Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council

2025 Annual Watershed Celebration
2025-05-15 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Dorris Ranch, 205 Dorris St, Springfield, OR, 97477
Please join us for an opportunity to celebrate all the work we have done this year, recognize the funders who support us and all the volunteers who make our education program possible. Our goal this year is to raise unrestricted funds for our restoration projects, which allow us to have flexible funding to use where it’s most needed throughout project planning and implementation. Please help us raise funds by participating in the silent auction!

Bring yourself, your kids, and your significant others, but please leave your pets at home.

RSVP HERE

This event is made possible by generous support from important community partners.
Confluence Sponsor: Café Mam
Tributary Sponsor: Weyerhaeuser
Headwaters Sponsors: Oregon Water Shed, Forrest Paint Co., Fall Creek Farm and Nursery Inc., Giustina Land and Timber, Caddis Fly Angling Shop, Lane Forest Products.

Westfir Confluence Park fall planting day #2
2024-11-20 10:00 - 14:00 | Westfir City Confluence Park, https://maps.app.goo.gl/PGRtKSTwUGKRp9KQ9
The City of Westfir and the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council invite you to join us in restoration at the Westfir Confluence Park located at the confluence between the North Fork of the Middle Fork Willamette and Middle Fork Willamette Rivers.
On November 7th and November 20th from 10-2 we will be removing invasive species and planting native plants as a part of ongoing habitat restoration. Please register here by the registration dates (11/4 for the 11/7 date, and 11/15 for the 11/20 date).
Water and light snacks will be provided, but please bring a water bottle, a lunch, appropriate clothes for inclement weather and anything else you may need. All ages are welcome, and we encourage biking or carpooling as parking at the site is limited.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Westfir Confluence Park fall planting day #1
2024-11-07 10:00 - 14:00 | Westfir City Confluence Park, https://maps.app.goo.gl/PGRtKSTwUGKRp9KQ9

Salmon Watch Volunteer Training Field Module
2024-09-21 10:00 - 13:00 | OR
**EVENT REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED**

All new volunteers are required to complete one of the Salmon Watch Trainings being hosted on August 16th or September 21st. You may attend both if you would like to, but you are only required to complete one.
As a Salmon Watch Volunteer you will: Cultivate environmental stewardship within students, help students experience the ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest and teach students about beauty of the salmon lifecycle.

This training on September 21, 10am – 1pm will be meeting at Carmen Smith Reservoir, if you need to carpool please let us know in the google form below.
**During this training, you will be a part of a mock Salmon Watch Outing as a student and witness salmon spawning streamside. Please bring anything you would need to be comfortable for two hours in the woods.

Salmon Watch Volunteer Training
2024-08-16 15:00 - 17:00 | OR
All new volunteers are required to complete one of the Salmon Watch Trainings being hosted on August 16th or September 21st. You may attend both if you would like to, but you are only required to complete one.
As a Salmon Watch Volunteer you will: Cultivate environmental stewardship within students, help students experience the ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest and teach students about beauty of the salmon lifecycle.

This training on August 16th will be at the McKenzie Watershed Council office at 175 W B St, Springfield, OR 97477.

Please register using this google form so we know you will be attending.

Westfir Confluence Stewardship Pint & Pull
2024-08-09 09:00 - 13:00 | Westfir City Confluence Park, https://maps.app.goo.gl/PGRtKSTwUGKRp9KQ9
The City of Westfir and the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council invite you to join us in restoration at the Westfir Confluence Park located at the confluence between the North Fork of the Middle Fork Willamette and Middle Fork Willamette Rivers.
On August 9th from 9am – 1 pm we will be removing invasive plant species to maintain native plantings as part of ongoing riparian restoration. Please register here for the event by August 2nd.
Water and light snacks will be provided, but please bring a water bottle and anything else you may need to be comfortable in the heat. All ages are welcome, and we encourage biking or carpooling as parking at the site is limited. At the end of the day, you are welcome to join us at Westfir Lodge for lunch and beverages. We look forward seeing you there!

2024 Annual Watershed Celebration
2024-05-09 17:00 - 20:00 | Dorris Ranch, 205 Dorris St, Springfield, OR, 97477
Focused on fun and connection, this event gathers our community for an outdoor celebration with music, food, drinks, and great conversation. Please join us for tacos from Rene Taco Catering, hand-crafted beer from Plank Town Brewing Co! We’ll be celebrating with lawn games, silent auction items from local artists and partners, and live music from Americana , R& B band “In the Alley!”
This is an opportunity to celebrate all the work we have done this year, recognize the funders who support us and all the volunteers who make our education program possible. Our goal this year is to raise unrestricted funds for our restoration projects, which allow us to have flexible funding to use where it’s most needed throughout project planning and implementation. Please help us raise funds by participating in the silent auction! Click here for full event details!
We will be celebrating with:

FOOD! Including delicious Taco Catering , Sponsored by Forrest Paint Co
A reusable Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council Pint glass to refill with drinks from Plank Town Brewing, and additional non-alcoholic beverages, Sponsored by Oregon Water Shed!
Live music with local band “In the Alley,” who graciously donated their time
An incredible spread of silent auction items from local vendors and artists, as well as some travel outing packages!
Short update on our work in the watershed and all we have accomplished this last year
Lawn games and a kids corner with our stream table and other fun activities

Bring yourself, your kids, and your significant others, but please leave your pets at home.
A huge thanks to our title sponsor, Cafe Mam, and all our event sponsors Weyerhaeuser, Forrest Paint Company, Oregon Water Shed, and The Caddis Fly Shop!
Questions? Call or email us! 458-215-8200 or dov@middleforkwillamette.org
We can’t wait to see you!
RSVP HERE

Lane County City Nature Challenge
2024-04-27 10:00 - 14:00 | Westfir City Confluence Park, https://maps.app.goo.gl/PGRtKSTwUGKRp9KQ9

Westfir Confluence Park Community Restoration
2024-04-06 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-03-26 10:00 - 14:00 | Westfir City Confluence Park, https://maps.app.goo.gl/PGRtKSTwUGKRp9KQ9

Pint Night!
2023-11-28 17:00 - 19:00 | Falling Sky Brewpub, 1334 Oak Alley, Eugene, OR, 97401, United States
The Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council is participating in GivingTuesday! A global movement unleashing the power of radical generosity, GivingTuesday encourages people to do good by giving. Our staff encourages you to embrace generosity on Tuesday November 28, 2023, to support our mission for a healthy Middle Fork Willamette Watershed through environmental education and habitat restoration for the entire community to enjoy.
Your donation on GivingTuesday will go towards one of our floodplain restoration projects at Elijah Bristow State Park. Elijah Bristow State Park is a unique and wonderful place, and because of this we are embarking on an inclusive method of planning for this restoration project that prioritizes community input throughout the planning process. Our restoration goals at Elijah Bristow State Park include reconnecting the floodplain and letting it meander, spread out, and create new pathways over 4.4 river miles.
In addition to our restoration specific goals, restoration at Elijah Bristow State Park will also support youth education programs. The park is frequently used as an outdoor classroom by our Regional Education Team, who has hosted over 31 field trips there since 2021. Field trips consist of Salmon Watch, Habitat Surveys (WELL Program), Lane Migrant Education Forest Fridays Camp, high school field trips, Middle School Restoration Program and student stewardship.
Elijah Bristow State Park is widely enjoyed by a variety of users, and we have been and will continue working with community members, partners, and park users to create the plan for restoration. Capacity to build these partnerships and facilitate project management will be made possible by your donation on Giving Tuesday, November 28th.
There will be opportunities throughout the day to donate to our work, finishing off with a fun evening at Falling Sky Brewpub where $1 of each beer sold is being donated to the Council.
Our staff hopes to see you there, and stay tuned for more updates on our campaign!

Annual Watershed Celebration
2023-05-11 17:00 - 20:00 | White Oak Pavilion, Mount Pisgah, 34901 Frank Parrish Rd, Eugene, OR, 97405
Join us for delicious barbecue and hand-crafted beer from Plank Town Brewing Co. We’ll be celebrating our great Middle Fork Willamette watershed community with lawn games, a raffle with artwork and prizes from local artists and partners, and live music from wry-witted folk singer Cuchulain! Click here for full event details!
We will be celebrating with:

Free food! Including delicious BBQ, drinks from Plank Town Brewing, and additional non-alcoholic beverages
Live music with local musician Cuchulain, sponsored by Forrest Paint
Short update on our work in the watershed and all we have accomplished this last year
Lawn games and a kids corner with our stream table and other fun activities

Enter to win one of our amazing raffle prizes including a gift basket from Tea or watershed art from several local artists!
Bring yourself, your kids, and your significant others, but please leave your pets at home.
A huge thanks to our title sponsor, Mountain Rose Herbs, and all our event sponsors Weyerhaeuser, Forrest Paint Company, and The Caddis Fly Shop!
Questions? Call or email us! 458-215-8200 or dov@middleforkwillamette.org
We can’t wait to see you!
RSVP HERE

Oakshire Inspires
2022-08-03 11:00 - 22:00 | Oakshire Public House, 207 Madison St, Eugene, OR, 97402
On Wednesday, August 3rd Oakshire Brewing will be donating $1 of every pint purchased to the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council! Visit the pub anytime between 11 am and 10 pm to take and advantage of the fundraiser and join Council staff from 5 pm till 7 pm for an evening of beer, music, and conversation at the Oakshire Public House in the Whitaker.
We will have live music by local musician Cuchulain (cuchulainkelly.com) from 5 pm-7 pm. So come listen to some tunes, support the watershed and chat with staff while we all support a local business dedicated to giving back to the waters that make its beer so delicious!

Education Volunteer Training
2022-06-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Elijah Bristow State Park, 38267 Wheeler Rd, Dexter, OR 97431, Dexter, OR, 97431
Are you interested in helping kids explore their watershed through field trips and outdoor schools? Join us for an informational training on Saturday, June 11th. Attending this training will help you decide if this volunteer role is right for you and provide basic training to allow you to assist our Youth Education Coordinator. We will introduce you to our field trip and outdoor school programs, familiarize you with the different roles available, and provide basic skills on specific lesson plans. While this training will provide a basic understanding of the volunteer role, additional specific training will be provided for individual volunteer opportunities. Snacks and drinks will be provided and accommodations can be made for anyone needing additional assistance. Registration is required and can be found via the registration link below. A successful background check is required to work with children and will be provided at the completion of this training. Please contact gale@middleforkwillamette.org with any questions or requests. We hope to see you there!
Register Now

Elijah Bristow State Park Scotch Broom Pull
2022-05-21 10:00 - 13:00 | Elijah Bristow State Park, 38267 Wheeler Rd, Dexter, OR 97431, Dexter, OR, 97431
Join us and Oregon State Parks for a day of volunteering, pulling Scotch broom along the confluence of Lost Creek and the Middle Fork Willamette River. Your work will help support previous watershed restoration done in this location and help reduce this noxious weed in the park.
This is part of the Oregon State Parks Centennial celebration and their 100 volunteer projects for 100 years! Celebrate Oregon State Parks Centennial and participate in the legacy of service that has sustained the state parks system for a century.
We will meet at the Lost Creek parking lot and hike about 1/2 mile on trail to the worksite. There will be a vehicle on-site if anyone isn’t able to hike in. All tools, gloves, and supplies will be provided. We ask that you wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and bring a water bottle. Families and children are encouraged to join, although we do ask that young children be accompanied by an adult.
We ask that you register for this event so we can have the appropriate number of tools and gloves for everyone joining.
Register Now

Releasing the Oak: Restoration at Thurston Hills Talk
2022-05-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Dorris Ranch, 205 Dorris St, Springfield, OR, 97477
Join us for our first live Fermenting Ideas talk in over two years! Our Restoration Projects Manager, Ka-Voka Jackson, will be joined by Natural Resource Planner at Willamalane Park and Recreation District, Fraser MacDonald at the Dorris Ranch Barn. They will talk about why oak restoration is needed at Thurston Hills Natural Area, our past project there, and our plans for upcoming restoration. At the end of the talk, we will take a short walk into Dorris Ranch to explore a past oak restoration site at the park. Our experts will be on hand to explain how restoration like this works in an active park and how the habitat has responded after the restoration. Registration is not required, but if you would like to sign up we will send you reminder emails and information.
Register Here

Spring For Your River - Clearwater Park Cleanup
2022-05-14 10:00 - 13:00 | Clearwater Park, 2400 Clearwater Lane, Springfield, OR, 97478
Join Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council, Willamalane Parks and Recreation District, and Willamette Riverkeeper to clean up along the Willamette River and the Middle Fork Trail at Clearwater Park. We will be walking on trails and through the park and in well-maintained areas. Families and children are encouraged to join along with an attending adult.

We will be meeting in the upper parking area near the Middle Fork Trail entry in Clearwater Park. Please be on time as we will disperse in teams to different areas after a welcome and safety briefing. Please dress for the weather and bring water, and sturdy closed-toe shoes. We will provide trash bags, gloves, and trash grabbers.
Register Here

Oakridge/Westfir Tree Planting Festival
2022-05-06 - 2022-05-08 | Oakridge
The Oakridge/Westfir Tree Planting Festival honors the connection between the prosperity of Oakridge and the life of the trees. In 1953 community leaders started an annual festival tradition that celebrates tree planting, and that festival continues today. There are events happening throughout the weekend across a wide variety of interests. Join the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council at the Banner Park Booths on Saturday, May 7th to experience our stream table and fun activities for kids and adults!
Find Out More

Thurston Hills City Nature Challenge Birding Tour
2022-04-27 17:30 - 19:30 | Thurston Hills Natural Area, 7575 Main St, Springfield, OR, 97478, United States
This year as part of the City Nature Challenge we are partnering with Willamalane Park and Recreation District to host a birding tour at Thurston Hills Natural Area. We will have experts on hand to help identify birds and teach you how to use eBird and iNaturalist. This tour will explore the new trails at the South entrance to Thurston Hills and highlight both past and future restoration projects undertaken by the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council and Willamalane as well as the birdlife found there.
We will be walking about two miles up and downhill on well-maintained trails as our guides share their insights on the birds found at the park, how restoration has affected the bird population there, and how community scientists (like yourself) can help further our understanding of birds at Thurston Hills.
Registration is required for all attendees as we are limiting the size of our group to allow for effective birding. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to gale@middleforkwillamette.org.
Register Here

Cornucopia Main Street Fundraiser
2022-03-29 | Cornucopia Main Street, 521 Main St, Springfield, OR, 97477
Craving delicious food? Want to help support our work? We are so honored to be partnering with Cornucopia on Main Street in Springfield to host a fundraiser going towards our programming. Visit Cornucopia Main Street on Tuesday, March 29th, show this flyer and 20% of your meal will go towards the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council. Just show the flyer linked here (either by phone or on paper) so they know you are eating with us. So simple, so delicious! A huge thanks to Cornucopia Main Street for their partnership – we are so lucky to have such amazing partners in the watershed! Want to get inspired before the 29th? Check out their Facebook (@cornucopiamainstreet) and Instagram (@cornucopia_main_street).

What Time Will Tell: Monitoring Over Time at Elijah Bristow State Park - Virtual Talk
2022-03-22 18:00 - 20:00 | OR
Ongoing monitoring is key to how we understand the habitats around us, it allows us to see change (both good and bad) and better understand how restoration might benefit an area. At Elijah Bristow State Park there has been significant research over many years that has helped experts understand how and where fish are utilizing the waterways in the park. Matthew Collver, Biologist with the Oregon Chub Monitoring Project, will join us to talk about this extensive research and what that tells us about fish populations there, including the very special Oregon chub.
Matthew Collver is a project biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Native Fish Investigations Program in the Oregon Chub Monitoring Project. He has worked for ODFW since 2013, filling a number of positions and gaining fisheries science experience throughout the state. He pursued this field of work because of his curiosity and love of all things outdoors. His professional interests include ecosystem ecology, fisheries management, and native fish conservation. His current position focuses on Oregon Chub research and recovery and allows him the opportunity to study and observe many other species using backwater and off-channel habitats in the Willamette River basin, including fish, amphibians, mammals, and aquatic vegetation. When not on the job he can often be found fishing, hunting, and recreating on the land and water he works to preserve and protect.
Registration is required for this event. A recording of the event, including closed captioning, will be shared with all those registered whether you attend or not. Please contact gale@middleforkwillamette.org with any questions.

Click Here to Register

Town Hall Meeting: The Future of Restoration at Elijah Bristow State park
2022-02-05 10:30 - 12:00 | Lowell State Recreation Area, 850 Shore Line Dr, Lowell, OR, 97452
Join us for a town hall meeting to learn more about habitat restoration at Elijah Bristow State Park and how you can get involved. Watershed council staff, State Park staff, and technical team experts will be available to answer questions about the planning process and will also share other opportunities to get more involved.
Light refreshments, warm drinks, and heaters will be available to make this event enjoyable for everyone. We are happy to work with folks to provide any additional accommodations for this event.
Please register here and send any additional questions or requests to contact@middleforkwillamette.org.

Eggs-to-Fry Fish Reselease
2021-12-10 13:00 - 14:30 | Clearwater Park, 2400 Clearwater Lane, Springfield, OR, 97478
Calling kids of all ages to help us release our Spring Chinook fry at Clearwater Park in Springfield! As part of the Eggs-to-Fry program we have been raising about 100 salmon in a tank at our office, and it’s now time to release them into the Middle Fork Willamette River. Join us anytime between 1:00 and 2:30pm at the Clearwater boat ramp to release a fry of your own. We will have all the tools you need to release them, but please wear boots or bring dry shoes as your feet may get a little wet making sure the fish are released where they need to be. Emma Garner, our Youth Education Coordinator, will be on hand to share info about the fish, their habitat, and what the rest of their journey will look like.

Wild and Scenic Film Festival
2021-11-16 | OR
A CELEBRATION OF OUR ENVIRONMENT!
For the third year in a row, we are joining with our partners at the Upper Willamette Stewardship Network to host the Wild and Scenic Film Festival. This festival tours the country inspiring environmental activism and a love for nature–through film. Each festival is unique, our selection of films were chosen by the Upper Willamette Stewardship Network to address issues important to our community. We will be holding a live virtual event again this year, so you can join us from the comfort of your living room. Your ticket purchase not only gets you “in” the night of the event, but you will also have access to the Wild and Scenic films for 5 days after!
We strive to inspire our community to enjoy and protect the wild and scenic places close to home. The stories give us a sense of place and help us to view the world through unique perspectives. Together we can learn what it means to be responsible stewards to the earth.
Tickets can be purchased at upperwillamette.org, we can’t wait to watch along with you!

Elijah Bristow Restoration Walking Tour
2021-10-26 16:00 - 17:30, 2021-10-23 10:30 - 12:00, 2021-09-28 17:00 - 18:30, 2021-09-25 10:30 - 12:00 | Elijah Bristow State Park, 38267 Wheeler Rd, Dexter, OR 97431, Dexter, OR, 97431
Join us and Oregon State Parks as we walk the River Trail and talk about the need for restoration at Elijah Bristow State Park. We will walk about a mile and a half and talk about human impacts on the park, where habitat is already healthy, and what restoration might look like on the ground. Our tour guides will be Ka-Voka Jackson, Restoration Projects Manager at the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council, and Sean Stewart, Park Ranger at Elijah Bristow State Park.
We will be walking on a level trail with some uneven surfaces for about a mile and a half. We are also offering accommodations via motorized vehicle if you are unable to walk this distance.
Registration is required and can be found here. We will be holding several tours over the course of September and October so we hope you can join us!
We ask that everyone who attends wears a mask as physical distancing will be difficult as we walk the trail. All Lane County public health recommendations will be followed.

Oakridge Great Willamette Cleanup
2021-10-17 09:00 - 12:00 | OR
Over the past 18 months, the Willamette River and many other places in our great outdoors have experienced record usage in terms of visitors and recreation. Unfortunately, this has lead to a lot of trash and debris left behind. Your river needs you more than ever!
Sign up and volunteer with us, the City of Oakridge, the Southern Willamette Forest Collaborative, and Willamette Riverkeeper on October 17th at Greenwaters Park for a land-based volunteer day. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing, pack along water, a face mask to be worn during check-in and when working in close proximity to others, work gloves if you have them, and sturdy close-toed shoes. We will provide trash bags, non-latex gloves, and trash pickers.
Please register online at https://bit.ly/GWCU21Oakridge. We hope to see you there!

Planning for Wildfire: How Land Managers are Working for a Resilient Watershed
2021-06-30 18:00 - 20:00 | OR
Join us for a panel discussion on how watershed land managers are working to make our landscape more fire resilient. We will be joined by a Natural Resource Planner at Willamalane, Molly Juillerat, District Ranger for the Middle Fork Ranger District, and Justin Patten, Fire Planning Forester at Oregon Department of Forestry. These experts will discuss how they are working for a fire resilient landscape, how these practices may have changed over the last several fire seasons, and what you can do to help make your own home more resilient to fire. We will also have plenty of time to answer your questions on the topic! Please RSVP to attend the event and receive a recording afterward.
