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First Fridays

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  • A graphic for this First Friday. Image of someone's hands holding an iPhone and snapping a picture of a tree. Also has event title Bridging Bytes and Blooms Embracing Nature Through Tech in the City Nature Challenge and a short description of the talk, plus logos of The City Nature Challenge, The Nature Conservancy, and Marion SWCD.

    First Friday: Bridging Bytes and Blooms

    First Fridays
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    Bridging Bytes and Blooms: Embracing Nature through Tech in the City Nature Challenge Many people view nature and technology as separate entities and often view the two as in conflict. However, technology can be used to help us better understand and connect with nature under the right circumstances. Join Max Light-Pacheco, the Volunteer and Community

    Free

  • A graphic with the title: First Friday: Finding Balance: Wildfire Preparedness and Wildlife Habitat Tools for developing your unique plan. A talk aby MSWCD's Kassi Roosth and Chelsea Blank on June 7. Shows four images of different landscaping styles.

    First Friday: Finding Balance – Wildfire Preparedness and Wildlife Habitat

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    Being prepared for wildfire and supporting wildlife are two landscaping goals that may seem to be at odds. Marion SWCD's Kassi Roosth (urban conservation) and Chelsea Blank (natural areas) will walk you through the main considerations and discuss how achieving both is possible. First Fridays are held on the first Friday of every month (except

    Free

  • First Friday: USACE Operations in the Willamette Basin with emphasis on the Santiam Basin. Aug 2. Fisheries Biologist Greg Taylor will provide background on the of 13 dams and reservoirs within the Willamette River basin, review existing operations, how objectives often conflict, and explore future changes. US Army Corps of Engineers. Includes image of Detroit Dam spill.

    First Friday: Army Corps Operations in the Willamette Basin

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    Presentation: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Operations in the Willamette Basin with emphasis on the Santiam Basin The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) operates and maintains a system of 13 dams and reservoirs within the Willamette River basin of northwestern Oregon. Each dam contributes to a water resource management system providing flood risk

    Free

  • A graphic for the September 6 First Friday showing a picture of David Craig with green rimmed glasses and an old heritage oak

    First Friday: Saving the Great White Oaks

    First Fridays
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    Saving the Great White Oaks of Marion County: An Invitation to Share Stories In Marion County, Oregon white oaks are culturally and ecologically vital. The oak savannas and woodlands, rich in biodiversity, have supported a dynamic ecosystem for over 10,000 years. Oaks were central to the Kalapuya people, who relied on their acorns for food,

    Free

  • Harry Fuller with a spotting scope looking out over a pond. Graphic for Cotber 4 First Friday on The Birds of Marion County.

    First Friday: Birds of Marion County

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    Which birds are here all the time, which ones come and go with the seasons? We will look at different birds' preferences from grassland to marsh to town gardens to mountain forest. Presenter Harry Fuller is a veteran birding guide who lives in Salem. He currently leads field trips for the Malheur Field Station in

    Free

  • a graphic with images of mason bees and the washing process,

    CANCELLED – First Friday: Fall Mason Bee Cocoon Harvesting

    First Fridays

    Due to unexpected circumstances, this First Friday has been cancelled. We hope to reschedule at a future date. Master Gardener and Master Melittologist, Carol Slavkovsky will take you on a journey into the world of fall mason bee cocoon harvesting. In this informative class, participants will gain valuable insights into the lifecycle of the mason

    Free

  • a graphic for the Dec 6 First Friday - Urban Soil Health and Management

    First Friday: Urban Soil Health and Management

    First Fridays
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    In this talk, Soil Scientist Marissa Theve will explain why urban soils are important, what sets them apart, and some common contaminants and management practices – including the use of biochar. Presenter Marissa Theve- Marissa hales from rural Eastern Connecticut where she grew up playing in the woods and brook near her home. She earned

    Free

  • graphic for January first Friday with aster and butterfly

    First Friday: Nurturing Habitat at Home for Pollinators

    First Fridays
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    Eileen Stark, author of Real Gardens Grow Natives, will share tips for designing your garden to support pollinators and incorporate native plants. Pollinators are essential, hardworking and fascinating, with amazing abilities, but they face a wide range of threats. Join author and eco-landscape designer Eileen Stark to learn about their lives and needs. Discover how

    Free

  • a graphic for the February 2025 First Friday with a tree trunk covered in lichens

    First Friday: Lichens of the Willamette Valley

    First Fridays

    In this talk,  BLM botanist Charity Glade will introduce us to the often overlooked world of lichens living right here in the Willamette Valley. Charity  is a District Botanist for NW Oregon district working out of the Salem office, where she is the Invasive Species coordinator, ACEC coordinator, Title II coordinator, and co-lead for the

  • Birdhouse Selection, Installation, and Maintenance

    First Fridays
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    In this talk, retired biologist and past president of the Salem Audubon Society Ray Temple will reflect on more than a decade of learning in the field and share ideas for building, cleaning, replacing, repairing, and relocating bird boxes. Ray and  Stephanie Hazen live east of Salem on nearly two acres that they manage for