Andy Neary: aneary [at] uoregon.edu

I am a senior majoring in Environmental Studies. My reason for joining the project was to connect my school work into something larger and more substantial, creating something positive and tangible for the community.   I feel that this project is important since it will help reveal the Willamette as a richly storied place, possibly helping people in some small way to establish a more intimate knowledge of the river.

Darren Watkins: Dwatkin1 [at] uoregon.edu

I am a senior geography major at the UO.   I choose to apply for this project because I have always had an interest in history, especially history that may have been forgotten or overlooked.   I have lived in the Willamette Valley my whole life and I feel strongly that the river is the artery for life in the whole region.   My passions are snowboarding, playing and watching football, and enjoying the company of friends.   I believe that this project along with other ELP efforts can be instrumental in convincing a mass audience that issues of the environment are issues that none of us can escape and should not avoid.

Eleanor Gordon: Egordon2[at]uoregon.edu

I am an undergraduate in the Environmental Science Department, with an emphasis in biology. I have lived in Eugene for most of my life and feel a strong connection to the physical landscape of the Willamette Valley. I am fascinated with the ecology of this area as a biologist, naturalist, artist and writer and also now as a discoverer of stories. Working on an environmental history project of the Willamette river has been vital to my personal understanding of place and, I hope, will add to a sense of place for others. Shared experience, or the feeling of it, can be an important motivator for continued stewardship of the environment. I hope these stories will create motivation for action and dialogue within our community.

Jessica Thompson: jthomp12[at]uoregon.edu

I am a sophomore in the Environmental Studies program with special interest in Pacific Northwest environment and culture. I jumped at the chance of being involved in a project centering around local oral histories, as it is these stories that are of great importance in creating an organic sense of place. I am also new to Eugene, and was interested in becoming more acquainted with it through this project. I enjoy drawing, playing piano and traveling. Being part of a team that is doing this kind of work is quite a thrill.

Katie: kmorriso[at]uoregon.edu

I am a senior environmental studies major and econ minor.   I joined in this project because rivers are cool and so is history!   I wanted to get to know the area a little better myself through listening to locals talk about their experiences with the river and the region.   I like Eugene summers especially when you can climb trees and things!   My best Willamette River story:   I jumped in last summer and floated north for awhile!

Sara MacPhee: smacphee [at] uoregon.edu

I am an undergraduate studying English and Environmental Studies.   I applied to the Environmental Histories Project because it was a unique way to explore my interest in the relationship between people and place, and a chance to develop new and incredibly useful skills.   The teamwork experience will continue to be a valuable asset to me and I have gained a connection to my community that will extend well beyond my years in school.