March 28 Public Meeting – “Long Tom River Watershed – A History of People and Place”

Tuesday, March 28, 6 – 8 p.m.
Veneta Community Center
25192 E. Broadway Ave., Veneta
(Meet and greet with Clinton Begley at 5:30 p.m.)

Read more in our March Newsletter!

Drawing depicting the Willamette Valley landscape in 1888

Ever wonder how the Long Tom River got its name? At the Long Tom Watershed Council’s March 28 public meeting, you’ll learn this and about much more of the rich history of the watershed. For the past three years, board member and University of Oregon instructor David Turner has been working on a book, Along the Long Tom River: Observations from Past & Present that highlights the cultural and natural history of the Long Tom, and David will share some images and stories from his book. Archaeologist Tom Connolly will talk about early native peoples like the Kalapuya, and historian Doug Card will focus on the history of early Euro-American travelers, explorers, and settlers in the area and their main travel routes. Finally, local landowner Joe McFadden will also share observations from his family’s settlement in the High Pass Road area and the changes he’s seen over the years in the region west of Junction City. We’re very excited to present this free public meeting, and we hope you’ll join us!

 

Speakers:

  • David Turner, LTWC board member and senior instructor at University of Oregon’s Arts & Administration Program – David will present an overview of his book, Along the Long Tom River: Observations from Past & Presentand share some of its wonderful images and stories.
  • Tom Connolly, Director of Archaeological Research at the University of Oregon – Tom will talk about early archaeological finds from around Fern Ridge Reservoir and the earliest human inhabitants
  • Doug Card, historian, writer and researcher – Doug’s talk, titled “Travelers along the ancient Long Tom Riverside trail: Kalapuya, trappers, explorers, stagecoaches and Webfoot Pioneers” will explore the history of early Euro-American travelers and settlers in the area and the three main travel routes they used.
  • Joe McFadden, Owens Creek landowner – Joe will share stories about his family’s early settlement in the High Pass Road area, how his family uses and has used the land, and how he’s seen the Owens Creek area change over time.

Free and open to all!

Refreshments provided
Questions?  Rob at 541-388-7055, operations@longtom.org

There will be an informal meet and greet with new Executive Director, Clinton Begley, from 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. beforehand at the community center. All are welcome to come early, chat with Clinton, and enjoy some coffee and refreshments!