gain Mosier Plateau, OR Angel’s Rest, OR Join designer-illustrator Amy Frazer for a unique Thursday, March 28 & Thursday, April 18 & hike-craft opportunity inspired by the area’s Wednesday, July 10 Thursday, April 25 natural beauty. $30 for supplies, embroidery kit. We’ve been working at this teasel patch Remove invasive plant herb Robert Sunday, July 21 for years, and with your help we’ve really on this beloved Gorge trail that was begun to see improvement. Join the effort affected by the 2017 Eagle Creek fire. jfolaw.com White Salmonjfol aRiverw.com Rafting, WA to pull these invasive weeds at our Mosier This full-day Wild & Scenic White Salmon River Plateau preserve. Yellow Starthistle Pulls at raft trip guided by Wet Planet takes us through Lyle Cherry Orchard, WA the canyons formed by former Northwestern Scotch Broom Removals at Saturday, June 15 & Lake and the historical site of Condit Dam. Turtle Haven Preserve, WA Thursday, June 27 $135 for lunch, gear. Thursday, April 11 & Yellow starthistle blooms around OUR PROGRAM IS SPONSORED BY Saturday, April 13 the summer solstice (hence its Latin Help remove scotch broom that is name, Centaurea solstitialis), which is encroaching on endemic western pond turtle also the best time to pull this invasive habitat near Dog Mountain. By clearing out plant. Join us in hand-pulling this this plant, we are preserving the sandy bank weed at Friends’ Lyle Cherry Orchard Members-only registration begins Feb. 25. where turtles spawn each spring. land trust preserve. General registration begins March 1. Register at gorgefriends.org/hikes. St. Cloud invasive plant removal volunteers display their results. Photo: Friends archives

14 Give Weeds the Boot! Erin Middlewood, Guest Author, erinmiddlewood.com

Photo: Aimee Wade e know you would never want to do anything to hurt the Columbia Gorge. Yet you Wmay unwittingly infect your favorite spots if you’re not brushing off your shoes before you set foot on the trails. Inconspicuous seeds from aggressive weeds cling to hiking boots. These invaders grow vigorously and squeeze out native plants and inhibit ecological diversity. That spells trouble for wildlife, which eat the native plants, and for the beauty of the Gorge as we know it. It’s a particular risk in the areas that still are recovering from the 2017 Eagle Creek fire. Because these plants are invasive and don’t naturally occur here, they don’t have any predators that eat them and keep them at different times so pollinators have in check, said Emily Stevenson, program something to eat throughout the season, coordinator for Skamania County’s noxious and fruit for birds and insects.” weed program. The weeds then produce Shiny geranium, for example, tops many seeds that spread and crowd out Stevenson’s list of targets right now. It native plants. grows in both sun and shade, and can “They take over an area, forming produce multiple generations per season. a monoculture,” Stevenson said. “We You may well have seen the low-growing, want diversity, with flowers blooming small, five-petal, pink flowers of shiny Invasive shiny geranium. Photo: Courtesy of Wikimedia geranium in your yard. Shiny geranium Hikers of all ages can use boot brushes. is common in Portland and its suburbs. It may seem hard to believe that Photo: Maegan Jossy A single plant can produce hundreds of the simple act of brushing off the seeds that eject 20 feet. Yep, you read bottom of your boot can be so crucial that right. The plant is so determined to for the Gorge’s ecological diversity. But reproduce that it shoots out seeds that Stevenson, the noxious weed program travel the equivalent of two stories, and coordinator, has no doubt. that’s without the help of wind. When you “Boot-brushing can really make a head out for a hike in the Gorge, you may difference,” she said. be giving these hitchhikers a lift without For more information, please visit even knowing. gorgefriends.org/landstewardship. That’s where boot brushes come in. ______Perhaps you’ve seen them at trailheads. Erin Middlewood lives in Vancouver, They’re not just for cleaning dirt off your Washington, and enjoys exploring the shoes before you get in the car after your Columbia River Gorge with her husband and hike – although you should do that, too, so two sons. She’s especially fond of the Nancy you don’t bring home any weeds. But the boot Russell Overlook at Cape Horn. Follow her brushes are also there so you can brush off any at erinmiddlewood.com or @emiddlewood seeds you may have brought with you. on Twitter.

15 Five Tips for Hiking in the Burned Area

Hikers on the Multnomah-Wahkeena Falls trail. Maegan Jossy, Outreach Manager, [email protected] Photo: Debbie Asakawa

ver Thanksgiving weekend, more than a year since the 2017 Eagle Creek fire started, public access was restored to some of the Columbia Gorge’s most Obeloved and popular trails, coinciding with the reopening of the Historic IMPORTANT Columbia River Highway in the Waterfall Alley. Newly opened trails include Angels Rest, HIKING Wahkeena Falls, Angel’s Rest to Devil’s Rest, Multnomah-Wahkeena Falls loop, and RESOURCES Horsetail Falls to Ponytail Falls. View burned area As spring approaches and the days grow longer, wildflowers bloom and songbirds and trailhead map at fill the early morning silence, but the weather can be unpredictable. Be sure to consider gorgefriends.org/trails. these five safety tips anytime you hike, and especially in the burned area. Remember the 10+ In inclement weather, don’t hike in When hiking on trails in the Essentials. Check the burned area, especially during burned area, remember to look 1. 3. gorgefriends.org/ strong winds or during and after heavy up, down, and around to assess the 10essentials. rainstorms. Those conditions increase condition of hazard trees and snags. the risks of falling trees, landslides, and Before leaving home, Stay on the trail and clean your debris flows in the burned area because get Ready, Set, GOrge at boots before and after you hike. the soil is less stable, with less vegetation 4. readysetgorge.com. Sensitive areas due to the burn need to hold it in place. time to heal and revegetate. Hikers and HIKE WITH Less experienced hikers should their dogs are a common vector for FRIENDS 2. consider alternatives to hiking in spreading invasive seeds. the burned areas in nasty weather, and Join us on a hike this spring Report what you find all hikers with dogs or small children in the burned area to learn back to Friends! We need should consider safer options. There 5. about how the forest is everyone to be our eyes and are plenty of other wonderful places bouncing back ears. To join us for a stewardship to hike; check our trails database at (see insert page 9). gorgefriends.org/trails. work party, see page 14.

16 Making Her Mark on the Gorge

Pam Davee, Director of Philanthropy, [email protected]

hen Karey Reid moved to the Pacific Northwest The Columbia River Gorge is an indescribably precious ten years ago, she quickly natural wonder, and it’s right here where we live! We are the Wrealized that she was living near one of people who know it personally, so we must be the ones who the unheralded wonders of the world – the Columbia River Gorge. take responsibility for protecting it — its pristine wildness, Karey still remembers her first its beauty and balance, and its ability to nourish our spirit by hike with Friends of the Columbia simply existing. Gorge, and how Friends Executive For me, it is a privilege to contribute financially to Friends Director Kevin Gorman spoke on the of the Columbia Gorge, because their leadership has long hike about acquiring property for Gorge proven itself in influencing the wise management of this Towns to Trails. She was impressed by the spectacular geological treasure. Photo: Courtesy of Karey Reid concept and its potential to integrate — Karey Reid conservation, recreation, and community vitality. Karey joined Friends as a turn the public’s despair into hope for the of the environment. She hopes more and member shortly after that hike. future by putting the devastating fire into a more people will recognize the important Preserving the Gorge for future larger historical and ecological context. work that Friends does, and will join her in generations of people and wildlife is a key That fall, Karey decided to include leaving a legacy that is good for people, for priority for Karey, as it is for most Friends Friends in her estate plans as a way of nature, and for the future. members. Following the 2017 Eagle Creek protecting the things that matter most to Thank you Karey, for protecting the fire, she observed how Friends helped her – the wonder of nature and the health Gorge for future generations! Welcome and Well Wishes Paige Unangst, Finance Director, [email protected]

ast October, Friends of the Columbia Gorge and by 15 was leading trainings for adults in camping, welcomed Development Manager Elizabeth outdoor survival, and Leave No Trace principles. L Brooke-Willbanks to our staff. In this new role, Elizabeth has a deep interest in the psychology of Elizabeth is responsible for supporting and growing giving and we are excited she has joined our team. philanthropic giving from our Photos: Friends of the Columbia Gorge In December, we said donors and from corporations goodbye to board and foundations. member Temple Elizabeth brings more Lentz, who has been than 26 years of experience a member of Friends’ in fundraising and nonprofit board since December management to Friends, 2015. We congratulate including more than a decade Temple on her election spent managing membership, to the Clark County volunteer, and camping Council and wish programs for the Girl Scouts. her well in this new She started camping at age eight endeavor. Elizabeth Brooke-Willbanks Temple Lentz

17 Special Gifts October 15, 2018 – January 21, 2019

IN HONOR In Honor of Dad In Honor of Kathleen Millett In Honor of Andrea, Andy, and Max Glass Mary Marchant Wren Seykora In Honor of Abbey and Eric Colleen Renier Emily Paccia In Honor of Pam Davee In Honor of Dana and Mike Mills Randa Cleaves Abramson and Norma and Arnold Zack In Honor of Wolfgang Siegel In Honor of Anonymous Jonathan Abramson Marianne and Stephen Gillmer Carl and Lisa Nelson In Honor of Stephen and In Honor of Leydana Dehlia Rebecca Moe In Honor of Don and Alona Steinke In Honor of Ariel and Alex Samantha Matthews Carol and Jon Lesch Shirley Troxel Sonia Sabnis In Honor of Wesley and Mirgan Dodd In Honor of Mosier Company Staff In Honor of Cordell Stiles In Honor of Debbie Asakawa Catherine Morgan and Matthew Dodd Lisa Hansen Holly Shev and Mark Lenetsky Amy Polo Carl Asakawa In Honor of Eagle Creek Trail In Honor of the Narver Family In Honor of Glen and Janet Stream Denise Kleim Constance Coleman Colin Narver Craig Nelson and Julie Stream Diane Koopman Elaine Smith In Honor of Gwen Farnham In Honor of Allison Narver and In Honor of Dick Thompson James Jarzabek and Teresa Meyer John and Priscilla Privat Jim Chesnutt Kristin and Dick Thompson Janet Liu John Narver Jayne and Shinya Ichikawa In Honor of Beth Flake and In Honor of William and Linda Trent Jill Mitchell David Michalek In Honor of Colin Narver Virginia Trent Laurie Turney Leslie Currens John Narver Marjory and Mark Morford In Honor of Jennifer Unruh Mark Bajorek and Susan Palmiter In Honor of Tim Gillespie In Honor of Greg Narver and Rachel Unruh Mary and Scott Grout Nathan Gillespie Priscilla Cypiot Nancy and Michael Phillips John Narver In Honor of Brett Wagoner Sharon Ross In Honor of Amy Glaiberman and Eric Wagoner Sheila Bunnell Tristan Juricek In Honor of Farin Nikdel Stephen Rallison and Sharon Stern Kristina Glaiberman Julie Gursha In Honor of Gregg Walker and Suzanne McNally Tabitha Sofge In Honor of Kevin Gorman In Honor of Kathy and John Omer Paul Walker In Honor of Debbie and Steve Asakawa Kathleen Karey Reid Martha McInnes Spencer Kieu In Honor of Charlie Webster In Honor of Kevin Gorman and In Honor of TIm Pacific Bill Lanfri In Honor of Leslie Allen Bancroft Michelle Kinsella Christy Carovillano and Tim Pacific Beverly Bancroft Justin Carroll and Keren Rosenblum In Honor of Dick and Pat Yecny In Honor of Pam and Loren Diane Candelario In Honor of Dylan C. Beard In Honor of Robert and Michele Jakubauskas Laurie and Thomas Beard Hattie Lien Gregg In Honor of Jon Zonana Phillip Gregg In Honor of Lila Ivy Patton Betty and Jacob Reiss In Honor of Stephen E. Blackman Kelly R. Patton Janet Metzger In Honor of Marie Hall Barbara and Scott McArthur In Honor of Ellen and Walt Peck IN MEMORY In Honor of Elizabeth Brooke-Willbanks Dr. Barb Wayson and Dr. Mike Wyman Minda and Bob Seibert In Honor of Debbie Hess In Memory of John and Sarah Anderson Margaret Ullman-Hess In Honor of Ryan Phelps Peggy Anderson In Honor of Heather Brunelle Benjamin Kinder and Julie Aguiar Taber Shears In Honor of David and Apricot Irving In Memory of Baloo Michael Irving In Honor of Megan Pingree Cameron Bennetts and Chuck Bronaugh In Honor of Carol and Charles Brunner Lucile Gatchell Miyoko Brunner In Honor of Andrew Jossi Jane Maradyn Kathleen Conners In Honor of Diane Budden In Honor of Norma Reich Jade Budden In Honor of Art and Sonja Kohanek Sacha Reich Dana Snyder In Honor of Maria Ceniceros In Honor of Bettie and Randy Riall Judy McNally In Honor of Louise Fallon Laird Melanie and Eric Zumdieck Joanna Laird In Honor of Kyle Cleys In Honor of Sharon Ross Kyle Cleys and Jeanne Ramsten In Honor of Michael Lang Lynn Detrick Marna Moore Robert Detrick In Honor of Peter Cornelison Gigi Pomerantz In Honor of Richard Law Jr. In Honor of Zöe Ross Lisa Nash Desiree Khatchadourian In Honor of Corps of Discovery Janice Walters In Honor of Robert W. and In Honor of the Rubinrott Family Patricia Lawrence Lori and William Ritter In Honor of Annie Costello Richard Lawrence Karen and Malcolm Costello In Honor of Lynda Sacamano In Honor of C. Jon Lesch Joseph and Lynda Sacamano In Honor of Laura Cray and Lynda and Roger Decker Lisa K. Anderson In Honor of Jordan Schnitzer Jack and Jackie Cray In Honor of Lee Mahoney Pendleton Woolen Mills Ashleigh Mahoney In Honor of Paul Scrugham In Honor of Mark and Dawn Miller Karl Schulz Douglas Miller 18 In Memory of Mike Bernazzani In Memory of Dave and In Memory of Gordon and In Memory of Ruth and Howie Smith Suzanne Strausz Margaret Holmes Barbara Miller Barbara Smith Nancy Milliron Dawn Daniels and Mark Miller In Memory of Broughton H. Bishop Sr. In Memory of Stan Kelley and Broughton Bishop In Memory of Lee Jenkins In Memory of John Morris Dorrie Tomayko Linda Kremin Jim and Mary Chase In Memory of Ruth Blackburn In Memory of Janice Staver HRVHS Class of ‘73 In Memory of Patricia Jensen In Memory of Clarence Muirhead Jennifer Hohenlohe Hood River Supply Jeff and Robin Jensen Bruce Muirhead and Larry and Cheryl Madsen Denise Pare-Muirhead In Memory of Richard L. Stratton Molly Montgomery In Memory of Rhoda Jensen Jim Stratton Peter Jensen In Memory of Jonah Newman In Memory of Gloria Ann Boore Michael Christianson and Liz Hart In Memory of Edward Sullivan Jennifer Rauch In Memory of Patricia L. Johnson Marcia Justman Michael Davidson and Patricia Johnson In Memory of Edward Nivert In Memory of Barbara Connelly Bruch Jennifer Messinger In Memory of Barbara Jane Tyler (Wood) Bruce Connelly In Memory of Piper Jones Carol and Scott Schaeffer Rick and Michelle Petersen In Memory of Antoinette Morris Orr In Memory of Marilynn Burke Emilie Brooks In Memory of Audrey Underdahl Pat Scheans In Memory of Marion Jenks and Beverly Spenst Kay Kennedy In Memory of Sally Pangborn Mary Bishop In Memory of Byron Frances Lynch Christina Svarverud Andrea Lara In Memory of Diana K. Unterspan In Memory of Minnie Mae Kern In Memory of Jacqueline and James Unterspan In Memory of Carver Zachary Edmonson Quentin Pickering Genevieve Long Karen Pickering In Memory of Regina Darelius Villaumee In Memory of Mac Jones Joanna Laird In Memory of Clyde Molly Finch Jones In Memory of Michael Pompilio Karen Matz Jenny Pompilio In Memory of Ed and Mary Vranizan In Memory of Jim Lambert Ed Vranizan Jr. In Memory of Ronald Cummings William and William Fowlie In Memory of Joel Price Ronald and Victoria Cummings Amy Nelson and Haley Goudreau In Memory of Michael Wells In Memory of David Lifton Diana and Tom Bland Julie Lawrence In Memory of Michael Dale David Feinberg Kenneth Willner Donna Gilroy In Memory of John “Jack” Wills In Memory of Marsha and In Memory of Mary M. Rasmussen Jean Miley In Memory of Bill and Sadie Duerden Ernie Livingstone Georgena Hanning Penny Hammac Barbara Duerden Sarah Livingstone Sharon Rogers In Memory of Dr. John Reynolds In Memory of Chris Elfring In Memory of Kyle Macko Cynthia Barrett and Karen Johnson In Memory of Dean Wilson Kari Hallenburg Peggy Macko Amber Wilson and Holly Pruett In Memory of Captain Dale Russell In Memory of Patricia Fogoros In Memory of Eleanor Mailman Nicole Aue In Memory of Matthew Winthrop Aimee Fogoros Deborah Samuels Amy Winthrop In Memory of Nancy Russell Anne Charnholm In Memory of Frances and Wesley In Memory of Hannah May Edmund Frank and Eustacia Su Anne and Kevin Winthrop Valerie Anderson Patricia Toccalino Carlos and Vickie Simpson In Memory of Jack and Beverly Shapiro John La Vallee In Memory of Almira Gantka In Memory of Art Shapiro Loring and Margaret Winthrop Jenni and Shawn Harper Dr. Edward “Ed” McAninch Laura Martini Clark County Medical Society In Memory of Michael F. Sheehan, Tom Nelson and Peggie Schwarz In Memory of Senator Mark Hatfield Don Parson, and Serenity the Antoinette Hatfield In Memory of Anne W. Willer Compassionate Cat In Memory of Marjorie Wolfe Margaret Willer Deborah Redman and Don Whittemore Margaret Gunn and Kirke Wolfe

View from Dog Mountain. Photo: Josh McKenney

19 Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage PAID Portland, OR Permit No. 2623

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

gorgefriends.org/subscribe @gorgefriends

Before Leaving Home, get Ready, Set, GOrge!

The days are getting longer, wildflowers are blooming, and songbirds have filled the early morning silence. As you plan your spring adventures in the Gorge, first be sure to stop at ReadySetGorge.com, where you’ll find tips to plan your hike (Ready), check trail and weather conditions (Set), and ways to help protect the Gorge so that future generations can enjoy it, too (GOrge!).

readysetgorge.com Catherine Creek. Photo: Treena Garland