Nature Trails
Published by the Eugene Natural History Society
Volume Thirty-four, Number Five, May 2000



Table of Contents


Feature: This Month's Speaker: Tom Connolly

President's column: "Origins of Cetaceans: A Whale of an Evolutionary Tail," by Nathan Tublitz

Lizards of the Willamette Valley, by Tom Titus

Schedule of Talks for next year

Candidates for Office


A n n o u n c e m e n t s
Some Good News For The Environment


Among the many warnings of environmental disaster confronting us daily, good news is very welcome. (Sorry, but it doesn't end global warming, or overpopulation.)

>>>Item 1. After five years of international opposition our efforts have finally been vindicated. Mitsubishi and the Mexican government have cancelled plans for building the salt plant in Laguna San Ignacio, nursery for the gray whale. We like to think letters generated at our ENHS meeting helped them decide to back off from this destructive plan.

>>>Item 2.
Scientists in Australia have discovered a novel way to clean the feathers of birds that become covered in oil. They use a fine powder of iron and a magnetic comb. Experiments by researchers at Victoria University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia, show that the oil sticks better to the iron than the birds' plumage. If the powder is sprinkled on the feathers and then combed out with a magnet, the oil comes away with the metal without damaging the waterproof properties of the birds' feathers.

submitted by Evelyn McConnaughey
Video on Gravel Pit Issue


An excellent video,"Farmland for Gravel?" explores the various problems connected with permitting Eugene Sand and Gravel gravel and asphalt plant in the River Road area. Farmers who would be affected are interviewed, with views of the areas involved, and probable consequences. Several soil experts and extension agents also are interviewed, and of course, there's information on contacting the Commissioners who will make the final decision. Call Evelyn McConnaughey 345-0227 if you would like to borrow the video, or if you would like to view it at our house. We will set up a time for those interested.
Arboretum Calendar


SUNDAY, MAY 21, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Mt. Pisgah Arboretum Wildflower Festival. Wildflower displays, plant sale, educational exhibits, guided walks, children's activities, music and food! Suggested donation: $3 ($6 per family). Location: Buford Park, Eugene, OR. Call 747-3817 for more information.

SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 7 am - noon: Extended Bird Walk with Davey Wendt. Our last bird walk of the season! This 5-mile hike will take participants around the base of Mt. Pisgah to the east side and back, to see a greater variety of birds. Bring binoculars and meet at the Arboretum Visitor Center within Buford Park. Suggested donation: $3 (MPA members free). Call (541) 747-1504 for more information.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, JUNE 17 & 18, 9 am - 4 pm: Tree Identification Workshop with Whitey (Dennis) Lueck. Learn to identify broadleaf and conifer species of the local area. Native and non-native trees will be covered. Tree keys will be provided. Fee: $80 ($75 MPA members). Pre-registration required: call (541) 747-1504.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, JUNE 24 & 25, 9 am - 3 pm: Introduction to Birding Workshop with Diane Horgan, Audubon Society. Find out why this is the fastest growing hobby in the country! Topics include: using binoculars, what to look for, and birding by ear. Fee: $45 ($40 MPA members). Pre-registration required: call (541) 747-1504.


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