McKenzie River Trust

09/01/2026

Thank you, Jodi! For 20 years, you’ve shown up for land, water, and community. Since joining our team, you’ve helped us grow. From 2,250 acres in conservation in 2006 to nearly 12,000 acres today, your care and dedication have helped create a lasting impact on this place we call home.

Over those two decades, young plantings have grown into emerging forests, dozens of miles of streams have been restored, and species like Oregon chub, Bradshaw’s lomatium, and Fender’s blue butterfly have made remarkable recoveries. Together, these are bright spots that show conservation is working for Oregon’s lands and waters.

That kind of lasting impact is built over years of care, commitment, and hard work. We’re so grateful for all you’ve given over the past two decades. 💚

Happy 20-year work anniversary!

08/21/2026

McKenzie River Trust is looking for a full time philanthropy officer to join our team! Strong candidates will:

🌻be an organized communicator
🌻enjoy building lasting relationships
🌻have previous experience in fundraising
🌻bring their care for land and water

This position is open until filled. More information and application instructions are available on our jobs page.

08/20/2026

We found something weird beneath the surface at Green Island. 👀

No heart. No brain. A skeleton made of glass—and an incredible ability to survive.

Meet the freshwater sponge, an animal we didn’t even know was here.

Dive into our newest Field Notes to discover the strange world hiding just beneath the surface. Find more at https://mckenzieriver.org/fieldnotes-freshwater-sponges/

08/07/2026

Living River Exploration Day Update
Good news — Living River Exploration Day at Green Island is on for Saturday!
We want to be upfront about our safety plan. We would cancel the event if:

*The Air Quality Index looks like it will rise above 120, or
* A Red Flag Warning is issued for our area (elevated fire risk)

We care about the health of our volunteers, staff, and community members. Conditions look good as of today, but if anything changes unexpectedly, we'll post an update here right away. Since this is a drop-in event with no registration, please check back before you head out on Saturday, just in case. See you there!

08/05/2026

On Monday, Your Northwest Neighbor (KXCR 90.7) talked with Dan Kirk, Restoration Projects Manager with the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, Mizu Burruss, Project Manager with Siuslaw Watershed Council, and Nathan LeClear, Restoration Projects Manager with McKenzie River Trust, discussing the cultural, environmental, and economic benefits of the restoration of the 217-acre estuary haich ikt’at’uu (Siuslaw for “Heart of the River”) near Florence, Oregon. Also discussed is how the project impacted each of them on a personal level.

The program will be aired again on Friday at 8:00 AM, and is also available for streaming online at https://soundcloud.com/user-772733150/sets/your-northwest-neighbor

07/28/2026

In the early morning hours, dedicated birders gathered to spot the elusive Marbled Murrelet flying through the coastal forest, on its journey from nest to sea and back. "There's one!" "I have a detection!" they called out in hushed tones, as the event leaders recorded each sighting or call heard.

Last week, McKenzie River Trust staff joined dedicated community scientists and Bird Alliance of Oregon (BAO) staff for BAO's annual Marbled Murrelet Survey at Cape Perpetua. We camped overnight with the group and woke up in the pre-dawn hours to help watch for Marbled Murrelets at a number of locations within the Globally Significant Important Bird Area, including BAO's Ten Mile Creek Sanctuary, where MRT holds a conservation easement.

This project helps keep track of murrelet use of Oregon’s central coast habitats while also building public awareness and support for this unique bird that is endangered in the state of Oregon. Participants get a rare opportunity to see the endangered and elusive Marbled Murrelet in both its old-growth forest nesting grounds or in coastal waters where it forages.

07/22/2026

Help protect the places that make western Oregon extraordinary.

McKenzie River Trust is hiring a Philanthropy Officer to build lasting relationships with the donors and partners who make conservation possible.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys connecting with people, sharing inspiring stories from the field, and helping supporters make a meaningful impact for the rivers, forests, wetlands, ridgelines, and wildlife of western Oregon.

📍 Eugene, OR (hybrid)
💼 Full-time
💲 $65,000–$75,000 + excellent benefits

Applications are open until the position is filled.

Learn more and apply at https://mckenzieriver.org/jobs/

07/18/2026

For thousands of generations, salmon carried the ocean inland, delivering nutrients that helped shape Pacific Northwest forests. As salmon populations decline, that ancient connection is fading.

Here in the Siuslaw River estuary, a diverse coalition of partners including the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, Siuslaw Watershed Council, McKenzie River Trust and others in the Siuslaw Coho Partnership are working together to restore habitat for this iconic species.

From the headwaters to the Pacific Ocean, communities are coming together to reconnect rivers, restore habitat, and build a healthier future for people and wildlife alike.

Learn more through our new Siuslaw storymap >>> https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/584cca2b55d84f749d8f09c2fc41e0c8

07/16/2026

A few weeks ago, a wildlife mystery captured the attention of Springfield.

Someone spotted what looked like a lost lemur perched in a maple tree. But the mystery had a much more Oregon answer.
It was a ringtail — one of our state's most elusive native mammals.

With giant night-vision eyes, feet that rotate nearly 180°, and incredible climbing skills, ringtails are built for life after dark. They're so secretive that scientists are still uncovering the basics of how they live.

Did we mention they’re tiny? Weighing between 1-2 pounds, they’re about the size of a western grey squirrel.

Their surprise appearance is a reminder that healthy forests and connected habitats support remarkable wildlife, even close to our communities.

Have you ever heard of a ringtail before?

Meet this mesmerizing mammal at https://mckenzieriver.org/ringtails-the-elusive-acrobats-of-oregon/

📸 (1) Michael Hiatt, Springfield OR (2-3) iNaturalist users Max Roberts & Manuel Jiménez Gastélum.

07/15/2026

Thank you to The Register-Guard for joining us on the land at Green Island for our monthly Living River Exploration Day last week. Find your next outdoor adventure on Saturday, August 8th, during our next open day!

Green Island, a plot of land managed by the McKenzie River Trust, allows the Willamette and McKenzie Rivers to run wild and wildlife to flourish. See link below ⬇️

📸 Shane Balian/The Register-Guard