Wednesday, June 19, 2013, 8:45AM — Finley National Wildlife Refuge

This outing will be a fun two for one trip to the unique Finley National Wildlife Refuge north of Junction City. This Refuge is especially for the Dusky Geese, a sub-species of Canada Geese. The Duskies are the largest and the rarest of the 7 sub-species of Canada Geese and only winter here in Oregon in the Willamette Valley. Several other species of geese, swans, and ducks make this refuge their home for the cold part of the year. So, most of the trails in this large refuge are only open  from April 1st till October 31.

In the morning we will join other volunteers removing scotch broom and other invasive plants for 2 hours from 10-12. This is a great chance to give back a little for all the joy we receive from the great out of doors we have here in Oregon.

Then we will have lunch at the new park headquarters and have time to ask the staff about the refuge.

After lunch we will hike a few of the marshes and ponds including Cabell, Beaver, and Cattail. This is hike will be about 4 miles downhill both ways. This is a very easy hike for all ages. My wife and I saw a family of river otters last time we hiked this area. There are beaver, beaver dams, eagles, bears, and elk at this refuge.

The staff asks us to come prepared with gloves, hat, sturdy shoes, water bottles, long-sleeved shirts and a smile. An important note: Since this is a wildlife refuge no dogs other than official service dogs are allowed.

We ask you bring your cameras, binoculars, sketch books, water bottles, good walking shoes, rain gear, and curiosity.

(For those who do not use MeetUp Contact leader:  Lon Otterby, 541-933 2246 or ottercruz@aol.com for RSVP.) This outing will be limited to 20 participants.

About us: The Many Rivers Group is affiliated with State and National Sierra Club organizations.  The Sierra Club is the oldest and largest grass-roots environmental organization in the country, with nearly a million members and supporters nationwide.  The Many Rivers Group is an all-volunteer organization that represents Sierra Club members in Douglas, Coos, and Lane counties.  Please let us know us if you would like to join our our conservation and environmental protection efforts.

6 of 20 slots are currently filled, with 0 on the waitlist.

Click for more information, or to sign-up for this event.

Saturday, June 22, 2013, 8:45AM — Marvel at Wildflowers at Mt June - Families Welcome!

This moderate-level outing will be oriented toward enjoying our surroundings and meeting new people. We will take time to admire the many native blossoms on the rocky outcrops in the undesignated wilderness of Mount June, and from the top, the sweeping views of the Cascade Range. There will be no restaurants or water sources up there and the weather is very changeable, so bring lots of food and water, wear sturdy shoes and dress in layers including rain jacket. The first 1.2 miles, to Mt. June (4618 ft altitude) involves a steep climb of 900 ft over only 0.5 miles. Entire hike: 2.4 miles round trip, 900 ft elevation gain.

13 of 15 slots are currently filled, with 0 on the waitlist.

Click for more information, or to sign-up for this event.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013, 8:00AM — Owyhee Canyon Rendezvous Weekend

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is an announcement only, and is cross-posted on behalf of our sister organization, Sierra Club Juniper Group, which is based in Bend.  For registration information please see their event posting.  http://www.meetup.com/Sierra-Club-Juniper-Group/events/118212522/

We are once again hosting an Owyhee Rendezvous--a time and a place to meet together and explore, enjoy, and learn how to protect the Owyhee Canyonlands area.

The landscape of our current campaign, the Owyhee Canyonlands, is vast and diverse. We will form a base camp at Leslie Gulch, and from there lead daily hikes.  Pot Luck one evening.

Day hikes will visit areas in and around Leslie Gulch, Three Forks, Jordan Craters, Painted Gulch and more. We also hope to organize a day of service with the BLM.

You won't want to miss this opportunity to meet up with old and new friends in a stunningly beautiful place.

Registration and more information: See http://www.meetup.com/Sierra-Club-Juniper-Group/events/118212522/ for details.

About us: The Many Rivers Group is affiliated with State and National Sierra Club organizations.  The Sierra Club is the oldest and largest grass-roots environmental organization in the country, with nearly a million members and supporters nationwide.  The Many Rivers Group is an all-volunteer organization that represents Sierra Club members in Douglas, Coos, and Lane counties.  Please let us know us if you would like to join our our conservation and environmental protection efforts.

Click for more information, or to sign-up for this event.

Friday, July 26, 2013, 5:00PM — Steens Mountain Fence Pull

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is an announcement only!  Instructions for registration are given below.

Want to help add a bit more “wild” to the Steens Mountain wilderness?

Join us in removing the visual blight of old fencing that's also a danger to hikers and wildlife. This year we will backpack in to our work site. No experience necessary! We will have down time to explore the area. We will even feed you dinner at the end of the day.  The work is strenuous and the climate hot, but you'll walk away with a feeling of accomplishment.

To register, contact: Harry Anderton, 503-241-7035

Preparation: Please contact the organizer, Harry Anderton, for preparation instructions.

About us: The Many Rivers Group is affiliated with State and National Sierra Club organizations.  The Sierra Club is the oldest and largest grass-roots environmental organization in the country, with nearly a million members and supporters nationwide.  The Many Rivers Group is an all-volunteer organization that represents Sierra Club members in Douglas, Coos, and Lane counties.  Please let us know us if you would like to join our our conservation and environmental protection efforts.

Click for more information, or to sign-up for this event.

Friday, August 23, 2013, 5:00PM — Summer 2013 Waldo Weekend Campout (Save the weekend)

Yes, it's still far in the future, but we know people often make summer plans many months ahead. The previous Waldo campouts have been very successful and have generated lots of positive responses. See the information linked below and mark this weekend on your calendars.  Details will be made available as we get closer to the weekend.

http://oregon.sierraclub.org/groups/juniper/waldo/waldo_weekend_campout.asp

Click for more information, or to sign-up for this event.