Susanna Hamilton is the Staff and Volunteer coordinator for Willamette Resource and Educational Network (WREN). Hamilton is an expert when it comes to the inhabitants of the West Eugene Wetlands. She is responsible for putting on events to promote the importance of wild life in West Eugene.
When did you begin working for the WREN?
I began working for WREN in January 2012.
What is the best part about your job or the best moment you have experienced since working for WREN?
The best part of my job is getting to watch children’s curiosity unfold when we are in the field exploring the West Eugene Wetlands.
When did you decide to pursue this as a career?
I received my M.A. in Environmental Education, as well as a California teaching credential in 2006. My thesis was written on the development of an environmental education center and programming for wetlands in Southern California.
For someone who may not be aware of the Wetlands, what would you tell them to get them out there?
This unique and rare habitat offers a glimpse into the past, both recent and far. The West Eugene Wetlands is a great place to experience the urban-wild interface of our community, and provides the opportunity to explore the various plant, animal, bird and insect populations that share our valley. Grab your camera, binoculars, and a field journal and discover the West Eugene Wetlands. Every season offers something different!
What is something you want to do to make the Wetlands safer and more welcoming environment for people of all ages?
To make the wetlands a more safe and welcoming environment for people of all ages WREN provides education programs to school children, grades Pre-K through university, as well as the community at large. Learning about the benefits and value of the wetlands through education, exploration and scientific inquiry people are more likely to become land stewards and work collectively to further protect and conserve the ½ of 1% of our remaining Willamette wet prairie habitat.
How many and what kind of wild life live in the West Eugene Wetlands?
The West Eugene Wetlands is home to a wide array of plant, animal, reptile, amphibian, bird and insect populations that vary seasonally. During spring and autumn migration we see hundreds of different species of bird and water fowl. In late spring and early summer you can see a large variety of damselflies and dragonflies. There is a world of macroinvertebrates to explore when our vernal pools are full in spring. Keep your eyes and ears open and maybe you’ll catch sight of beaver, river otter, raccoon, various snakes, salamanders and newts, as well as many others.
Any animals close to extinction?
We have four endangered species in the West Eugene Wetlands: Bradshaw’s lomatium, Willamette daisy, and Kincaid’s lupine are plants, and the Fender’s blue butterfly (whose host plant is Kincaid’s lupine). The Western pond turtle is currently listed as critical. One other turtle listed as critical in Oregon is the Western painted turtle. While the West Eugene Wetlands offers prime habitat for these turtles, the Western painted turtle has not been documented here since the 1960s.
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