Registration is limited so register early!
All programs start at 7 pm • Social time 6:45 pm
Carnegie Room, McMinnville Public Library
225 NW Adams St., McMinnville • Open to the public, free admission
Information: Cheahmill Chapter, 503-538-3976 • NPSO statewide, www.npsoregon.org
David Harrelson, Grand Ronde tribal member and cultural resources manager, will speak about the Indian way of doing things, called Shawash Kagwe, and the tools used by native people to manage the landscape in the Willamette Valley.
Dr. Frank Howarth, former entomologist for Bishop Museum in Honolulu, will speak about his research on the native insects, plants, and animals that have evolved in the isolated environment of Hawaii, including lava tubes.
Joyce Eberhart, senior faculty research assistant at OSU, will share how to determine what is a native plant, why we should plant them in our home gardens, and how to select and care for them. She will also speak about landscape design as well as her favorite books and websites on native plants.
Dr. Mark Huff, who directs long-term ecological monitoring for the National Park Service in the Northwest, will provide perspectives and insights on what we have learned from studying vegetation in these parks.
After more than 14 years of district service, Mike Crabtree has announced plans to transition and move his family to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho by the end January. As one can imagine, it is difficult to lose long-term team members like Mike. He has the skills, experience, institutional knowledge, and established relationships in the community that bring tremendous value to the district and those we serve.
During his tenure Mike provided a wide range of conservation services and technical assistance, supporting Agricultural Water Quality, invasive species management, forestry, water conservation, and wildlife habitat. He was the primary lead to plan the annual native plant sale, manage plant inventories, and oversee the sale. Over the past five years, Mike took on
greater responsibilities with the district’s lands protection program by planning and overseeing land stewardship activities at Miller Woods, Chegwyn Farm, Muddy Valley Habitat Reserve, Mt. Richmond, and other properties. Mike maintained strong relationships with dozens of landowners and the district’s conservation partners including NRCS, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Oregon Department of Forestry, and others.
With Mike’s efforts, the district secured grant resources for knotweed, spurge laurel, garlic mustard and other invasive species control efforts. In 2018, he helped secure funds to hire Justin Cooley, the districts’ new Invasive Species Program Coordinator, which allowed the district to control priority weeds and conduct inventory work with Yamhill County.
Mike has been a valuable contributor, a champion for conservation, a creative problem solver, and friend to many in the community. His heart for service, passion for local conservation, and broad range of skills and experience will certainly be missed.
On behalf of the entire district board and staff, we offer Mike our deepest gratitude for his service, and lasting contributions to conservation in Yamhill County. We wish Mike and his family the best as they start a new adventure in Coeur d’Alene.
The District is looking for volunteers to help with the annual Nave Plant Sale, February 22 through March 3 (see schedule below).
If you are interested in helping out and like to have fun, please contact Jessica at 503‐472‐6403 or jessica@yamhillswcd.org.
Jessica accepted the office assistant position and joined the District staff in December 2018. A familiar face, Jessica previously worked for the District in
2014 and filled-in occasionally between those years. Her position includes volunteer coordination, event planning, publication, and supporting district staff
as needed. Join us in welcoming Jessica back with the District.
Mary King retired from the District on December 31, after 4-1/2 years as the office assistant and volunteer coordinator. In addition to her volunteer
duties and office support, Mary assisted with District event planning, and took minutes for board meetings. She also led production of the District newsletter, annual report, and other publications and outreach materials.
Mary plans to stay active and will enjoy having time to pursue hobbies, volunteer, travel, and spend time with family and friends.
We thank Mary for her service and wish her well!
