In Salem, the state capitol is a number of camas fields, perhaps the most native of them is the two fields at the state fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds encompasses a large area bordered by 17th street, Silverton Road and Sunnyview. On Sunnyview, which bifurcates the south end of the fairgrounds overflow parking areas is a large … [Read more…]
Reading early descriptions of the Tualatin Valley, they are all focused on the valley’s potential in agriculture. This theme is similar throughout the Willamette Valley; settlers and farmers did not think about the valley in any other way but for its readiness for agriculture. Considering this all-consuming focus, the traditional native nature of the land … [Read more…]
Dairy Creek sign In the past 2 years, I have worked on signage projects in the Portland area for agencies of the city or state. In 2025, I consulted on a sign for the Dairy Creek project on Sauvie Island. Over the period of several months, I met with people in the West Multnomah Soils … [Read more…]
Journal of Lieutenant George Foster Emmons[1] (Officer of the Peacock) August 7, 1841-The country becoming smoky from the annual fires of the Indians- who burn the prairies to dry and partially cook a sunflower seed (tarweed)- which abounds throughout this portion of the country & is afterwards collected by them in great quantities & kept … [Read more…]
This day, Friday I planned to have a number of individuals join me to visit two sites in around Salem. Lake Labish in the morning and Minto-Brown Park in the afternoon. It went just as these things always go, at least one cancellation, one conflict, several people early and some people late. But we hit … [Read more…]