Beaver State

Beavers are a keystone species. They create wetlands that support a rich diversity of life. Many animals and insects benefit from the efforts of beavers, including salmon, frogs, turtles, birds, otter, deer, elk, and dragonflies. Oregon is the beaver state. It is the only state with a two-sided flag, and one side is dedicated to… Continue reading Beaver State

Mildred Kanipe

Mildred Kanipe lived life on her own terms. She was born on the family ranch in Oakland, Oregon, September 30th, 1907. She lived in the same house until shortly before her death in 1983.  The family house did not change much from her childhood. It never had an indoor bathroom. At some point electricity was… Continue reading Mildred Kanipe

Myrtlewood

At a low point during the Great Depression, banks closed. When that happened, people got creative with money. North Bend, Oregon, got really creative. In 1933, they made a tree into wooden coins to use for money. Specifically, they made $1, $2, $5, $10 wooden coins out of myrtlewood.  Other towns were more traditional and… Continue reading Myrtlewood

Madrone

Touch the bark of a madrone tree sometime. Put your whole hand on it, skin to skin. The tree’s covering is a blend of copper and green. The copper peels, the green stays. If you are in the United States, it’s called madrone, possibly madrona. If you are in Canada, it goes by Arbutus. In… Continue reading Madrone

Mt. Baldy (Ridgeline trail)

Standing around in 38-degree weather is a little painful but it’s worth it to learn stuff about nature while on a guided Eugene First Saturday Park Walk. Things learned on the group hike: 1. It is unnaturally difficult to control nature. 2. Staying on trails is environmentally respectful. 3. Vote to fund parks and public… Continue reading Mt. Baldy (Ridgeline trail)

Newport

This is between Toledo and Newport. It is quiet here. Oysters lived here, native to this place, many decades ago. They become hugely popular, even shipped to San Francisco. They don’t live here anymore, they were all eaten. The Yaquina tribe also doesn’t live here anymore. 80% died from smallpox. The remaining survivors faced other… Continue reading Newport