Behind the Waterfall
A NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS OF SILVER FALLS MEMBERS
Public Lands Alliance Convention and Trade Show
by Chelsea Sims, Administrator
Friends of Silver Falls ventured out of Oregon to attend the Public Lands Alliance (PLA) Convention and Trade Show in March. Our time in San Francisco was truly motivating and inspiring. Friends of Silver Falls are proud members of the PLA, attending our first conference in Portland in 2023.
About the Public Lands Alliance:
“We work for the day when America’s public lands are understood and appreciated, preserved and conserved and enjoyed by all.
The Public Lands Alliance has worked to foster and advance its members, the nonprofit partners of America's public lands, since 1977. We are a unified, powerful community dedicated to the preservation, enrichment and enjoyment of America's most treasured places.
Our members serve over 675 public lands sites nationwide in cooperation with their land management agency partners, and they raise $250 million annually to support those lands.”
This event unites nonprofits, land management agencies, and businesses to network, gain access to tools, and discover products tailored for public lands visitors.
A central focus this year was inclusive story-telling. Attendees were encouraged to get out of their silos and work with partners, community leaders, and visitors to create more welcoming spaces for ALL.
What does this mean for Silver Falls?
Oregon State Parks and Friends of Silver Falls continue to work toward expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do. Public lands are meant for everyone, and our shared goal is to eliminate obstacles that prevent people from accessing them.
Projects like the pavers at the South Falls Lodge and the new North Rim Trail were funded to increase accessibility to the park and its historic facilities. We focus on sourcing products from local, female, and/or minority-owned businesses for the Nature Store. Interpretive flyers and brochures are being translated into multiple languages. We’ve also opened board recruitment to the public to promote diversity in decision making roles (apply here!). Though we are proud of these initiatives, there is still much work to be done. Access plays a crucial role in interpretation and preservation.
As members, you are already supporting our shared goal of making Silver Falls State Park more welcoming for all. If you want to do more, consider spreading the word about FOSF with friends and family, donating to a project, or volunteering.
A Walk in the Woods
by Patti Lindquist, Board Member
On a busy, sunny Saturday in February, boots laced up and warm coat and scarf at the ready, I headed up to Silver Falls with the intent of walking the North Canyon trail and then on to Upper North. Ha. The new parking lot was chock full, even the overflow, as was, of course, North Falls parking.
Well, thought I, I shall not be deterred. I will try someplace new. So I meandered up to Smith Creek Village where the parking lot was virtually empty. From there I walked up to the Upper Cabins and then on up the Smith Creek Trail. It was absolutely magical! The only sounds were an occasional bird song and the merry tinkling of the creek and its little tributaries. It is a good trail, inching ever upward through rainforest. I passed some wonderful old snags, riddled with woodpecker holes; some gigantic Douglas Firs, hemlock and cedar; happy nurse logs swathed in moss, lichen, many varieties of fungi, and hosting young hemlock, salal, huckleberries and more. One really has the sense of what a rainforest is in this quiet magical greeness! I saw no critters along the way, but spied an amazing skunk cabbage flower sticking up out of the thick mud – what a determined little plant!
I hadn’t time to go the whole loop and sadly turned back to retrace my steps downhill – but I shall return to complete the loop and then explore other trails on this peaceful side of the park. I highly recommend exploring this area – it could be a million miles from the hustle and bustle of the South Falls area.
President's Article
by Mike Niemeyer, Board President
Trail Access Advocacy
An important part of our Mission is to preserve and protect the natural and cultural resources of Silver Falls State Park. Sometimes that means bending over and picking up a piece of trash. Sometimes it means going to the State Capitol and advocating for public policies that keep our trails open. On February 12th I represented Friends of Silver Falls as one of 70 trail advocates organized by the Oregon Trails Coalition who met with Oregon legislators to talk about:
the importance of trails in our communities,
the critical need to restore recreational immunity this legislative session with the passage of SB 1576,
how we can work with legislators in future sessions to invest in Oregon trails.
It was satisfying to see how much support outdoor recreation has among Oregon legislators in general and for continuing recreational immunity in particular. Recreational immunity is a law that limits the liability of landowners who open up their property for recreation. This immunity was challenged in a recent court case and, as a result, trails around Oregon began to close access to the public. SB1576 provides a temporary fix for this problem and defers until the 2025 session a more permanent solution.
History of the Silver Falls Watershed
Did you know that the original vision for Silver Falls as a public park included the entire Silver Creek watershed? Today the waters that flow through our iconic waterfalls originate on private forest land. Concerns about protecting the Park’s watershed aren’t new. Here is an excerpt of a letter from Sam Boardman, the first Oregon Parks superintendent, to his successor: (Emphasis mine)
One thing should be noted that is outstanding and I doubt if it can be duplicated in the United States, wherein you have fifteen water falls in an area of a mile and a quarter by three miles and a quarter. The composition of your park is mainly of water falls. The life of your park is dependent on water. You do not own the watershed upon which the park is dependent. This watershed must be protected if you would keep the scenic values of your waterfalls, the financial investment you have in the park. In the beginning of the R. D. P., when land was being purchased, we had an option on nine thousand acres of the watershed for $9,000.00. The National Park Service was buying the land but I was unable to convince them that the watershed should be bought. The Longview Fibre Company now owns the property, paying $200,000.00 for it. They are making a tree farm out of it, and when matured, will cut only in a block form. Selective cutting as it were. You should contact the personnel of this firm that they may understand your position and their cooperation secured in the matter,
This diagram shows Silver Falls State Park relative to its watershed.
Can you name these Silver Falls tributaries?
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A = North Fork Silver Creek
B = Little North Fork Silver Creek
C = South Fork Silver Creek
D = Howard Creek
E = Smith Creek
Thank you business sponsors!
Nature Store Remodel
By Chelsea Sims, Administrator
If you haven’t been to the park in a few months, be sure to stop by the Nature Store! We’ve been working to create a more open space that showcases the historic log cabin.
New product will be brought in over the next few months, including books, apparel, toys, and more! All merchandise in the Nature Store is carefully selected to reflect Silver Falls State Park and spark curiosity in our visitors.
We’ve also given our online store a remodel. The official Silver Falls merch is now available along with some classic favorites like “I’m Lichen Silver Falls”, CCC, Friends merch, and more! We will be adding more products soon!
Given the Friends of Silver Falls location and storage limitations, we would not be able to have an online store without our awesome partners at Patchmarks. Patchmarks is a local company that shares our love and appreciation of Oregon State Parks. They have been an invaluable resource over the years from redesigning our logo to managing direct shipments to customers. Be sure to use your member discount when shopping the online store! Discount Code: FOSFMEMBER24
Board Recognitions
by Chelsea Sims, Administrator
At our January board meeting, Susie Ransom and Jim Thomas were recognized for their outstanding contributions. Susie has been a board member since 2016 and was in the role of president from 2019-2023, guiding the board through challenging times, especially amid the pandemic. Her positive attitude and persistence have made a significant impact on Friends of Silver Falls, and we are delighted that she will continue serving in a new capacity as a board member. As a token of gratitude, Susie received a plaque along with a functional gavel!
Jim Thomas concluded his remarkable thirteen-year tenure on the board, leaving a lasting impact through his dedication and leadership. His role as the FOSF newsletter editor and active committee member significantly contributed to the organization's achievements.
The board reluctantly bid adieu to Shelly Lofgren, who has been a wealth of knowledge and expertise over the past two years. With a background in IT and technical writing, she brought a logical and insightful perspective to all discussions and projects. The impact of her efforts is deeply appreciated by everyone involved.
Though Jim and Shelly are missed in the board room, we are happy to note that they are still actively volunteering at Silver Falls.
Upcoming Events & Invitations
The annual gardening day will happen on April 20th this year. Volunteers will be weeding, pruning, replanting our Native Plant Garden in the South Falls Historic District. Always a fun day playing in the dirt!
RSVP required.
Contact Kim Maley kimmaley@friendsofsilverfalls.net
FOSF will also be at the Oregon Garden on April 20th. Be sure to stop by our booth and say hi!
Mother’s Day Birding and Wildflower Festival
May 11th & 12th
Celebrate spring at Silver Falls and learn about our native birds and wildflowers.
Native Plant Sale
Guided Hikes
Discovery Tables
Wildflower Show
Live Raptor Presentations
More!
