Behind the Waterfall

A Newsletter for Friends of Silver Falls Members

Ransom Notes: 2022

By Susan Ransom, President, Friends of Silver Falls

Happy New Year, Friends~

I hope this season finds you all well and enjoying beautiful Oregon.

I am writing this article as I sit behind the counter at the Silver Falls Nature Store. I volunteer here every Satur-day; and what a joy it is! When I was a child I used to play store. I would make paper money and put price tags on my dolls, books and stuffed animals. I always wanted to work in a store – but it was never part of my professional career. But—now that I am retired—I get to play store up here every Saturday!

(It’s never too late ☺)

Hiking here in nature brings me back in touch with my love of the outdoors that was born through many camp-ing trips with my family. And it is balm for the soul to take some time-out from our busy and hectic lives.

The Park has been busy this winter; and the falls are bursting! It is a good time to come and see the falls at their peak – but be prepared for some muddy and icy spots.

We are going to start up some events again this Spring – so be sure to check the FOSF website for updates. We so look forward to seeing you all again!

Let me leave you with this quote:

Some people get lost in the forest. Other people find themselves there

Thank you Business Sponsors!

Looking Back on 2021

*Image courtesy of the Friends of Silver Falls and* *Mayer/Reed*

By Chelsea Sims, FOSF Administrator

Memberships, donations, and store profits from 2021 have allowed FOSF to contribute more to park projects and interpretive programs. Funding for the North Falls Viewpoint planning/design has now reached $37,625! FOSF has been working with park management and landscape architects to develop this site. Pictured, is a pre-liminary sketch of the North Falls Viewpoint.

The Weatherspoon Foundation contributed $15,000 for ongoing infrastructure maintenance and repairs for Camp Silver Creek (also known as the Y Camp).

Last year, donated funds were used to install new lighting, repair bridges, windows, and benches (pictured below). You can donate directly to this ongoing project at friendsofsilverfalls.net/donate. You can also learn more about the historic Camp Silver Creek on our website!

The ever changing COVID concerns and restrictions have forced us to reimagine our interpretive program. This led to volunteer run discovery tables (pictured on right) in the historic district and increasing our online outreach through the FOSF website and social media platforms. Instead of organizing events or programs, individuals and school groups were able to schedule interpretive programs directly with the Friends. This resulted in more meaningful interactions with the community and allowed for a safe educational experience for all involved. FOSF volunteers contributed 2,590 hours in 2021!

It was an incredible year, and we couldn’t have accomplished this without our amazing volunteers and members. Thank you all for your support and dedication throughout this busy and unpredictable year!

A New SFSP Ranger: Robert Ellison

(in his own words)

Some quick info about me. I Started my career at OSU in getting my Bachelors in Political science with an option in Environmental politics and policy. While going to School I took on a summer job working at Cove Palisades State Park as a Park Ranger assistant in 2018 and knew then I wanted to try to follow that career path. From there I finished my schooling and took a seasonal PR1 position at state capital in the summer of 2018.

I immediately followed that up with a permanent position at Champoeg State Heritage Area for the last two years and a couple months. In my personal time I enjoy disc golfing and traveling. I also have two German short hair pointers at home that keep me pretty busy! I'm looking forward to joining the Silver Falls team and learning a variety of new things in and with Oregon State Parks!

A Murder in the Park

An Article About Ravens and Crows

By Kim Maley, Park Interpreter

A familiar sight, especially this time of year. Large black birds in fields, in trees, picking at road kill on the highway, watching us from the rooftops. Sometimes solitary, sometimes in large noisy gangs. Like a few other creatures in our forest at Silver Falls, these black birds have the unfortunate reputation of being associated with omens, death, and all things creepy. We even refer to a group of crows as a “murder”! Or do we? More on that later.

Let’s take a moment, however, to separate the science from the cultural depictions and hopefully in the process, inspire admiration for this family of rather remarkable birds!

Read the Full ARticle Here

FOSF Staff Updates

By Chelsea Sims, FOSF Administrator

If you frequent the Nature Store, there’s a good chance you’ve met Alice Sjolander. She has been working for the Friends since 2019 as our Merchandise Manager. This January, Alice was promoted to Store Assistant Manager, which is a full-time position.

Alice’s hard work has greatly contributed to the growth and success we've seen this year. Her skills, knowledge, and experience will undoubtedly enable FOSF to grow and accomplish more in the future.

A Fun Way to Spend a Day at the Park

By Patti Lindquist, FOSF Secretary

Usually, when you go into the lodge during the day, you will find a wonderful host to greet you and provide information. However, there have been days when no host was available, and that’s when FOSF steps in with a volunteer.

It isn’t difficult, especially if you were a scout and know how to keep a fire going! I found myself there one day building a wonderful fire - fire starters thoughtfully provided - turning on lights and music, and then setting up a bit of a nature focus. That day I put out the cougar pelt.

That is about it for responsibilities. From then on you just enjoy the people! Especially in the winter they are delighted to get hot chocolate from the cafe and then enjoy the fire. Most people were very interested in the lodge itself, which then morphed into CCC discussion and many other things about the Park.

The cougar pelt was a hit - many were surprised to learn that we have cougars in the Park, and kids found those huge paws and sharp nails amazing!

Volunteering in the lodge is a delightful way to spread the work about our history and about the Friends. I highly recommend it! You can email Kim Maley if you are interested - a truly delightful way to spend a day!