After all that work collecting data and studying habitat associations, we identified five habitats as the greatest conservation priorities for reptiles and amphibians in Columbia County. The first of those is the Carcus Creek / Lava Creek complex. Introduction to the Land The area in question is ~6 miles east of Mist in the centerContinue reading “The study is published! Part 3: the Carcus Creek/Lava Creek complex”
Author Archives: Jonathan
The study is published! Part 2: Where are these animals found?
One of our goals was to determine where each species was found. We ended up with much more interesting data than we had expected. The reptiles and amphibians of Columbia County fall into four major distribution patterns, all of which are closely tied to the geographic features of the county. The shaded squares in theContinue reading “The study is published! Part 2: Where are these animals found?”
The study is published! Part 1: What animals did we find?
Our paper is finally published! This was a labor of love, the product of years of research, over a thousand hours of surveying, and months of writing and editing. We deeply thank the hundreds of contributors who provided us with data, the scores of landowners who let us survey on their property, and the dozensContinue reading “The study is published! Part 1: What animals did we find?”
July Bird Forum with the Scappoose Bay Watershed Council
Have you ever tried to decode bird language? Wondered which birds flock together and which birds squabble over air space? Well this is the forum for you! Scappoose Bay Watershed Council is hosting an online forum for bird lovers on July 9th from 4 – 6 pm via Zoom. The forum will feature talks fromContinue reading “July Bird Forum with the Scappoose Bay Watershed Council”
Oregon ensures landowners with hiking trails are immune from lawsuits
The Oregon House and Senate have passed SB 179 to eliminate landowner liability for most injuries sustained during recreational activity. This brings an end to six years of controversy over what constituted “recreational activity”. Oregon legislature strengthens immunity laws for owners of public trails Oregon law to restore rec immunity, keep trails open, heads toContinue reading “Oregon ensures landowners with hiking trails are immune from lawsuits”
April 5, 2025 – Nob Hill Work Party
Once again, the twice-yearly volunteer work party with The Friends of Nob Hill Nature Park is upon us. I’ve really enjoyed my work parties there – fresh air, a light workout, and great conversations abound. Here is the notice: The next Nob Hill Nature Park volunteer work party is just over a week away –Continue reading “April 5, 2025 – Nob Hill Work Party”
Public Comment Period for changes to Northwest Forest Plan
The US Forest Service has released their proposals for an update to the Northwest Forest Plan: Northwest Forest Plan & Amendment – US Forest Service USFS ready for comments about proposed changes to its Northwest Forest Plan – KDRV Newswatch 12 Forest Service begins comment period for Northwest Forest Plan amendment – Bend Bulletin ForestContinue reading “Public Comment Period for changes to Northwest Forest Plan”
Banks-Vernonia is now a National Recreation Trail – updated with info from Michael Calhoun
You’ve likely seen the news that the Banks-Vernonia State Trail is now a National Recreation Trail. Seemed like it was all over my feed for a couple weeks. Banks-Vernonia State Trail receives national designation – The Chronicle & Chief Banks-Vernonia State Trail garners national recognition – The Spotlight This popular trail just west of PortlandContinue reading “Banks-Vernonia is now a National Recreation Trail – updated with info from Michael Calhoun”
Children’s herping outing was a big success
A great time was had by all at the Wild Columbia children’s outing on March 23rd. Despite typical dreary Oregon weather conditions, around 15 children showed up along with nearly as many parents and grandparents. Passion was tremendous among both the young and old. You can see some of the pictures taken by Emily UrferContinue reading “Children’s herping outing was a big success”
Nob Hill Volunteer Work Party on April 6
The Friends of Nob Hill Nature Park have a work party coming up. It’s a great time to get some light exercise outdoors and hang out with good people. Here is their notice: Scappoose Bay Watershed Council and Friends of Nob Hill Nature Park invite you to join their semi-annual volunteer work day on Saturday,Continue reading “Nob Hill Volunteer Work Party on April 6”
Wild Columbia County 