Gordon Lakes
The wildlands of the South Santiam beckon
Sandwiched between the Willamette Valley and the high Cascades, the “old Cascades” — ancient mountains now eroded into cliffs and plateaus — offer some of … Continue reading
Outdoors
Healthy Soil
Start with good soil to grow good plants
By Alby Thoumsin In my work as an arborist, a large portion of what I do is consult with tree owners and talk about the … Continue reading
The Roadless, Rules
Discover Mount June in Eugene’s ‘backyard wilderness’
There are no fancy lines on most maps delineating the Hardesty Mountain Roadless Area just southeast of Eugene. But thanks to the 2001 Roadless Area … Continue reading
Small Changes
Help bring more birds and butterflies home
By Barbara Bryson “Look, a towhee!” the homeowner exclaimed, indicating the red-eyed, orange-and-black bird kicking leaves around under her dense shrubs. “Now that we’re leaving … Continue reading
Spring in the Coast Range
Sweet Creek is the perfect hike for Earth Month
Spring is a great time to explore the streams, forests and flowers of the central Oregon Coast Range, and I can’t think of many places … Continue reading
Perennial Power
What to plant when it comes to the flowering plants that return each year
April through early May is a great time to plant perennials, those non-woody flowering plants that come back year after year. Buy them soon, while … Continue reading
Nearby BLM Forests
Enjoying and protecting our backyard forests and old growth
Tucked away amid clearcuts and logging roads in the Coburg Hills outside Eugene, the McGowan Creek Environmental Education Area is an ideal spot to wander … Continue reading
Spring: Nesting Season for Birds
Enjoy the family drama as birds mate and raise youngsters
by Barbara & Dan Gleason Spring is when most birds court, breed and raise young, and they must find — or build — a safe … Continue reading
The Right Way
Planting trees and shrubs
By Alby Thoumsin Even if my favorite time of year to plant is late fall through the winter, it appears that the mood to plant … Continue reading
Hiking the South Willamette Trail
Trump’s threat to public lands hit home in the forests out Hwy 58
In the winter months, it’s often best to look for hikes at lower elevations and close to home unless you’re set up to deal with … Continue reading