Cathlapotle Plankhouse November 2021

Like many others, each fall I find myself quietly anticipating the return of the overwintering waterfowl to the wildlife refuge. Eagerly awaiting the cacophony of the geese and swans as I move about my days. As a lover of all things hot and sunny, their annual homecoming reminds me that the rainy seasons offer their own rewards and that even the sun needs to take a break.

On a recent walk, I realized that I have yet to hear the familiar gossipy hoots of the tundra and trumpet swans. Upon noticing the absence of swan calls I found myself reflecting on what else I am missing from this season.

Since my time with the Friends started I have been involved with the annual Clark College Powwow. Helping to plan the celebration and co-host the kids area has always been a highlight. The Native Fashion Show hosted by the Water Resource Education Center of Vancouver has also been canceled. This marks the second year of the suspension of these events and missed opportunities to gather and honor Elders, Youth, and the greater community. The absence of these annual gatherings of Urban Indigenous peoples celebrating Native cultures has been felt within the Native Community and by the general population of Southwest Washington.

Perhaps one thing I’m missing more than these annual gatherings of birds and community is the chattering of the children during our school tours at the Refuge.

As an educator, it has been hard to not bring groups of students through the Oaks to Wetlands Trails and Cathlapotle Plankhouse and see their minds light up along the way. As a parent, it has even been more challenging because these are the grades that my own child and their friends have traveled to the school system together. These are years we have collectively missed.

Unfortunately, at this point time, we do not anticipate any hosted school groups fall of 2021 and are unable to forecast our activities for spring 2022. We appreciate your patience as we all navigate changing circumstances together. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and check our website regularly for updates.

We do bring you positive news, plans are underway for Plankhouse floor refurbishment. The repairs will be complete by the time we are able to welcome everyone back in safely. Look forward to the celebration of the new floor when the House reopens.

For welcoming November in, I leave you with “Wild Geese” my most favorite Mary Oliver poem celebrating our place in the passing of the seasons.

–Juliet McGraw, Friends Community & Cultural Education Director