THEBENCHMARK Autumn2011 EstablishingaSustainable Precedent · 2015-02-23 · warming, idic n tt may...

THE BENCHMARK Autumn 2011MPG established 1970 www.oregon.sierraclub.org/groups/marys_peak

Autumn 2011 1

Chair Retrospect pg. 5

Environmental Action pg. 6

Leader Profile pg. 8

MPG Outings pg. 10

MPG Evening Public Programs pg. 16

A New Trail pg. 17

Fal l 's Last Delight pg. 18

Trails Need Maintaining pg. 19

Recycling pg. 21

Fruits of the Forest pg. 24

Past Outings pg. 26

Executive Committee Candidates pg. 38

Neat Stuff for Sale! pg. 39

Get Involved! pg. 40

s I sit on the shore of Clear Lake in the CascadeMountains, my only companions a family of

common mergansers, it'shard to imagine thatoverpopulation is anythingmore than a myth. However,back in my home state ofConnecticut, the serenityI've found here in Oregonwould be equally hard toimagine. I've moved fromthe 4th-ranked state interms of population density(738 inhabitants per squaremile) to 39th (40 per squaremile).

The move brings me aslight amount of guilt, for I wasn’t born in Oregon.After all, those living near the Connecticut shoreresent the invading hordes from New York City andBoston who crowd Connecticut beaches each summer.Each year more than one million people visitHammonasset Beach State Park, Connecticut's largestpublic beach with its staggering two miles of sandyshoreline and, somehow, 550 campsites. Forcomparison, here in Oregon each year 75,000 peoplevisit Marys Peak, the highest mountain in the CoastRange, with 12 miles of trails and six campsites.

Clear Lake, where I sit, doesn't compare to either in

Establishing a SustainablePrecedent

by Jen Matteis

Jen Matteis

AIn This Issue:

http://www.oregon.sierraclub.org/groups/marys_peak

THE BENCHMARK

Autumn 2011 2Back to Top

terms of visitors. My mother recentlyemailed me asking if Clear Lake was aHammonasset-type place. No, Mom. It isn't.

Despite the relative calm of mysurroundings, the total United Statespopulation is about 312 million. Lined upsingle file, United States citizens could circlethe Earth almost seven times. And that's justa fraction of the world's total population,which was only half a billion in 1860,increasing since then to 1.6 billion in 1900,3.3 billion in 1965, and six billion in 2000.This year, we'll reach seven billion, anunimaginable number for a species rumoredto only be able to hold seven concepts inworking memory at one go.

As large as this number seems, NationalGeographic recently pointed out that all ofthe world's inhabitants could stand shoulderto shoulder in Los Angeles (not that they'dwant to). The problem with overpopulationdoesn't pertain to simple space, but to morecomplex problems such as food productionand transportation. One in seven of theworld's population lives in slums; one in sixdoesn't have access to clean water.

Consumption of resources is the concern.If we continue to burn through non-renewable resources such as fossils fuels andnatural gas, we'll run out -- but not beforefacing pressure to drill in environmentallysensitive areas. If we continue addingpollutants to our air and water, we'lleventually have no clean water to drink or

clean air to breathe. This places naturallimits on our growth, beyond which wecannot thrive and may even face collapse(pointed out, appropriately, by the bookLimits to Growth).

Luckily for us, we already know exactlyhow we should not deal with theseproblems. A small faction of people, thevisionaries of the science fiction genre,dedicate their lives to meticulously detailingapocalyptic scenarios in which mankinddeals terribly with problems such asoverpopulation.

We all know what Soylent Green is made of,and it's not soy and lentils (it was in theoriginal book Make Room! Make Room!, butI'm talking about the 1973 movie). In thisfilm, humanity has devoured the oceans.We're getting there: many of our oceanfisheries are collapsing or on the brink ofcollapse thanks to fishing techniques thatdredge ocean bottoms with nets the size offootball fields, ignoring recommended limitsand killing indiscriminately. It doesn't helpthat we continue eating threatened specieswith soy sauce and wasabi, such as the over-fished and critically endangered southernbluefin tuna. Five out of the eight species oftuna are classified as threatened or near-threatened. And unlike their counterpartson land, smaller and quicker-breeding fish

Global fish consumption hit a record high this year, withalmost 40 pounds of fish eaten per person

The world’s total population will reach seven billion thisyear.

Ph

oto

byB

arry

Wu

lff

Ph

oto

byB

arry

Wu

lff

THE BENCHMARK


are more susceptible to population collapsethan larger fish such as the tuna, as revealedby a study published earlier this year inProceedings of the National Academy ofSciences. Within decades most of theiworld's commercial fisheries could collapse;by 2050 our coral reefs might be beyondsaving. A quarter of the reefs are alreadygone.

The causes of ocean species destructionvary beyond simple over-fishing. Globalwarming raises ocean temperatures andcauses the bleaching, or destruction, of reefs.About a third of our carbon emissions areabsorbed by the oceans, which would beconvenient if it didn't result in oceanacidification that dissolves sea creatures'shells and presents yet another danger tocoral reefs. All of thiscomes down to toomany peopleconsuming a resource,whether that resourceis the fish itself or thefossil fuels thatcontribute to awarming, acidicocean that mayproveuninhabitable tomany species. Yetglobal fishconsumption hit arecord high thisyear, with almost 40pounds of fish eatenper person.

We'd better think of an alternative beforewe eat all our options. Last year, 925 millionpeople were estimated “undernourished.”That's almost one in seven of our sevenbillion who might not be too discerningabout the ingredients in a Soylent Greenwafer.

Today, Americans constitute less than fivepercent of the world's total population butconsume 25 percent of the world's energy.We're setting an impossible precedent forpeople in other countries who want to attainour standard of living. If everyoneconsumed resources at the same rate as theUnited States, it would take more than fiveEarths to sustain the world population,according to the New Economics Foundation(NEF). Our rates are unsustainable, and ourconsumption has far-reaching effects inother countries, such as the loss of one-and-a-half acres of rainforest every second,mostly converted into cattle ranches forbeef, or into oil palm plantations that aredestroying the habitat of the Sumatran tiger,a critically endangered species with about250 individuals left in the wild. No one in

the United Stateswants to see theSumatran tiger goextinct -- I hope --but preventing thismeans expanding ourvision of cause andeffect to include far-reaching effects notin our immediatefield of vision.Deforestation is alsoone of the biggestcauses of climatechange, accounting

for about 25 percent ofglobal emissions whentrees that sequester

carbon dioxide are burned down or decay.Not to mention the fact that more than halfthe life on Earth lives in tropical foreststhreatened by deforestation. According tothe Nature Conservancy, rainforests coverless than two percent of the Earth's surfacebut harbor half of its plants and animals. It'shard to believe the numbers, but theconservative estimate is that 50 speciesbecome extinct each day due to tropical

The Pacific Northwest houses temperate and borealrainforests that store as much -- or maybe more -- carbon

per acre as tropical rainforests.

Ph

oto

byB

arry

Wu

lff

THE BENCHMARK


deforestation: a mass extinction. Currently,one in five plants and animals are at risk ofextinction; the number is closer to 25percent for amphibians.

Although the focus of environmentalistsoften lies overseas, the Pacific Northwesthouses temperate and boreal rainforests thatstore as much -- or maybe more -- carbonper acre as tropical rainforests. Many ofthese forests are in danger from logging. Inthe United States, less than 14 percent areprotected. According to the WildernessSociety, the Willamette National Forest isnumber one of the ten forests in the UnitedStates in terms of storing carbon. When Istarted writing this article from mycomfortable perch on the sunny shore ofClear Lake, I had no idea I was sitting in anational forest that holds, per acre, morecarbon than an acre of Amazonianrainforest. It's incredible. And yet thisforest, too, is heavily logged.

The increasing human population willcontinue to take an increasing toll when itcomes to natural resource and habitatdestruction. We choose the kind of world welive in by the amount of resources weconsume. While it's easy to place muchblame on the undeveloped world in terms ofsheer numbers, it's difficult to accept theresponsibility of setting a precedent forcountries that are trying to industrialize toour unsustainable standards.

I admit that I don't have any answers, but Ihope these facts that I’ve set out here help tocreate a clearer image of possible futures.I'm not a fan of science fiction when itcomes to solutions. No one's rooting for aLogan's Run type world in which we killeveryone over age 30, or a No Blade of Grassversion in which we bomb the cities whenfood shortages become rampant. We haveonly one Earth. Let's hope it doesn't turninto one that a science fiction author woulddream up.

For more information on this year's seven billion milestone, visithttp://www.sierraclub.org/population/ or

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/01/seven-billion/kunzig-text.Information about the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest can be found in the book Temperate and

Boreal Rainforests of the World: Ecology and Conservation by Dominick DellaSala

http://www.sierraclub.org/population/

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/01/seven-billion/kunzig-text

THE BENCHMARK


hile attending the MPG Summer Solstice Event this year, Iwas sitting back enjoying the wonderful music of Wild Hog in

the Woods and eating some delicious homemade lettuce tacos.Looking around, I couldn’t help but notice how everyone washaving such a good time. I wondered what was it that made thissuch a fun event and why we came?

Was it to celebrate the Solstice – the day when we have thelongest period of daylight and the sun reaches its highest positionfor the year? Maybe…

Was it to catch up with good friends we may not have seen for awhile? The Marys Peak Group has many members who have beeninvolved for more years than they would care to admit. It is sogood to connect and get everyone together at one time.

Was it to make new friends? As Iwandered around, I was very pleased to meet so many peoplethat told me this was their first Solstice event. Hooray!! Itseemed all were having a good time, good food, good music,and in a lovely place. I hope you all will come back next year.

Was it to connect with other people interested in hiking andother outdoor activities? To share experiences and get excitedand talk about how much fun it is to hit the trails and get outin the Cascade wilderness or the MacDonald Forest or PeavyArboretum? Or buckle on the snowshoes and trek off in awhite wonderland where you can hear the sound of snowfalling. Perhaps strapping into a kayak for the first time andhaving friends who teach you what you need to know is moreyour thing. What will be the next trail or trip and to whatcountry and experience? What new ecosystem and cultureinterests you? Do you have a story to share? I would love tohear about it.

Was it to get involved with like minded folks to make adifference in local environmental issues and help change theworld one step at a time, working together to make thedifference?

I continue to learn so much from being involved with MarysPeak Group. Do you have knowledge to share? Do you want tobecome involved with our activities and conservation efforts?If you were not at the MPG Summer Solstice event, why not?There are so many great things to do and ways to becomeinvolved and good friends to be met. I hope to meet you soonon a hike or float or walk around town.

Hope to see you soon,Bruce

Bruce Encke, ChairDebra Higbee-Sudyka, Vice Chair

JulieArrington, TreasurerBob CusterRay Drapek

Marcia ShapiroIrene Schoppy

Non-Excom:Leslie Hogan, Secretary

Janet Lincoln, Membership Chair

[email protected]

Barry Wulff & Jane LutherBenchmark Co-editors

[email protected]@gmail.com

Dave HackenyosBenchmark [email protected]

www.oregon.sierraclub.org/groups/

marys_peak

MPGExecu t i ve Comm i ttee

Chair Retrospect

Bruce EnckeChair, Marys Peak Group

W

http://www.oregon.sierraclub.org/groups/marys_peak

THE BENCHMARK


n the spirit of real progress, the MarysPeak Group formed its Environmental

Action Team to continue movement toward ahealthy and sustainable environmentthrough local and statewide advocacy. DebraHigbee-Sudyka ably chairs the team, whichmeets monthly and regularly sharesinformation, comments, and insights viaemail. The team currently includes thefollowing members: Tina Amorok, MarjeanAustin, Doreene Carpenter, Brett Gallagher,Peter Goodman, Pam Hood-Szivek, LeeLazaro, Suzanne Lazaro, Lindsay Parker, JenMatteis, John McEvoy, Lon Otterby, RicardoSmall, Debra Higbee-Sudyka, CatherineThomasson, Robert Verhoogen, Janet Wolf-Eshe, and Sue Woolf.

The team recognizes that joining withother individuals and groups greatlyenhances its efforts. Thus far, the group haspartnered with the League of Women Voters,the Surfrider Foundation, Sierra Club ManyRivers Group (Eugene area), and the stateSierra Club leadership, as well as numerousindividuals who have shared their expertiseand passion for environmental issues.

The team’s first meeting was in December,2010 – an opportune time to begin , becausethe Oregon Legislature convened thefollowing month. Since then, there has beenno lack of proposed legislation to research,discuss, and act upon. We thank the SierraClub’s lobbyist, Ivan Maluski, for hisassistance in tracking bills as they progress(or falter) in the legislative process.

In January, the Environmental Action

Team began toworking on passageof Senate Bill 536. Inbrief, this bill wouldprohibit the use ofsingle use plasticbags in retail stores,with certainexceptions, andcharge customers noless than five centsfor a paper bag.Plastic bag litter has serious environmentalimpacts. The impact of discarded single useplastic bags is especially harmful to themarine environment, because they are eatenby birds, which mistaking them for jellyfish.Also, as the bags (and other plastics) breakdown, they release toxic chemicals into theoceans. Our strategy to support SB 536 wasto lobby for a City of Corvallis resolutioncalling for the passage of this “Ban the Bag”bill, with support from Benton County.Team members presented the issue to theBenton County Board of Commissioners, andthe Benton County Commissionersresponded with a letter of support for theresolution. Concurrently, we met with CityCounselors individually to discuss theproposed resolution. On March 21, fourspeakers -- Debra Higbee-Sudyka for theMPG, John Gaylord for the Audubon Society,a Surfrider Foundation representative, andretired biology professor Elizabeth Waldorf-- brought the proposed resolution to theCorvallis City Council. Success! At the April4 City Council meeting, the resolutionpassed by an 8-1 vote. Corvallis joinedBeaverton, Portland, Lake Oswego, Cannon

Environmental Action Team in ActionBy John McEvoy

John McEvoy

�Not blindopposition to progress, but opposition to blindprogress...�John Muir

I

THE BENCHMARK


Article and photo submission guidelines: MPG

welcomes your articles and photos. Please keep

articles to a maximum of 1,500 words. Photos

should be in jpg format, 300 dpi when possible.

The Sierra Club Foundation is a 501©3

organization. Donations are tax-deductible

Beach, Newport, and other cities officially urging passage of SB 536. Unfortunately, theOregon Legislature closed its 2011 session without a final vote on this important measure.We thank the City of Corvallis, Benton County, and the groups and individuals who haveworked hard to educate our legislators and the public about the plastic bag problem, and wewill continue to advocate for a solution.

Although the 2011 legislative session is over, the Environmental Action Team has a “fullplate” of issues to pursue. Recently, the team sponsored a showing of “Gasland”, a filmrevealing the destruction caused by “fracking” for natural gas. Ricardo Small is taking thelead in a MPG position on the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex fifteenyear plan. At the July meeting, Jayne Milner discussed the political history of the cougar andwhat’s happening to cougars in Oregon today.

We welcome your participation! Team meetings are usually held on the first Tuesday ofthe month at 6:00 pm at the Stoneybrook Club House. Please contact Debra Higbee-Sudykaat [email protected] for more information.

Four representatives of MPG joined others in Senator Merkley’s office in Salem on June 21st to request co-sponsorship oflegislation pertaining to fracking.

Shown are Suzanne Lazaro, Lon Otterby and Debra Higbee-Sudyka

Ph

oto

byR

icar

do

Smal

l

THE BENCHMARK


by Lori Fluge-Brunker

Leader Profile:Denise Nervik, Trail Work Coordinator

s trail work coordinator for the MPG,Denise Nervik has helped make sure

that many others can enjoy nature’s beauty.For the past 15 years, she has led on averagefour work projects per year to parks in theCorvallis area– first for Greenbelt Land Trust,then for MPG.

One of Denise’s favorite parks to work in isBeazell Memorial Forest, located in the hillswest of Corvallis. “It’s a beautiful, peacefulplace,” says Denise of Beazell. “We haveworked there a lot.”

It all just seems to come naturally toDenise, as evident from her earliestbeginnings on her paternal grandfather’sdairy farm 40 miles west of New York City. “Ihave a photograph of me at 1-1/2 years oldwalking by myself up across a field to get tomy grandmother’s farmhouse,” says Denise.As she was growing up, the farm providedlots of room to play outside.

Denise also spent time with her maternalgrandparents. “They would rent a campsiteon the coast of Maine for the wholesummer,” said Denise. “We would sleep intents, swim in the cold water and hike.”

In her 20’s, Denise got into snow skiing.And in her 30’s, she took her own childrenand their Girl Scout troops on camping trips.It was those scout trips that Denise counts asher earliest leader experiences.

Denise lived in rural parts of New Jerseymost of her life (she bets you didn’t knowthere were any!). She also spent 10 years inthe Washington, DC area. She and her familymoved to Corvallis in 1993, after she had

retired from her jobas director ofAcademicComputing at awoman’s college innorthern NewJersey.

While living inNew Jersey, Denisewould take her teen-age childrencamping to theNational Parks inthe West for the whole summer. She did thisfor years. One particular adventure on one ofthose trips stands out for Denise, becauseshe ended it on her hands and knees!

“We started our vacation in the WindRiver Range in Wyoming. Our first day ofhiking started out in the early morning bycrossing a shallow but wide stream. We tookoff our boots and waded across in the coldwater, then hiked up a small mountain,stopping for lunch at the top where therewas snow. Then we went down themountain on the other side. The idea was tomake a big loop. When we got to the streamagain - way up the trail - snowmelt hadwidened and deepened it considerably.There was no bridge, but we managed to finda downed tree that had fallen across theriver and clambered down it to the far side.As we hiked back, it got colder and began tosnow. A moose ran past us. Then the trailcrossed the stream again. We knew it wouldeventually come back, so we bushwhackedfor a while. By the time we finally got backto the campground, it was starting to getdark. I couldn’t walk any more and was

Denise Nervik

A

THE BENCHMARK


crawling on my hands and knees along thetrail. One of the children was crawling withme for the same reason. John was stillwalking slowly ahead. As we came into thecampground, our daughter Margaret, whohad done the hike with us, was jogging lapsaround the campground and wonderingwhat in the world was taking us so long.”

Denise also enjoys taking road trips bybike, including the trip she took across thenorthern part of the United States with herhusband in 2000. “My husband and I rode atotal of 2,700 miles. Starting from our homein Corvallis, we went west to the PacificOcean, dipped our front wheels and headednorth to Sydney, British Columbia onVancouver Island. We ferried to Anacortes,Washington, and then pedaled east acrossthe passes, including Going-to-the-Sun Roadin Glacier National Park. When we got to theMichigan panhandle, I had a bike accident.That ended our 2000 bike trip.”

In 2010, they decided to finish that cross-country trip. “We took the Amtrak to Fargo,North Dakota. From Fargo we pedaled eastacross Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michiganto Sault Saint Marie and into Canada. Wecame back into the States at Niagara Fallsand pedaled across New York State and the

Adirondack Mountains to Vermont, for atotal of 1,700 miles. At that point we foundthe roads dangerous. We sent our bikeshome, rented a car and camped our wayacross New England and up the coast toPrince Edward Island and Halifax, NovaScotia. From there we took the Canadian VIAtrain back to Vancouver, BC, and US Amtrakto Corvallis. We spent a few days in Jasper,Alberta, along the way.

These were great trips! Just John and me,no outside support. One thing happened onthe second trip that amazed me. We stayedovernight in a town in Michigan where I hadmy bike accident 10 years earlier. The nextmorning, we were having breakfast at theonly restaurant in town when the waitresskept staring at me. She finally came overand said, ‘I know you!’ I was quite puzzled.Then she said. ‘You are the lady that had thebike accident here 10 years ago!’ How in theworld did she remember me that long? Shetold me she just had a good memory forfaces! Wow!”

Denise says her heroes are the folksaround her who get out, participate and helpothers to do the same. She believes that welive in a place we should all learn toappreciate, take care of and enjoy.

Photo of Golden Beetle Orgytaken by

Ricardo Small

THE BENCHMARK


Long-term predictions are for one of Oregon'swonderful warmer, sunnier late summers and fall.But whatever the weather, MPG members enjoy theout-of-doors. Oregon has uniquely special fallfoliage. It's wonderful mosses, lichens, and ferns areat their best in damper weather. Early snows add awonderful note to the landscape. We hope you willjoin us several times this season. Watch the weeklyemail for additions and changes to this schedule.

As weather cools, bring plenty of warm layers andrain gear for hikes. Wear hiking boots or sturdywalking shoes that can handle wet and occasionalmud. Please do not wear jeans or other heavy cottonfor cooler-weather hiking. Don’t hesitate to ask yourleader any questions you have about which outing is right for you or what you should wear and bring.

Often, space is limited, so check with the leader in advance of an outing, and then be sure the leaderknows if you must cancel. Always fun, MPG outings also provide opportunities to explore our naturalenvironment, learning more about the unique flora and fauna of our region and how they can be preserved.

New to MPG Outings?We’re a friendly group that goes out of its

way to welcome newcomers. Come alone, orwith a friend. Contact the leader with

questions. Non-members are always welcometo attend.

For additional outings, see our weeklyemail .

Please contact [email protected] tobe added to this email list for weekly updates.

In it we announce upcoming outings andother events. These include added activities,

changes, and cancellations.

MPG 2011 September-December Sierra Club Outingsand Beyond

Monday, September 5 – Labor Day Escape to Dimple Hill. Avoid the traffic; escape therush on Labor Day. Hike with us to Dimple Hill, an iconic Corvallis overlook, by a different and less traveledroute. We'll start early to escape possible heat, and have an early lunch break at the top, with views intothe valley and probably the Cascades. Then we'll descend to the other end of a short car shuttle. We'll beon a combination of gravel roads and trails, mostly in the shade. Trails will include part of Dan's, all ofAlpha, plus a little trail past a beaver dam and across an historic bridge. We could finish up with a lookdown the little Sulpur Springs trail to a lovely shaded creek side. On the difficult end of moderate, 7.5miles, with about 1,200 feet of elevation gain and 1,500 feet of loss. Some steep sections in both the ups andthe downs. Meet for an 8:40 a.m. departure from Wilkinson Hall parking lot (Arnold & 27th in Corvallis), or9:00 a.m. at the Lewisburg Saddle. Contact leader: Doris deLespinasse, 541-753-4775 [email protected]

Sunday, September 11 – Duffy & Santiam Lakes. We will explore two lakes amidst theDouglas fir and hemlock forests west of Three Fingered Jack. The trail climbs 3.3 miles along the NorthSantiam River to Duffy Lake, where we will break for lunch. Swimmable Santiam Lake, with its wildflowersand reflection of Jack, is another 1.4 miles beyond Duffy Lake. Moderate, 9.4 miles, with 1,100 feet ofelevation gain. Early 8:00 a.m. departure from Wilkinson Hall parking lot (Arnold & 27th in Corvallis). Pre-register; wilderness limit of 12. Contact leader: Robert Verhoogen, 541-745-5185 or [email protected]

Important: For General Outing Policies, see page 1 5. Please read them with care.

THE BENCHMARK


MPG Club Outings (con't)Saturday, September 17 – Iron Mountain in the Fall. Iron Mountain isn’t just for wildflowertime. It’s among the best Cascade hikes any time of the year – and one of the easiest to drive to. InSeptember it’s quiet and lovely, with a few flowers remaining, fall colors starting, perhaps some strangemushrooms popping up. Wonderful 360 degree views from the top platform, once a fire lookout location.Possibly an early coating of new snow on the Sisters and other nearby snowcaps. Moderate, 6.6 miles, with1,900 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the Wilkinson Hall parking lot (Arnold & 27th in Corvallis) for an 8:00a.m. departure. Contact leaders: Richard Seekatz, 541-230-1107 or [email protected] ; Linda Seekatz

Sunday, September 18 – Easy walk at Marys River Park. We will wander among the treesand enjoy the fall colors in the lovely Marys River Park in Philomath. We can give disc golf a try and skiprocks in the Marys River. Come see what became of the trunk of the Philomath sequoia that was removedfor the new highway. Less than a mile along gravel paths, no incline. It might be muddy near the river.This walk is suitable for folks who enjoy a more leisurely pace, as well as families. All children must beaccompanied by an adult. Children who are not with their parent or guardian must bring a release formsigned by a parent which can be obtained in advance from the hike leader. Bring water. If the weather isnice, we can eat a lunch or snack in the picnic shelter after the hike. Meet in time for a 10:00 a.m. departureat Wilkinson parking lot, 27th and Arnold, on the OSU campus in Corvallis. Contact leader: Julie Arrington,541-752-6052 or [email protected]

Friday-Sunday, September 23-25 – Indian Heaven Wilderness Backpack. In this areaof southern Washington near Mt Adams, we will hike past mountain lakes, going through subalpine forestand meadows. We’ll camp at lakes where swimming is an option, and huckleberries should be plentiful.Relaxed pace. Backpacking distance is 6.8 miles and 900 feet of elevation gain total. Optional day hiking of4+ miles. Group size limited to 8 participants. Well-equipped beginners in good hiking condition arewelcome! Rated easy/moderate. Contact leader with questions or to register: Lelia Barlow,[email protected]

Saturday, September 24 – History Hike, Willamette Heritage Center at Mission

Mill and Willamette Mission State Park. Celebrate National Public Lands Day by hiking in oneof Oregon’s State Parks! We will hike at historic Willamette Mission State Park after a visit and tour ofWillamette Heritage Center at Mission Mill in Salem. Easy, 3 miles. Minimal elevation gain. Meet atShepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, corner of Walnut Blvd. and Highland in Corvallis, for a 9:00 a.m.departure. Contact leaders: Jim and Nancye Ballard, 541-752-4441, or [email protected].

Sunday, September 25 – Forest Walk. We'll have a walk, by permit, on a forested privateproperty near Corvallis before the start of hunting season. Rushing streams; probably views; perhaps abeginning of fall color. Probably moderate, perhaps on the difficult end of moderate. For details, see theweekly email or contact leader: Doris deLespinasse, 541-753-4775 or [email protected]

THE BENCHMARK


Drive once – hike twice: Friday-Sunday, September 30-October 2 – McKenzie

Bridge Car Camp. Join MPG for a 3 day, two night car camping trip on the McKenzie River at theMcKenzie Bridge Campground, which is 46 miles east of Eugene. We will leave Corvallis Friday morning,and after setting up in the campground we will go on a hike up the McKenzie River Trail to Tamolitch Pool.On Saturday, there will be a choice of a moderate hike to Little Belknap Crater, or a difficult hike to BlackCrater, both in the McKenzie Pass area of the Cascades. After packing up on Sunday morning, there will be achoice of an easy hike around Clear Lake, or a moderate/difficult hike up Browder Ridge. Participants are incharge of providing their own tent/meals/water and other supplies. The planned hikes are subject tochange. Contact leaders with questions or to register: Irene Schoppy, [email protected] or Bob [email protected].

Sunday, October 9 – Clear Lake / Sahalie Falls. The stroll around Clear Lake (5.5 miles, with200 feet of elevation gain) offers views of spectacularly beautiful fall foliage, huge springs, lava crossings,and old growth forests in a lovely mountain setting. This will be combined via the McKenzie River Trailwith a jaunt at the start to one of the river’s two grandest cascades, Sahalie Falls (1.4 miles round trip, with190 feet change in elevation). Moderate, totaling 7 miles. Meet at Wilkinson Hall parking lot (Arnold & 27thin Corvallis) for an early 8:00 a.m. departure. Contact leader: Robert Verhoogen, 541 745-518 [email protected]

Saturday, October 15 – HIghlights of Albany hike. We’ll depart from the Albany SeniorCenter (489 Water Avenue) at 1:00 p.m. The first mile and a half parallels the Willamette River on the DaveClark Trail and ends at Bowman Park. We will continue through the historical downtown neighborhood andfinish walking by the hospital, around Bryant Park, Montieth Park and back to the Senior Center. We’ll stopat a local coffee shop if there is interest. Easy/moderate; total distance is 5.1 mostly level and paved miles.Contact leader: Steve Snyder at 541-981-1490 or [email protected]

Sunday, October 16 – Marys Peak East Ridge and Tie Trails. We’ll climb up fromConner’s Camp, with views over the coast range, lunch at the summit, and loop across the Tie Trail on thereturn walk. We should find the start of fall colors, including golden vine maples and occasional reds. Greatviews from the top, from the ocean to the Cascades on a clear day. Moderate, 7 miles, with 1,600 feet ofelevation gain. Meet at the Wilkinson Hall parking lot (Arnold & 27th in Corvallis) for a 10:00 a.m.departure. Contact leader: Loretta Rivard, 541- 753-6884.

Saturday, October 22 – Beaver Creek Exploration. See Oregon’s newest state park withRicardo Small. This park (http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_261.php) is near Ona Beach about 15minutes south of Newport. We will meet Brian Fowler, the Beaver Creek Ranger, for a short introductionabout the flora and fauna of the park. Then we will hike upland meadows with a 300 foot elevation gain toSnaggy Top for a sack lunch. Our loop will include a stretch along Beaver Creek, for a total of about 4.5miles. Easy to moderate. Oregon Parks is having a bird census at Beaver Creek every Saturday in 2011, andwe can help. Bring rain gear, sturdy waterproof footwear, water, lunch, binoculars and cameras. Due tolimited parking, a short shuttle will be necessary from the Visitor Center to the trailhead. Meet at theWilkinson Hall parking lot (Arnold & 27th in Corvallis) for a 9:00 a.m. departure. Preregister; number willbe limited. Contact leader: Lon Otterby, 541-752-0390 or [email protected]

MPG Club Outings (con't)

THE BENCHMARK


Sunday, October 30 – Drift Creek South. This is a less frequently hiked trail in the Drift CreekWilderness, the Coast Range’s largest wilderness. We hiked the Horse Creek Trail in July. The Drift CreekSouth trail meanders down through densely forested canyons to the Harris Ranch, an old homesteadmeadow in a creek bend. Mossy big-leaf maples should provide fall color. Moderate, 4.4 miles, with1,200feet of elevation gain on return. Preregister; wilderness limit of 12. Meet at the Wilkinson Hall parking lot(Arnold & 27th in Corvallis) for a 9:00 a.m. departure. Contact leader: Ray Drapek, 541-754-7364 [email protected]

Saturday, November 5 – Soap Creek to McCulloch Peak. Let's avoid the football crowdsand see if we can hear the game from the top of McCulloch Peak, the highest viewpoint in McDonald Forestnear Corvallis. We will take the less traveled and steeper route, making a small loop on the way down. 7.7miles, with 1,600 feet of elevation gain. Margie Powell lists this as difficult. Mostly gravel road closed toauto traffic. For meeting place and other information, see the weekly email or contact leader: Randy Selig;[email protected] or 541 738 0753.

Sunday, November 6 – Clemens Park Salmon Walk. Join MPG and fish biologist Karen Hanson an easy loop around Clemens Park on the Alsea River. We will stop to look for spawning salmon and hearabout their life cycle and habitat. 1.5 mile loop, easy. Meet at Wilkinson Hall parking lot for a 10:00 a.m.departure (note: Saturday night you need to set your clock back to standard time!) Preregister with IreneSchoppy, [email protected] or 541-758-8591

Sunday, November 13 – Autumn at Fort Hoskins and Beazell Memorial Forest.

We’ll visit two Benton County parks, both in Kings Valley, a lovely section of Coast Range foothills nearPhilomath. In the morning we’ll examine the short trails at Fort Hoskins, with its layers of Native Americanand European settler history. We’ll lunch in the covered shelter at Ft. Hoskins, with its panoramic views.Then we’ll go to nearby Beazell, where fall foliage can be especially lovely on the Plunkett Creek - SouthMeadow loop. Moderate, about 5 miles, 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Meet at Wilkinson Hall parking lot(Arnold & 27th in Corvallis) for a 10:00 a.m. departure. Contact leader: Doris deLespinasse, 541-753-4775 [email protected]

Friday, November 25 – Walk off the Tofu or the Turkey. A brisk loop walk on VineyardMountain roads from the Lewisburg Saddle in McDonald Forest. Good well-drained gravel roads; pleasantforests; occasional vistas over the Coast Range. Perhaps a detour down the newly rebuilt Old Growth Trail.Moderate, 7 miles, with 650 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the Lewisburg Saddle north of Corvallis for a 1:00p.m. departure. Contact leader: Lelia Barlow, [email protected] (e-mail preferred); 541-753-4775.

Sunday, November 27 – Hike on Alsea (Bike) Loop (Margie Powell Trail 57). Thetrail on BLM land in the Alsea Falls Recreation Area ascends for some 3 miles through shady and attractiveforest on a single-lane gated paved road, levels somewhat as it curves around the top end of the loop, anddescends for 2 miles on a combination of gravel road and a rough trail connecting the road segments.Moderate, 6 mile loop, 985 feet elevation gain. Pack a lunch and water; wear shoes appropriate for the trailsurface. Meet at the NW corner of the Bi Mart parking lot at 53rd Street and Philomath Blvd. in Corvallis fora 9:30 a.m. departure. Contact leader: Robert Verhoogen, at [email protected] or 541 745-5185.

MPG Club Outings (con't)

THE BENCHMARK


MPG Club Outings (con't)Sunday, December 11 – Strom Boulder Ridge Loop. A Coast Range hike totally on State

Forest graveled roads in the Burnt Woods area just west of Corvallis. This loop hike alternately passesthrough thinned timberlands with far-reaching views of the forested carpet below and lush forest gushingwith ferns, per Margie Powell (Trail 35). Moderate, 7.6 miles, 1,430 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the NWcorner of the Bi-Mart parking lot located at 53rd Street and Philomath Blvd in Corvallis for a 9:30 a.m.departure. Pack a lunch and water and dress for the weather; include shoes for the road surface. Contactleader: Robert Verhoogen, at 541-745-5185 or [email protected]

Saturday, December 17 – Bald Hill. On this last weekend of fall, we'll take a slower-paced hike upBald Hill, near Corvallis. With luck we'll have extensive views of the Willamette Valley and beyond from thetop. Easy, 2-3 miles, 200-300 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the the Wilkinson Hall parking lot (Arnold & 27thin Corvallis) for a 1:00 p.m. departure. Contact leader: Christy Stevens, 541-753-4353,[email protected] (phone preferred).

Monday, December 26 – Hike off the Plum Pudding. We'll do a moderate hike in the Corvallisarea. See weekly email for details. Contact leader: Lelia Barlow, [email protected] (e-mail preferred);541-753-4775.

Sunday, January 1 – New Year's Day Walk. A New Year's Day walk followed by a social occasionis a Marys Peak Group tradition. We'll take an easy to moderate walk, either on city streets or in nearbyforest. See weekly email for details. 1:00 p.m. departure; location to be announced. Contact leader: DorisdeLespinasse, 541-753-4775 or [email protected].

Saturday or Sunday January 7-8. See the weekly email and the next Benchmark for a hike and/orwinter sports event, this and other January dates. The next Benchmark will be published in late December.

Three-Fingered Jack from Santiam Lake

Ph

oto

byD

ave

Hac

ken

yos


YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:

If you attend an MPG Outing, you are responsible for your own care, including but not limited to making sure

that you are sufficiently fit and equipped for the event. Talk with your leader if you have any doubts about

whether you can handle the outing, or any questions about what to bring. Tell your leader about medical

conditions which could affect your participation and safety, including but not limited to diabetes, heart

conditions, insect allergies.

ARRIVING FOR AN OUTING: Please contact the leader before an outing. Then arrive at the start point a few minutes early;

we leave on time. Unless otherwise stated, carpool departures are from the parking lot between Wilkinson Hall and the Asian

Cultural Center at Arnold and 27th Streets, on the OSU campus in Corvallis. Contact the leader to meet the group at a point

other than the start point.

CANCELLATIONS: If you are unable to attend an outing you have signed up for, please let your leader know. Often the

number of participants is limited. You could be preventing someone on a waiting list from joining the outing if you don’t notify.

Occasionally MPG has to cancel or change an outing, usually for safety reasons. If you have given the leader an email address

and/or phone number, you will be notified if at all possible.

CARPOOLS: Suggested driver reimbursement is $3.00 for every hour driven; perhaps more when the roads are difficult or the

number of riders is small; possibly a little less if a vehicle has 5 or more people in it.

DOGS: Dogs, other than certified assistance dogs, are allowed only on designated dog walks.

WHAT TO WEAR; WHAT TO BRING: Dress for the weather, with sturdy boots or walking shoes, usually rain gear, no jeans or

heavy cottons for extended outings. Bring water, sunscreen, snacks, lunch if outing starts in the morning, any medications you

might require. For longer outings, especially in wilderness areas, you should consider bringing the Ten Essentials.

LIABILITY WAIVER: All participants must sign a standard Sierra Club liability waiver before each outing. To read the liability

waiver before you choose to participate on an outing, please see www.sierraclub.org/outings/chapter/forms , or contact the

National Sierra Club Outings Department at (415) 977-5528 for a printed version. Neither the Sierra Club nor the Marys Peak

Group is responsible for participants during the trips to and from the trailhead.

MINORS ON OUTINGS: People under 18 are welcome on outings for which they have sufficient fitness, but must be

accompanied by a responsible adult. A liability waiver (see above) must be signed by a parent or legal, court-appointed guardian.

General Outing Policies

THE BENCHMARK

Photo taken at Raindance Ranch by Julie Arrington

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Essentials

http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/chapter/forms/

THE BENCHMARK


Oregon hiking guru Bill Sullivan takes us ona tour of his favorite trips -- hikes andadventures in all parts of the state, choosingtop trips for each month of the year. Based onhis new book, Oregon Favorites, the showincludes tips on new trails, as well as anecdotesabout history, geology, wildlife, and peoplealong the way. A fifth-generation Oregonian,Sullivan has written seven books aboutOregon's outdoors, as well as two books onOregon history, two adventure memoirs, andthree novels. His journal, Listening for Coyote,was chosen by the Oregon Cultural HeritageCommission as one of the 100 most significantbooks in the state's history.

MPG Evening Public ProgramsOctober–November, 2011

ADVENTURES IN MADAGASCAR

Wednesday, October 26, 2011, 7:00pmCorvallis/Benton County Public Library

Karin Bucht, student in Environmental Scienceat OSU, will speak about her adventures during asemester in Madagascar. From lemurs andmangroves, to rural villages and learningMalagasy, she’ll share photos and highlight herexperiences in visiting a number of national parksand reserves, traveling across the country. Shewill also discuss her project, which involvedlooking at local views on conservation in a villagebordering Andohahela National Park.

FAVORITE OREGON HIKES AND ADVENTURES

Wednesday, November 16, 2011, 7:00pmCorvallis/Benton County Public Library

THE BENCHMARK


A New TrailBy Barry Wulff

new hiking trail has recently opened inMcDonald Forest. It’s the New GrowthTrail, and it may be accessed by walking

about 300 yards along the Davies Road, orForest Road 580, north of Lewisburg Saddle.Gravel has been laid on about half of thelength of the trail. Until the remainder isgraveled, try it out before mud seasonreturns in late October.

It’s called the New Growth Trail becausethe area was planted in 1989 with Douglas firin sections with different spacing of thetrees. Presently it is still a mixed with bothhardwoods and Douglas fir. Of course,there’s lots of wildflowers and birdlife alongthe route, as well as a good assortment ofmosses and lichens to admire. One might bepleased to see what a twenty year old forestlooks like.

The trail descends down the north slope ofVineyard Mountain for about a half milewhere it hooks up with the Old Growth trail.At that point one has the option of climbingback up to the road and returning to theSaddle or continuing on along the longestablished Old Growth trail, crossing a nicestream on a bridge, and then climbing backto the road. The contrast between the agesof the trees along each of the trails is wellworth noting.

Starting from the Saddle and walking bothtrails takes one on a 1.7-mile hike. Theentire loop is a great for those looking for aquick workout or a quiet afternoon stroll.Children or grandchildren would enjoy anadventurous hike on the loop before thewinter rains descend upon us. During oursummer temperature extremes, this area ofthe forest remains relatively cool.

A

THE BENCHMARK


Fall's Last DelightBy Matt Blakeley-Smith

rairies can be an acquired taste. Themixture of grasses and wildflowers in

June is a pleasing site to most people, but bythe time September arrives the grasses haveturned brown and the flowers have withered.Further, while the farm fields in theWillamette Valley are a brilliant emeraldgreen in February, our native prairies remaina soggy shade of brown and gray. Theseuntamed fields offend some people’s sense ofstructure and order, especially if you havespent your life mowing straight lines in yourfront lawn! Exploring Oregon’s prairies inthe fall will reveal that these habitatscontinue to team with life, despite their drabcolors and shaggy appearance. One of myfavorite plants to look for in fall is Hall’saster (Symphyotrichum hallii). Even if youcan’t pronounce its scientific name, you willno doubt appreciate this native prairiewildflower. I just wish that it was given amore descriptive name,such as “Fall’s last delight”.

I like things that arerare. Though not listed asan endangered species,Hall’s aster is not a verycommon plant. It grows inrelict Willamette Valleyprairies and on the edgesof farm fields that escapedthe plow. There are smallsatellite populations in Washington State,Grants Pass, and The Dalles, but 95% of theindividuals of this species are found in theWillamette Valley, and nowhere else in theworld. Hall’s aster helps define the uniqueecological space we consider home.

During the summer months you cannot goon a hike in western Oregon withoutspotting a sea of oxeye daisy. This

ubiquitous plantbugs me. It wasintroduced to Oregonand is found in everyprairie, pasture, andpark. This plant is socommon that manypeople mistakenlythink of it as a nativeOregon wildflower.Indeed, if you close your eyes and imagine aprairie, you might actually envision a field ofoxeye daisies and children playing “he lovesme, he loves me not”. Missed and forgottenis Hall’s aster, a daisy of great merit that isunknown to most people. This daisysuperficially resembles oxeye daisy in that ithas white ray flowers surrounding yellowdisc flowers. The flowers of Hall’s aster aremuch smaller however and they develop alight purple blush. Hall’s aster is unique inthat it flowers from August until October, ata time when nearly all of the otherwildflowers have gone dormant. One thingthat makes Hall’s aster so important is thatthis plant provides pollinators with the verylast drop of native nectar before the firstkilling frost.

I encourage you to search for Hall’s asterthis fall. Bald Hill harbors a smallpopulation, but in order to get a glimpse ofthis wildflower you will need to get off thetrail and explore “neglected” areas. If youare captivated by this wildflower and areinterested in contributing to its expansion,Hall’s aster makes for an unusual gardenplant and can be purchased at WillametteGardens in Corvallis. By learning moreabout the unique plants and animals thatinhabit our rare native habitats I hope thatyou too will acquire a taste for prairies!

Matt Blakeley-Smith

Hall's aster

P

THE BENCHMARK


Trails Need MaintainingBy Denise Nervik

hen I moved to Corvallis someeighteen years ago, I recognized a need

to improve our trails for year-round hiking.Trail maintenance is necessary in order forour trails to be usable year-round. One ofthe first work projects was to install moregravel on a fairly new trail at Bald Hill Park.A biker came down the trail and loudlyproclaimed, “What are you doing? You aredestroying the trail!” And he was right. Newgravel on a downhill trail is hazardous tobikes.

However, if the trails are left as dirt only, thebikers will tend to follow a groove thatgraduallybecomesdeeperand inwinterbecomes apath fordrainage.Theresult, ina few years, is a deep trench, and the trailbecomes unusable by all, be they hikers,equestrians or bikers. In time, that newloose gravel the biker didn’t like willcompact, so again the trial will be usable byall.

Corvallis is fortunate to have many trailsnearby. Bald Hill has a number of pavedtrails that are great for wheel chairs, babycarriages, and strollers, plus it has severaldirt trails that go to the top of the hill.McDonald Forest has many more dirt trails,with great views from Dimple Hill andMcCulloch Peak. Marys Peak has trails witha 1,500 ft elevation gain, with views of theCascades on clear days.

I have organized fourtrail-work projects eachyear for many yearsnow, two in the springand two in the fall. Theneed for specific workprojects are identifiedby the City or CountyPark Departments, theSiuslaw NFS, or theBLM. Sometimes ittakes time and effort toget a proposed project approved. Forexample, it took three years for the SiuslawNFS to approve the reconstruction of a nastyswitchback on the East Ridge Trail up MarysPeak, but a team of 15 to 20 volunteerstotally redid that switchback in one day. Theagency for which we are doing the workprovides tools and equipment required forthe project, plus the required material –pressure treated lumber and gravel. Wehave worked in the following parks manytimes: Chip Ross, Jackson-Frazier, Avery,Willamette, Bald Hill, Fitton Green, Beazell,Martin Luther King, Marys Peak, and FortHoskins.

Author Denise Nervikattacks the weeds

W

Trail Work at Beazell

Trenching at Bald Hill

Photos by Ricardo Small

THE BENCHMARK


The bulk of the physical work involvesclearing the trail of overgrown brush,grading the trail for drainage, and installinggravel on top of the ever-present mud. TheCity/County provides Honda Haulers, whichare a kind of motorized wheelbarrow thatcan carry more than 1,000 pounds of gravelat a time. They are great if you are takingmaterial uphill.

Trail maintenance work is not for everyone.On one of the earlier work parties, a womanlooked at the work being performed anddeclared, "This is the equivalent of a chaingang, without the chain.” She left after a fewminutes. Then there are those who enjoy it.Last fall at MLK Park, a group of OSUstudents turned shoveling gravel into achallenge. We had three and one-half tons ofgravel that needed to be spread on the trail.The students wanted to see how quickly theycould fill the Canycom Hauler with a load of

gravel, about 700 pounds. They got the timedown to 28 seconds! The driver of theCanycom Hauler got no rest at all betweencoming down the hill, turning around, andmoving the new load of gravel back up thehill!

There are almost always a variety of jobsbesides spreading gravel. Even people withbad backs have come and helped us makequite a difference. As a bribe to thevolunteers, I distribute homemade cookiesto all. Sometimes people who are using thetrail while the work is going on express athank-you, and that is nice to hear.However, I believe that the general feeling ofthe volunteers at the end of the work is thatthey feel good about contributing somethinguseful to the Corvallis community. We inviteyou to come join in the next trail-workparty.

The Honda Hauler

Walking to the Job at Bald Hill

Ph

oto

bySt

eve

McG

etti

gan

THE BENCHMARK


Test Your Knowledge about RecyclingBy Julie Arrington

We all know the mantra “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”. But how much do youknow about what can be recycled in Corvallis? Take this quiz and find out.

Which of the following can be recycled in the tan carts from Allied Waste?

1)maps2)phone books3)newspapers4)milk cartons

Answer: All of the above! Corrugated cardboard, aseptic boxes that have beenrinsed and dried, and coffee cup wraps are some of the other items that can go into thecommingled cart.

Find the one item below that cannot be recycled in the tan cart:

1)detergent jugs2)water bottles3)yogurt tubs4)clean aluminum foil5)pots and pans6)wire hangers

Answer: Wire hangers cannot be recycled in the commingled cart. All of therest of the items, and much more, can go into this cart.

True or false:

There is no place to recycle compact fluorescent bulbs.

Answer: False. They can be taken to Allied Waste's recycle depot at the east endof the Allied Waste lot at 110 NE Walnut Boulevard. The recycling depot also acceptscooking oil in sealed and labeled containers, scrap metal, electronics, and plastic film(stretchy bags and plastic) as well as many other items.

Julie Arrington

Ph

otos

byB

arry

Wu

lff

THE BENCHMARK


Which of the following items can go into the yard cart:

1)yard debris2) egg shells3)coffee grounds4)tea bags (with strings removed)5) meat

Answer: All of the above! Your yard cart is now called aMixed Organic Cart. It is picked up weekly and sent to the Pacific Region Compost center tobe made into rich compost.

True or false:

Natural corks from wine bottles can be turned into flooring tiles and buildinginsulation.

Answer: True! The recycling center at the First Alternative Co-op south storehas a collection bin in the side of their recycling office. The Co-op also accepts clean gardenpots and trays, batteries, and even styrofoam (for a $1-$2) fee. Items that go into your commingled cart as well as glass can be dropped off here.

Need more ideas for recycling? Don't forget the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. They takegood used items like bath and kitchen fixtures, household items, doors, and tools. They alsocollect paint for recycling. For more information, go tohttp://www.bentonhabitat.org/restore/donations.php

http://www.bentonhabitat.org/restore/donations.php

THE BENCHMARK


The OSU – Allied Waste Master Recycler Program

Allied Waste of Corvallis and OSU Campus Recycling sponsor an eight-week Master Recycler Class that covers all aspects of waste reduction. Theclasses are offered free to participants who agree to “pay forward” what theyhave learned with 30 hours of community service. Volunteer opportunities areas varied as staffing a booth at the Linn or Benton County fairs, leadingrecycling workshops, and volunteering with local reuse agencies. Class space islimited. For additional information about the January 2012 class, go to:

http://recycle.oregonstate.edu/masterrecycler/

Ask your paper carrier if she/he is interested in re-using the rubber bands from yournewspapers. You can collect a big stash in no time.

Don't forget the Allied Waste hazardous waste events where you can drop off old paint,yard chemicals, and other nasty items. The police department recently collected medicinesfor proper disposal.

Need to make some space on your bookshelves? You can donate your books to TheFriends of the Library to support the activities there.. Just drop the books off at the frontdesk at the library.

Don't forget the many thrift stores in town that will be glad to receive your used clothingand household items.

We have lots of opportunities in Corvallis to reduce our impact on the earth. For moredetails on what can be recycled, check out these websites.

First Alternative Co-op:http://firstalt.coop/recycling-center/free-recycling/

Allied Waste:http://www.corvallis.disposal.com/Pages/Recycling.aspx

http://firstalt.coop/recycling-center/free-recycling/

http://www.corvallis.disposal.com/Pages/Recycling.aspx

http://recycle.oregonstate.edu/masterrecycler/

THE BENCHMARK


Fruits of the ForestAs we walk through the woods on a Fall day in Oregon most of us encounter a huge variety ofmushrooms and other unusual fungi, and wonder what it is. Here is a small guide to help you

identify what you’re seeing.

Matt Trappe’s mushroom photos

Doris deLespinasse’s mushroom photos

Pacific golden chanterelle(Cantharellus formosus) Yellow morel

(Morchella esculenta)

Oregon white trufflem(Tuber gibbosum)

Angel wings(Pleurotus porigens)

Dyer’s polypore(Phaeolus schweinitzii)

Honey mushroom(Armellariella nabsnoma)

Orange gilled waxy cap(Hygrophorus sp.)

Shaggy manele(Coprinus comatus)

Lobster mushroom(Hypomyces lactifluorum)

Sulfur shelf(Laetiporus conifericola)

THE BENCHMARK


Barry Wulff’s mushroom photos

Horse mushroom(Amanita arvensus)

Orange-peel fungus(Aleuria auranticas)

Fly agaric(Amanita muscaria)

Yellow tuning fork(Calocera viscosa)

Oak-loving dryophilus(Gymnopus dryophilus)

Gem-studded puffball(Lycoperdon perlatum)

White marasmius(Marasmiellus candidus)

Toothed jelly fungus(Pseudohydnum gelatinosum)

Questionable stropharia(Stropharia ambigua)

Turkey tail(Trametes versicolor)

Witches’ butter(Tremella mesenterica)

more Fruits of the Forest

Crested coral(Clavulina cristata)

Want to know more about mushrooms? Get a copy of Gary Lincoff ’s TheComplete Mushroom Hunter: An Illustrated Guide to Finding, Harvesting,and Enjoying

Wild Mushrooms.

THE BENCHMARKMPG Past Outings


Wildflower Walk - Sunday, May 1, 2011Leader: Doris deLespinasse

Early wildflowersrewarded this

group’s quest inPeavy Arboretum,along with perfect

spring weather!

Left to right, standing: Randy Selig, Joey Azul, Doris deLespinasse, Sally Matthews, Lon Otterby, BobCuster, Robert Verhoogen, Kathy Valdez, Susan Catlin, Barbara Loeb, Laurel Moulton and Hilary White;

kneeling in front: Ditte Lokon and Nancy Rockwell.

OSU Energy Center Tour - Thursday, May 5, 2011Leader: Nancye Ballard

MPG participantswere treated to atour of the new

OSU EnergyCenter, whichbecame fully

operational inJune 2010, and is

the firstplatinum-ratedpower facility inthe nation, thefirst Platinum

LEED building oncampus, and one

of only two inthe Oregonuniversity

system.

A gas turbine is the primary energy sourcefor the OSU campus.

Sustainability Assistant Greg Smithdescribes a portion of the OSU campus

energy facility.

Ph

oto

byB

ruce

Enck

e

Photos by Anne Ashford



High Desert Committee Outing to Fort RockFriday-Sunday, May 13-15, 2011

Leader: Borden BeckPhotos by Mark Smith

A Weekend in Oregon’s High DesertBy Barry Wulff

I could taste the dry air from the light breezeatop 5,140-foot Cougar Mountain in Oregon'shigh desert country. As I scanned thehorizon Paulina Crater lay to the northwest.Slightly more to the north, Long, Fox, andEast Buttes lay in succession. Winter Ridgelay behind me, to the southeast. Below andsurrounding me lay rugged lava flows in theFort Rock and Christmas Lake valleys.Standing high on a mountain in a desertwith magnificent views all around is apowerful experience.

Borden Beck brought me here. He heads upthe Oregon Chapter's High DesertCommittee. Borden arranged this mid-Mayweekend for thirteen hardy souls, includingfive Marys Peak Group members: Robin andBob Aman, Randy Selig, Nancye Rockwell,and me. We camped at the Cabin Lakecampground, ten miles north of Fort Rockand set in a sparsely populated grove ofponderosa pine, where there’s no lake andthe facilities are minimal.

The Chapter's HighDesert Committee wasformed in 1989 to pursuethe preservation ofwilderness in thoseOregons sagebrushsteppe lands that aremanaged by the Bureauof Land Management(BLM). Each summer,the committee organizes a number of multi-day outings to educate members about theneed to protect our desert lands. In additionto our weekend outing, they hosted theOwyhee Rendezvous, a Steen’s MountainFence Pull, and a long weekend at AndersonCrossing on the West Little Owyhee, one ofthe remotest areas in Oregon.

Our hike up Cougar Mountain was by way ofa 1.8-mile -longjeep trail that wound aroundthe hillside to give us sneak previews ofwhat we would see from the summit. Wetook it at a leisurely pace, looking for thebald eagles that recently had been seen inthe area. Borden brought us here so thatwe’d get a falcon's eye view of the proposed

Barry Wulff

MPG participants on the High Desert outing to Fort Rock.Left to right, Robin Hawthorne, Bob Aman, Randy Selig,

Nancy Rockwell and Barry Wulff.

Looking for Falcons



Wilderness Study Areas (WSA) that the HighDesert Committee, working with the OregonNatural Desert Association (ONDA), haveproposed for preservation. Altogether,several dozen WSA's covering millions ofacres have been have been identified inOregon's high desert, four of which lie in thebasin surrounding Cougar Mountain. TheseWSAs were identified in 1989 as havingwilderness values and have been waitingever since for congressional action topermanently protect them.

As we descended from the mountain, weventured off trail, sneaking through acrevice to set ourselves in a position to see aprairie falcon nesting site. These beautifulraptors streak above the desert cliffs,searching for small mammals. Our surprise,however, was seeing several big hornedsheep. After having been eradicated manyyears ago, they were reintroduced to Oregon,beginning in 1954. Their members havegrown and spread, but they remain therarest game animals in Oregon.

Oregon's high desert is punctuated withscenic beauty and an array of wildlife thatrivals the best in the nation. During ourweekend adventure, we saw prairie falcons,bald eagles, and Lewis's woodpeckers, tomention a few of the birds, but also deer,antelope, coyotes, and those big hornedsheep. The dry lands host an entirelydifferent fauna and flora from that we'reused to seeing in the Willamette Valley. Ifind it personally rewarding to venture toother parts of the state to gain perspectiveand knowledge of what lies beyond ourhome base.

Upon our return to the trailhead, Bordenexplained about the invasive juniper,seemingly loving the area to death. The BLM

had cut down many of the mature trees thatwould not be eradicated by fire, leaving theircorpses for lizards to explore. The fireprevention programs set in place many yearsago have altered the dynamics of our desertecosystems to allow this invasive to gain astrong foothold. It is estimated that it nowoccupies more than six million acres.

Our next stops were The Blowouts – twovolcanic cones on the edge of the Devil’sGarden WSA – and a visit to Derrick's Cave.This rugged landscape is replete with upsand downs, and various wildlife nichesabound. Scaling a cinder cone and lookinginto the bowl gives the viewer a sense of thepower and magnificence of what transpiredyears ago. The venture into Derrick's Caverequired headlamps and careful stepping,because permanent ice formations lie in itsdepths.

Our long day's exploration found us readyfor dinner and evening campfirecamaraderie where we could recount ouradventures and plan for tomorrow's outingto Fort Rock. Borden is passionate about hiswork. He came armed with maps of thedesert areas of Oregon and beautifulbrochures describing the OwyheeCanyonlands in southeastern Oregon, a place

Derrick’s Cave



he would call "The Great UnexploredDesert". It is about as far away and differentfrom the Willamette Valley as you can getwithout leaving Oregon.

Come Sunday morning, we were off toexplore Fort Rock State Park. The Fort Rockmassif stands out in the middle of the basin,surrounded by cultivated fields andsweeping sagebrush. Fort Rock was formednearly 100,000 years ago amid a Pleistocenelake that covered nearly 600 square miles.Over the years, the waves sculptured itsedges. Less than 13,000 years ago, the lakedried up and wind erosion scoured the face.One can easily walk into the bowl from thesouth side, but on this weekend we chose togo off-trail and walk around the outside ofthe rock, to examine it outer walls. Wespotted a number of prairie falcons tendingto their nests.

To cap off our weekend, we entered the bowland climbed to the ridge for excellent viewsof a promontory to the west that hosts FortRock cave. The bowl of Fort Rock is normallywarmer than the surrounding terrain. It isalso protected from grazing. Thus, here iswhere one can find a good assortment ofdesert flora. Among other examples, wewere treated to some fine examples ofblooming sand lilies, Leucocrinummontanum. We enjoyed our lunches amidthe bouldered ridgeline, sopping up thesun’s rays before heading home.

Each of us came away with a greater sense ofappreciation for and better understanding ofOregon's diverse landscape. The plant andanimal life is endemic, for the most part. Weneed to preserve our deserts for futuregenerations to explore and enjoy. For ourchildren, and ourselves, we must strive to begood stewards of the future.

Leader Borden Beck with maps

Sand Lily

To learn more about Oregon’s high desert visit the Chapter’s HDC website at:http://oregon.sierraclub.org/conserv/hidsrt/

What can you do? Write to our Senators, Merkely and Wyden and urge them to support legislation that willpreserve Oregon’s proposed wilderness habitats.

Fort Rock

http://oregon.sierraclub.org/conserv/hidsrt/



Anyone who has driven highway 138 fromRoseburg to Diamond Lake knows that it is aparticularly lovely drive along the wild andscenic North Umpqua River, with a dramaticrocky terrain and several beautifulwaterfalls. The watershed of Boulder Creek,a tributary of the North Umpqua has beenofficially designated as a wilderness area. Itis tiny, as wilderness areas go, no more thansix miles from north to south and sevenmiles from east to west. But it packs awallop for scenery and provides a nice quickweekend getaway. Seven of us explored thisenticing wilderness on the first weekend ofJune: Joanne DeMay, Rod Graves, Tom Eaton,David Auxier, Allan King, Dave McFatridge,and me.

To get to the trailhead, we took the SodaSprings road. The road passed a very activeconstruction site, where PacifiCorp is in theprocess of building a fish passage on theSoda Springs Dam. The road swings to theleft to parallel the river and climbs steeply.

From Route 138, thetrailhead is about twomiles in on the left andcan easily be missed,because there is no signalong the road and the“parking lot” consists ofa small clearing next tothe road. There is,however, a large sign onthe trail as you enter it,so there is no mistaking whether you’vefound the trail or not. The trail mostlyclimbs for three and one-half miles until youreach the Pine Bench for a net gain of 800feet. The Pine Bench is a beautiful, open,park-like flat area with very large old growthponderosa pines. According to theWilderness.net website, this is the largestsuch stand west of the Cascades. We werethere on the first weekend of June, and therewas an abundance of wild flowers growing inthe open grassy areas under the trees. Therewas enough variety to keep a botanisthappily occupied for days. We non-botanistswere able to identify arnica, blue-eyed Mary,vanilla leaf, elegant cat’s ear, Siskiyou iris,and others. On the east edge of the bench,you get some dramatic views of the rockyBoulder Creek canyon.

We camped at a beautiful well-used (butnot trashed) campsite near the edge of thecanyon, which had a spring flowing withmilky water. For such a relatively short hike,it felt wonderfully remote. We saw only twoother people the entire time we were upthere. All sounds of the highway and the

Boulder Creek Backpack - Friday-Sunday, June 3-5, 2011Leaders: Allan King and Joanne DeMay

Boulder Creek Wilderness BackpackBy Ray Drapek

Ray Drapek

(Photo by Joanne DeMay, with Allan’s camera)Left to right: Rod Graves, Tom Eaton, Ray Drapek, DavidAuxier, Allan King, and Dave McFatridge. Not pictured is

Joanne DeMay.



dam construction site below had dwindled tonothing. Our plan was to camp here for twonights, do a day-hike on Saturday, and hikeout on Sunday morning.

On the Saturday hike, we passed throughlarge burned areas. The Spring Fire tookplace in 1996, and the Rattle Fire took placein 2008. Between the two fires, most of thewilderness area had been burned. Wethought we could distinguish between thetwo burns, because some areas had signs ofseedlings coming up, while in other areasnone could be found. There must have beensome big winds last winter, because manylarge trees were down. The tree-falls lookedfresh: some of the trees still had greenfoliage on them. At times, there were somany fallen trees that it was a challenge tofollow the trail. We had to either climb overmany very large trunks or walk around theblow area. The challenge was finding thepath again once you got past the blow area.

The main path heads northeast throughthe wilderness area along Boulder Creek.Our plan was to follow the path until itcrossed Boulder Creek and then take a sidepath that headed straight up a ridge north ofOnion Creek. If possible, we were hoping tomake it to a lookout near Illahee Rock.Unfortunately, when we got to BoulderCreek, the log that had spanned it last yearwas gone. The creek was flowing high andcold, and there was no possibility of wading

safely across. Allan and I attempted to makeour way upstream to another log but foundthe path blocked by a rock wall that wouldhave been a technical climb. The groupscrambled through some rough terrain tohead downstream and eventually were ableto find another log that crossed the creek,though it was a rather steep downward dropalong the log. Tom crossed first and did itupright the whole way. I was able to shimmyacross with my legs straddling the log, and

Allan followed in a similar fashion. The restdecided that crossing the log was not such agreat idea and decided to head back up thetrail, hoping that they could hook up withanother side trail that headed up to PerryButte. Allan, Tom, and I continued along thewest side of the creek, still hoping to find thetrail up to the lookout. We didn’t make itvery far, less than a quarter mile, before thetrail petered out to nothing. Tom had thetrail marked on his GPS, and we spent sometime trying to find it, with the GPS recordingour path as we explored. After we hadscrambled for a while over steep terrain aswe searched for the trail, the line showingour path on the GPS looked like a child’sscribble. We decided to hang it up and headback to camp. On the way back, we caughtup with the others. They had a very similarstory to tell of their efforts to follow thePerry Butte trail.

That night around the campfire, we solved

Ph

oto

byA

llan

Kin

g

Ph

oto

byJo

ann

eD

eMay



all the world’s problems, as usual; andbecause of the long June day we were able to

stay up quite late by backpacker standards(10 pm!!!!). A light sprinkle in the middle ofthe night woke me, but it was gone bymorning and the campsite was mostly dry.

Sunday was a quick hike out, with breakfastat “Munchies” in Glide. All in all, it was avery pleasant weekend, despite the roughtrails on Saturday. Temperatures wereamazingly warm; t-shirt weather during theday and light sweater weather in theevening. The mosquitoes were practicallynon-existent up on the bench, though wedid get nibbled on a bit on Sunday after wegot off the bench as we hiked down to thecar. On a few occasions, a couple of us hadto flick a tick off an arm or pants-leg, but tomy knowledge none of us had to get thetweezers out. All of us had enjoyed this littlewilderness adventure.

Ph

oto

byJo

ann

eD

eMay

Opal Creek - Saturday, June 11, 2011Leaders: Jim and Nancye BallardPhotos by Julie Arrington

Some of the best old growth forest in the Willamette Valley foothills is in theOpal Creek area, northeast of Mehama. This MPG group hiked to Jawbone Flats

via a trail past Opal Pool andalong the gushing Little North

Santiam.

Seated, l-r: Rodney Alston, Rachel Snyder, Cynthia Schmidt, Patti Dunning,Barbara Langford, Nancye Ballard, and Aaron Sanford. Standing, l-r: JimBallard, Rosamund Irwin, Dean Wachtel, Erma Holmes, Kathy Griffiths,

Laurel Croft, Hilary White, and Susan Merrill. Patti Dunning pointing out signagediscrepancy.

Photo by Julie Arrington

Ph

oto

take

nby

Mik

eM

erri

ll,S

usa

n’s

son



Prairie Restoration Walk - Tuesday, June 14, 2011Leader: Doris deLespinassePhotos by Julie Arrington

We were privileged to have a tour throughRaindance Ranch, a beautiful private property

near Monroe. Our group walked through uplandprairie, oak savanna, and coniferous forest as wellas prairie and wetlands, all with abundant wildlife.

Left to right: Caryl Uhler, Miriam Edell, Julie Arrington, PamHood-Szivek (hidden behind Julie), Richard Seekatz, HilaryWhite, ranch owners Warren and Laurie Halsey, CatherineThomasson, Miriam Richards, Lynn Kirchner, Daryl Thaw,

Linda Seekatz, Roberta Smith, Lon Otterby; Standing in backright: Matt Blakeley-Smith (guide), John Thaw.

Two Ankeny Trails - Tuesday, June 21, 2011Leader: Leslie Hogan

Ph

oto

byB

arry

Wu

lff

Fourteen people celebrated our longest day by taking an evening walk on the Rail Trail Loopin the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge. They also visited another boardwalk and bird blind,strolled along dikes and through woodsy verges, and enjoyed a picnic dinner on a grassy dike

overlooking a vast marshy site while doing a little bird watching.

Left to right, standing: Jean Fredrickson, Leslie Hogan, Jack Wirz, Pam Hood-Szivek, Brenda Summers, Jim Hogan, LindaBaskerville, Karyn Walker, John Fowlkes, and Richard Seekatz.

Left to right, kneeling in front: Catherine Thomasson, Doreene Carpenter, and Linda Seekatz



Summer Solstice Gala - Sunday, June 26, 2011

The beautiful Dancing Oaks Nursery on the eastern slopes of the coast range betweenCorvallis and Monmouth was once again the venue for our 11th annual celebration. Nearly

100 people gathered for the festivities, and enjoyed fine fellowship and a sumptuous potluckbuffet. The terrific local group, Wild Hog in the Woods, entertained us with their music, and the

featured speaker was Jason Patton of OSU’s College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences.Many took home a nice raffle prize at the end of the evening.

Wild Hog in the Woods

Master Griller, Mike Brantley The Serving Line

Sue & Peter Goodman, Janice & Steve Snyder

Doreene goes for the goodies

Suzanne & Lee Lazaro

A Happy Table

Ph

oto

byB

arry

Wu

lff

Ph

oto

byB

arry

Wu

lff

Ph

oto

byR

icar

do

Smal

l

Ph

oto

byR

icar

do

Smal

l

Ph

oto

byR

icar

do

Smal

l

Ph

oto

byR

icar

do

Smal

l

Ph

oto

byR

icar

do

Smal

l



Fern Ridge Lake Kayak - Saturday, July 9, 2011

Photos by Barry Wulff and Larry Davis Leaders: Larry Davis and Steve Snyder

This kayak trip was“first” for the MarysPeak Group. It was a

colorful parade of cars ll loaded with kayaks of

all hues, heading downt to beautiful Fern Ridge

Lake west of Eugene.The weather could not

have been moreperfect, as twelve of us

(beginners on up toexperts) explored the pretty wetland areas and braved a hearty chop heading back for lunchon the shore. Most went for another loop on the water in the other direction before loading

up the boats again. A great day!

Left to right, standing: Barbara Loeb, Ken Williams, Larry Davis, CarolBailey, Dave Madison, Steve Snyder, Lyn Cornell, Paul Murtaugh and

Mary Greaney; kneeling in front, Jane Luther and Barry Wulff.(Photographer missing: Doris deLespinasse, using Larry’s camera.)

A full load Larry shows how it’s done

On the water



Jack Lake Camping Trip - Friday-Sunday, July 22-24, 2011Leaders: Brian Briggs and David AndersonPhotos by Brian Briggs

A group of ten campers enjoyed a weekend ofbeautiful weather with great hikes at Canyon

Creek, Jack Creek and Iron Mountain.

Lower Canyon Creek Meadow

Group standing in front of Jack Lake.Left to Right: Bob Lillie, Doris deLespinasse, DavidAnderson, Barb Weeks, Marilyn Syverson, KaitlynAnderson, Bob Custer, Marian Anderson, Christy

Stevens, Brian Briggs.

Ethnobotany Tour of Bald Hill FarmSaturday, July 30, 2011

Leader: Janet Throop

MPG partnered with the Greenbelt Land Trust to tour the beautiful Bald HillFarm property. Tom Pfleeger and Jessica McDonald of the GLT gave

fascinating discussions on the objectives of the land management systemused by the Kalapuya in the mid-Willamette Valley, through the late 19thCentury; historic plant uses and management tools; as well as sustainable

farming practices in use on the farm today, and plans for its future.

Ph

oto

byJa

ne

Luth

er



Hull-Oakes Mill TourThursday, August 4, 2011

Leader: Nancye Ballard

Fourteen MPG folk toured the Hull-Oakes Mill outside Bellfountain. Becauseof the interest in the tour when we toured Hull-Oakes in Nov. 2010, we

decided to take another group. The weather this time was far superior. Inaddition to hearing about the history of the mill and its operations, we

learned at the end of the tourthat Hull-Oakes was the scenefor a movie to be released in

late August 2011. Called“Something Wicked,” the film

stars the late Brittany Murphy.One of our tour guides assured

us that all the employeesenjoyed themselves

thoroughly during the fourdays of shooting.

Ph

oto

byD

onW

agn

er

Front (l-r): Kneeling, Ron Sherriffs; Standing, Barbara Loeb. Back: Jim Ballard, RickKleinosky, Mary Browning, Nancye Ballard, Melinda Woodward, Lorna Glubb, Mary

Sherriffs, Earl Boissonou, Debra Higbee-Sudyka, Dave Madison, Bill Sudyka, andRelan Colley.

Photo of male Silvery Blue butterfly(Glaucopsyche lygdamus incognitus) on Camas

Lily taken by Ricardo Small

THE BENCHMARK


Marys Peak Group, Sierra Club2011 Executive Committee Candidates

The MPG Sierra Club Executive Committee has three positions open this year. Electedcandidates will serve two-year terms, beginning January 1, 2012. Below are four nomineesand their statements. Members should look for the official ballot soon, and be sure to vote

prior to November 1st.

Debra Higbee-Sudyka~Member since1987. Presently the PoliticalChair and Vice Chair forMPG. Has held manypositions in the Sierra Club,and served on Eugene ManyRiver ExCom for years. Ifreelected, would like to

continue to engage in the process of beingenvironmentally aware and acting on thatawareness. Issues of interest include energy,politics, and helping others join in the MPGgoal towards a healthy environment.

Ray Drapek~Memberfor 12 years. Trip leaderfor the last seven years.Led MPG Pacific CrestTrail backpack for thelast seven summers, theMcKenzie River raftingtrip, miscellaneous day

hikes, and cross country ski trips. Hasenjoyed the benefits of the work done by pastExCom members and feels it is his turn tohelp out. Has many years of experienceworking on the board of the Audubon Societyof Corvallis, and helped to establish theHesthavn Nature Center.

Christy Stevens~Membersince 2002. Has advocatedfor environmental issues inmultiple venues. Leads andorganizes outings, includingsnowshoe and overnight rafttrips, with the MPG. Wouldlike to strengthen ourrelationship and services for

current members, reach out to prospectivemembers, be accessible, and advocate forenvironmental issues. Welcomesopportunity to serve MPG and hercommunity.

Marjean Austin~ Memberfor 12 years. Currentlyserves on MPG Political/Environmental Team. Hasbeen a member of OregonEnvironmental Council forthe past 5 years. Worked inpublic health for 12 years,instrumental in obtaining

Air Quality Assessment in several BentonCounty schools. In 2007, volunteered forOregon Toxic Alliance, which implementedIntegrated Pest Management in Lane Countyschools. Became a weed spotter through Soil,Water, and Conservation Agency to helpidentify and control spread of invasiveplants. Involved in many tree plantings andvarious trail maintenance.

THE BENCHMARK


Pre-shrunk neutral ash gray cottonWomen’s – S, M, L, and XL

Men’s – S, M, L, and XL

Only $10 EACH!

To purchase yours, contactJane Luther, [email protected], or

541-758-8279

Show your support for MPG by purchasing aspecial Marys Peak Group T-shirt!

Kay, Monika and Julie show their colors!

Neat Stuff for Sale!

2011 Sierra Club Calendars

They are as beautiful as ever!

Wall Calendars $13.00

Engagement Book Desk Calendars$14.00

Free delivery included

Available now, by contactingJane Luther

[email protected] or 541-758-8279

THE BENCHMARKGET INVOLVED!

Trail maintenance/Building:Interest in working on localand regional trails? There’s aregular schedule for trailbuildingand maintenance here in theWillamette Valley. Contact:Denise Nervik at [email protected]

Leading outings: Enjoyworking with people in groupsettings? How about leadingan outing, such as a snowshoeor ski trip, hike, raftingadventure, backpack orspecial field trip of interest?Training is available. Contact:Irene Schoppy [email protected]

Conservation/Sustainabil ity:You may be interested inspecific environmental issues,and would be willing to attendmeetings of governmentagencies to monitor theiractivities and testify at hearings.Contact: Bruce Enke, 541-974-3439 [email protected]

Fundraising: Do you like topromote activities fororganizations? Like to meetpeople? How about producingconcerts or managing a party?Do you have fundraising skills?Contact: Barry Wulff [email protected]

Membership: Do you like tocommunicate with people? Are you ableto organize tabling events? Help assurethe future of the environment by gettingmore people interested and involved inMPG activities. Contact: Janet Lincoln [email protected]

Political activism: How aboutengaging in lobbying? Wouldyou be willing to becomeinvolved in political issuesrelating to the environmentor supporting a candidate forelection? Contact: DebraHigbee at [email protected]

Graphics/Il lustration: Haveyou graphics and illustrationskills? Have access to desktoppublishing software? Likemaking displays for eventsand booths? Contact: BarryWulff at [email protected]

Writing/Photography: Youlike to write? Would you liketo research an issue and thenwrite about it? Are you handywith a digital camera? Wantto show off your cameraskills? Contact: Barry Wulff [email protected].

SIGN-UP FOR THE WEEKLY EMAILThe Marys Peak Group offers many activities other than those listed in the

Benchmark. Our weekly email announces upcoming events and activities with

complete contact information. You may sign-up to receive the weekly email by

sending a note to Jane Luther at [email protected].

Or, if you have a Google account, you can subscribe by going to:

http://groups.google.com/group/marys-peak-group/ subscribe and choose

“E-mail - send each message to me as it arrives” (the message “Approximately

1 e-mail per day” is incorrect; MPG weekly email will be sent once a week.)

Your email will not be shared with other entities.

We NeedYour Photos!

Back to Top

ou joined the Sierra Club because you like the outdoor life, or because you want tosupport the environment. The Marys Peak Group offers opportunities to engage moreactively in both. Here are a few areas you may wish to involve yourself.Y

THEBENCHMARK Autumn2011 EstablishingaSustainable Precedent · 2015-02-23 · warming, idic n tt may...

Documents

Transcript of THEBENCHMARK Autumn2011 EstablishingaSustainable Precedent · 2015-02-23 · warming, idic n tt may...