Our Roots Run Deep

OUR ROOTS RUN DEEP AT THE MAZAMA MOUNTAINEERING CENTER

From left to right: Douglas Fir, donated by Bob Rindt; Mountain Hemlock, behind Ed Holt’s memorial bench; Englemann Spruce, donated by Leah Firth. Photos by Kelsey Shaw.

by Rick Craycraft

During the remodel in 2005–2006 of what is now the Mazama Mountaineering Center, a transformation of the grounds also took place. The architect in charge had done a generic proposal for the landscaping of the surrounding property. In response, Dick Pugh stepped in and insisted we stay true to our roots and only have native alpine plants in our plan. Dick and his friend Chris Mackert, aided by assorted volunteers, went to work to fulfill this vision. The results of these efforts are what you see today—the foliage that accents the building. In an interview before his recent death Dick stated that 75 percent of what they planted is still there.

Over time, the Mazamas have made appropriate additions to the landscape. Member Leah Firth (1986) had to leave her home in Happy Valley but wanted her beloved Engelmann Spruce to have a good home. Thus it was moved to an open spot along Stark Street, where it is currently flourishing. Not far from that, near the back of the parking lot, there is a Bristlecone Pine, one of the oldest tree species, dedicated to long-time member Ed Schultz (1976). On the other side of the building, along SE Washington, is a Douglas Fir, the iconic Northwest tree, placed there by member Bob Rindt (1950). And, tucked up near the southeast corner of the building, right behind his memorial bench, is a mountain hemlock in honor of the late Ed Holt (1978), who was a key figure in finding the property.

However, things are growing on the Mazama lot that very much do not belong there. In the original reworking of the landscaping we found it necessary to remove two large Ash trees along Stark. There are still four left on the property. There were five but one came down in a windstorm in 2014 and damaged the fence along the south yard. The remaining trees are huge, brittle, and old. These trees need to be removed. Several arborists have confirmed this, as did Dick Pugh. We have gotten bids from arborists within the organization for removal and need to do the footwork to get clearance from the city.

So, who manages all this? After Dick and Chris stepped down, we muddled along until member Steve Polzel came along in 2013. He was considering being an office volunteer but his schedule as an EMT was not compatible. He let it slip that he knew something

about landscaping, and we had found our new groundsperson. Steve did uber-volunteer work for several years, taking initiative, organizing periodic work parties and, in general, just showing up. Natalie Lozano then followed with a brief stint. For several years now Building Manager Rick Craycraft has been faking it, coordinating a small team of volunteers to maintain Dick Pugh’s original vision. Now one of those volunteers, Kyla Ogle, has stepped forward to take on the oversight of our trees, shrubs, and lawn.

The maintenance of all the above is a seasonal bell curve. Like most of our yards in the Northwest, the Mazama property explodes in growth during the warmer months, necessitating mowing, weeding, and pruning. And come fall, the Ash trees cover our parking lot and sidewalks with a blanket of tiny leaves. In each of those periods it is not hard to keep volunteers busy.

Lead landscape volunteer Kyla Ogle on Wherever I May Roam, Smith Rock. Photo by Nialls Chavez.

VOLUNTEER NEED

The MMC needs a person or persons with their own lawnmowers (or we may be able to produce one) to mow the south yard and other areas on average once a week from March until June. Once plants start their seasonal surge there will also be plenty of weeding and pruning to do. Prior experience not necessary, but if you do have some, we may learn something from you. We have a modest array of tools or you may bring your own. We already have a grand plan to follow to help keep the Mountaineering Center landscape healthy and beautiful. Contact facilities@ mazamas.org if you are interested in helping out.