Duck Living | Spring 2024

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A business publication of Emerald Media Group
05 Spring Produce 15 A Day in the Willamette April 2024
08 Bird Brained

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Letter from the Editor

The bone-chilling cold from winter will soon be a distant memory.

Spring is right around the corner. Entering into a gray April, with fingers crossed for luscious May flowers, we could all use a little taste of warm weather. This issue of Duck Living is supposed to help you out and get in the warm weather mood. I wanted to offer students some new ideas on how they can embrace the changing season. Maybe you are looking for a new hobby, check out our cover story on birding in Eugene. If you want to start exploring, there are some fantastic tips on how to spend a day in the Willamette forest. If you are antsy to start swimming this season, try a new swim spot. Who knows you might find your new favorite place! Spring wouldn’t be the same without seasonal produce or some beautiful places to look at budding flowers. Don’t forget to listen to the spring playlist!

Meet the Team

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Managing Editor

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Special Sections Editor

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We are entering the very first months of spring, which means we finally have more access to fresh produce. I personally, am a little tired of the dark, leafy greens and root vegetables of the winter and am so excited to get into what spring has to offer. Spring brings so many fun new options of produce and I want to highlight a few of them. With each highlighted item, I have also included a quick and easy way to prepare it.

While asparagus is available all year round, its flavor and texture reach their full potential in the early spring months. The stalks themselves get thinner, which makes them even easier to prepare. Depending on how it is prepared, asparagus can add many different textural elements to a meal. Chopped into bite-size pieces, it’s a great addition to any salad, but my favorite way to prepare it is roasted whole with some simple seasonings. Served alongside some couscous and salmon, it makes the ideal spring meal.

Make the most of SPRING PRODUCE ASPARAGUS SNAP PEAS

jam. The most popular use of rhubarb is in a strawberry rhubarb pie, but with its floral, sour flavor it pairs well with almost any fruit. My personal favorite way to use this beautiful, pink flavor bomb is to make a rhubarb gin and tonic. Rhubarb syrup is a sweet, but sour addition to the perfectly refreshing gin and tonic.

Cut about one cup of rhubarb into rough chunks. Add these to a pan with one cup of water and one cup of white sugar. Cook over medium-low heat and stir intermittently. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10-15 minutes and then turn the heat off and let sit for about 30 minutes, or until cool. Strain the rhubarb pulp from the liquid. Store this syrup in the refrigerator until you are ready to use.

In a glass filled with ice, pour in one ounce of your syrup. Follow this with two ounces of gin top with tonic water and enjoy!

Cut about one serving of peas into bite-size pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine two tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt, the zest of a lemon, a tablespoon each of chopped dill, parsley and basil, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add in your chopped snap peas and stir to coat all the pieces in the dressing. If it’s too tart for your taste, add a small pinch of sugar to balance out the acid. I love to serve alongside grilled chicken and roasted potatoes. RECIPE RECIPE RECIPE

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Trim around two inches off the bottom of the bunch of asparagus and place in a flat layer on the baking sheet. Drizzle with a few tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili flakes. Toss the asparagus to coat in the oil and seasonings, but make sure to lay back in a flat layer. Bake for 10-25 minutes depending on the thickness of your asparagus. You want them to be soft on the inside, but slightly crispy on the outside. Garnish them with some lemon zest or lemon pepper seasoning.

While these crunchy, little beans are great for snacking they also make a great addition to many spring meals. Snap peas have a slightly earthy flavor while still tasting a bit sweet. They pair great with radishes, as the sweetness of the peas balances the spice of the radish. Besides using them as a vessel to eat ranch and hummus, I love using snap peas in a herby, lemony, side salad.

Even though I only focused on three items, Spring produce can bring so much variety to your normal recipe rotation. Make sure to start checking out the local farmers markets and farm stands as they will soon start to carry all of the fruits and vegetables special to this time of year!

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SWIMMING INTO SPRING

While spring in Eugene is typically accompanied by a cover of clouds and rain, there are the occasional handful of days that are filled with sunshine and warmth. On these sunny days, one option to beat the heat is to visit some of Oregon’s beautiful natural swimming holes. Enjoy the sun and explore Oregon’s vast natural landmarks by packing up the cooler with snacks and drinks, blowing up the intertubes and heading to one of these spots.

WILDWOOD FALLS:

Wildwood Falls is a picturesque spot for those looking for a unique swimming hole outside of Eugene. Located on the Row River in the western foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Wildwood Falls is a quick 40-minute drive south of Eugene. The waterfall that gives “Wildwood” its name drops about 15 feet into a few channels over a cliff that pours into a dark green pool often filled with swimmers in the summer months. On the shore next to the swimming hole is the perfect space to picnic in between dips in the beautiful pool. Wildwood Falls is a popular destination. Be sure to arrive before the peak hours, typically 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., to avoid crowds and secure a sunny spot for your towel and cooler. While Wildwood Falls is known for cliff jumping and swimming, it is important to check the depth of the water before jumping and be prepared for cool water temperatures.

TRIANGLE LAKE ROCK SLIDES:

The Triangle Lake Rock Slides, located about 40 miles west of Eugene. This is the closest you can get to a natural waterpark. This unique spot features a 100-foot natural rock slide that sends you and your friends gliding into Triangle Lake watering hole. The smooth rock has a steady flow of water, without the help of human-made pumps and pipes, that propels you down into the swimming hole. While sliding down in just your swimsuit is perfectly suitable for this natural water ride, intertubes are a fun addition and protect you from small divots in the rock. Along with sliding down nature’s waterslides, Triangle Lake also offers spots for cliff jumping, swimming and hiking. The spot is relatively small and can get crowded in the hot summer months- arrive before noon and start sliding before the crowds show up.

FERN RIDGE RESERVOIR:

Fern Ridge Reservoir is a great spot for a quick, spontaneous trip without having to spend a long time in the car. Just under 25 minutes from the University of Oregon, Fern Ridge is a great spot to spend the day swimming, kayaking, floating and enjoying the sun. There is also a large open lawn area for barbecuing, games and storing your kayaks and intertubes. Fern Ridge offers three different parks for public use within the reservoir. Jeans Park is located on the west side of the reservoir and has several trails- perfect for those looking for a mix of water activities and hiking. Perkins Peninsula is located on the south end of the reservoir and offers boat launch facilities, a swimming area and fishing access. This reservoir is an ideal local option for those looking to take a dip in the water without traveling too far.

With more and more sunny days hopefully on the horizon and summer just around the corner, grab your friends and beat the heat with some of these local swimming holes.

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Becoming Bird-Brained

with the Audubon Society

If you’ve been cooped up at home and need to get out into nature, the Eugene Audubon Society will push you out of your nest and into the wild. They’ve been a fixture of the community for over 80 years, organizing different events each month as well as biweekly birdwalks. They’re the most welcoming and hawk-eyed bird watchers you’ll find for miles.

Just before sunset on the first Friday of April, eight birders gathered in a parking lot at the southwest corner of the UO campus to spend their evening staring at an old chimney. Two long-time members of the Lane County Audubon Society set up a table with a poster board providing information on the evening’s spectacle: the Spring migration of the Vaux Swift.

The informational handout described the bird as resembling a “cigar with wings” which is unable to perch on branches or telephones wires. They’re characterized by their unique tendency to make nests out of

chimneys, which to them resemble hollowed tree trunks. Up to twelve thousand at a time twirl into chimneys along the west coast as they make their way from Mexico to the Pacific Northwest in the spring and as they return south with their offspring in the fall.

Dennis Arendt, program coordinator of the Eugene Audubon Society was among the 8

who turned out to the Agate hall parking lot. “I don’t feel calm as much as I feel focused on something that takes me away from my everyday worries,” he said. For the past 40 years he has found his escape by setting his focus skyward.

As the sun sank towards the horizon, a persistent silence in the air made clear to

A Spotted Towhee seen on First Saturday birding. Among the other birds seen were Fox Sparrows, Stellars Jays, Ruby-Crowned Kinglets, Red-Breasted Sapsuckers, Wrentits, Turkey Vultures. and a Bald Eagle.
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attendees that they would not be rewarded for their patience. For whatever reason, the Vaux Swifts would not be at their chimney roost that night.

Arendt was hoping to get a good view of their spectacular entrance to the chimney, but kept himself entertained when none showed up. The longtime birder isn’t abnormally patient and says he doesn’t like to spend too much time waiting to see a certain bird. Instead, he prefers to search for other birds which might be visiting his immediate surroundings.

When he does exert his patience to find a certain bird, he isn’t too irritated when he turns up short. “There is always disappointment when birding,” he said, “If it were always easy, it wouldn’t be as much fun when you do find the rare bird right where you expected it. It is heart pumping exciting to find a truly rare species.”

Though a parking lot in the middle of a college campus was far from his usual venue for a bird watching expedition, Arendt remained observant, keenly searching for other birds nearby.

Arendt estimated that about 100 birds lined the nearby fence of the track field. He proceeded to painstakingly pick out the few Brewer’s blackbirds from the mass of European starlings based on the length of their tails from the silhouettes he saw through his scope.

He attempted to log every bird in the area with an app called Ebird, a crowdsourcing app which helps birders and researchers keep track of populations and migratory patterns. It’s one of many free apps birders regularly use to track their bird sightings and identify bird calls. Arendt diligently tapped away, logging every fowl that flew overhead as he did on.

Arendt grew up in Chicago and began birding when, on a whim, he went on a trip with family to see a migration over the Mississippi River in southern Wisconsin. Like many dedicated birders, he tailors his vacations around crossing birds off his bucket list, and is never short on travel plans. “It takes you around the world, and often away from the touristy spots,” he said.

“Seeing an Ostrich running in the fields in Tanzania was mind-blowing,” Arendt said. Birds come in all shapes and sizes,

and Arendt has fond memories with many different species. “Holding a hummingbird in your hand, seeing its tiny size and feeling its miniscule weight was something that everyone ought to experience once in their lives,” he continued.

The next morning was the monthly first Saturday birding. Turnout was double the prior month because the Audubon Society was able to gain special access to the Greenbelt Land Trusts newly acquired 1,500 acres of natural land just outside of Eugene. Amateur birders and seasoned Ornithologists of all ages bonded over their bucket list bird sightings and took pride in

being the first to identify bird calls. There has never been a better time to get into birding. Free apps enable anyone to track and identify birds wherever they are, and you’ll have plenty to log as Oregon ranks as the state with the 7th most bird species thanks in part to its coastal geography. “Many species are expanding their ranges,” said Arendt. The Willamette Valley is the perfect place to spread your wings, so check out the Lane County Audubon Society’s calendar and start your adventure today!

(Left to right) Rosa, Dennis Arendt, and Jeanette Henderson observe birds perched above University of Oregon track complex.
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SPRING JAMS

As we transition into the beautiful spring season, it’s time to switch up the tunes to something more lively. Having a good playlist to listen to on repeat is essential for the spring season! Whether it’s for background music or just songs you want to scream in the car. The music that we listen to builds connections with others and allows us to look back on memories or certain moments in our lives. For my spring playlist recommendations, I have curated a list of songs from many genres. All of which are up beat and catchy for the sunny season. So without further ado, here is my 2024 spring playlist!

1. AMAZING by Rex Orange County

2. Hey Lover! By Wabie

3. Mourning by Post Malone

4. I Think I Left the Stove on by Hotel Ugly

5. Are you Bored yet? ft. Clario by Wallows

6. Put Your Records on by Ritt Momney

7. Good Days by SZA

8. XXL by LANY

9. Swinging with the Stars by Claire Rosinkranz

10. Brazil by Declan McKenna

11. The Less I Know The Better by Tame Impala

12. Dial Drunk ft. Post Malone By Noah Khan

13. All The Stars ft. SZA by Kendrick Lamar

14. Golden by Harry Styles

15. Sundress by A$AP Rocky

16. New Romantics by Taylor Swift

17. Rollercoaster by Bleachers

18. Pool House by The Backseat Lovers

19. Tripping Over Air by Aidan Bissett

20. Sweetest Pie by Megan Thee Stallion and Dua Lipa

21. Too Cool To Die by Post Malone

Listen now!

I hope this playlist gets you in the groove for the upcoming sunny season! It’s the perfect combination of indie and pop, with a little extra spice. All of these songs are constantly on shuffle, whether I’m walking to class or just relaxing. I’ve been searching for the perfect playlist, and I think I finally found it!

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A Stroll Through The Flowers

Nothing screams Spring more than newlyblossomed flowers. Flowers are not just pretty and fragrant. They also represent rebirth and new beginnings. Whether you just want to take some new pictures for social media or have a peaceful picnic with friends, flowers make the perfect backdrop for any springtime activity. As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” and as we slowly approach May, here are some places to check out all the flowers that Oregon can bring.

Hendricks Park

Summit Ave and Skyline Blvd, Eugene, OR 97403

Located right off of campus, Hendricks Park is perfect for a light stroll or a picnic with friends and is open all year round. The local park holds a variety of native plants, including rhododendrons which peak in May. Hendricks Park was made for students and community members to relax and take in the surrounding nature.

Owen Rose Garden

300 N Jefferson St, Eugene, OR 97402

This eight and a half-acre botanical garden is another local visit for any flower enthusiast. The garden is named after George E. Owen, who donated his five-acre property to the city in 1951. The garden now has more than 4,500 roses of over 400 varieties. The location has plenty to explore besides the roses like a walking trail, a gazebo and the nationally recognized Oregon Heritage Cherry Tree. The garden also has opportunities for volunteering for people who want to learn more about flower management. Visit eugene-or.gov for more information on the volunteer program.

Ruff Park and Magnolia Arboretum

1298-1078 66th St, Springfield, OR 97478

Woodburn Tulip Festival

33814 S Meridian Rd, Woodburn, OR 97071

If you have lived in Oregon anytime during the Spring season, chances are you have heard about the Woodburn Tulip Festival. The festival showcases acres of colorful tulips that are Oregon’s closest attraction to that of the Netherlands. This annual event runs everyday from March 22 to May 5, so visit it before it closes for the year. While you have to buy tickets to enter, the festival has multiple events and food vendors. Check out the website for more information.

Just a little drive over to Springfield is the Ruff Park and Magnolia Arboretum where you witness over 400 magnolia trees. The ten-acre arboretum has multiple paved paths for a stroll through the blossomed trees and wildflowers, so it is a perfect spot for all ages. Just like Hendricks Park and Owen Rose Garden, the arboretum is great for a picnic or to throw a frisbee around.

It is finally time to trade in jeans and sweaters for shorts and sundresses. With the weather warming up and the days getting longer, you need to take advantage of what the outdoors has to offer. Oregon has many outdoor spots where you can experience all the new things Spring has to offer. These are just a few examples. With many of these locations being free, it opens up a wide range of things to do. You can go alone or bring a few friends. You can go on a brisk walk or take a cat nap on the grass. The possibilities are endless, so go out and enjoy the flowers.

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A DAY In the Willamette Forest

Only thirty minutes from Eugene, Douglas Firs paint the Cascade Mountain Range, constructing the largest National Forest in Oregon. Not only is the Willamette Forest breathtaking, but it’s filled with many activities. Planning a day in the wilderness can be intimidating, so here are some tips to help you safely embark on your adventure.

Spanning over 1.6 million acres, The Willamette National Forest is scoured by hiking trails, cascades, and seven major volcanic peaks. There is so much to see in the Willamette Forest that you couldn’t possibly explore the whole area in one visit. It’s easy to get off path, so make sure to bring a map in case you start wandering aimlessly or your phone loses reception.

Once you start your journey in the forest, you’re going to be a little secluded so it’s important to come prepared. Make sure to bring plenty of water and non-perishable food, especially if you are going for multiple days. There may be unexpected thorns and muddy areas, so dress for success by wearing thick pants and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.

The Willamette Forest blooms in the heart of Oregon, with more than 1,500 miles of hiking trails running through the middle of the state. Throughout the forest, there are 70 developed campgrounds and eight historical cabins. They make it easy to access each trail and expand how far people can travel per day.

There are eight designated wilderness areas that cover around one-fifth of the forest. These areas contain the major peaks of the Cascade Mountains, making them most popular with backpackers and mountain climbers. With a variety of lookouts, scenic drives, alpine lakes and waterways, the forest attracts campers from all over Oregon.

A little over an hour southeast of Eugene, you can find Salt Creek Falls, Oregon’s second-highest, single-drop waterfall at 286 feet. With an observation platform at the top, you have a clear view of one of Oregon’s most powerful waterfalls, plunging into the gaping pool below. A loop gravel trail lays on the outer rim of the canyon, giving hikers multiple vantage points along the edge of the waterfall. The trail is dog-friendly, so feel free to plan the day with a furry friend, as long as they’re on a leash.

The Willamette Forest has many rivers and lakes, making water activities popular during the warmer months. Ponds provide a tranquil place for people to reflect, while boating and swimming are available at the larger lakes. You can rent vehicles online ahead of time on the Willamette National Forest website.

Close by is the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail, which spans over 26.5 miles. With a vast and versatile landscape, the trail passes through dense thickets of forest and travels through tall peaks and lava beds. Over a dozen of the McKenzie River trailheads lead to Sahalie and Koosah Falls. These two waterfalls are noteworthy for originally being two thick flows of basaltic andesite lava that dammed Clear Lake over 3,000 years ago. The waterfalls have become a popular spot for families and sight-seers due to having a close parking lot and a wheelchair-accessible observation deck.

The Willamette National Forest even has an expansive frisbee golf course called Willamette Park. The eighteen-hole course isn’t too challenging, but it’s definitely not meant for beginners. The beautiful course is one of the oldest in Oregon and is still well-kept for Oregon State’s frisbee golf team. Some baskets are placed on far-away inclines that make it particularly difficult to score, so make sure to bring extra discs just in case you lose a couple.

If you’re looking for a simple and educational way to spend time in the forest, the Sweet Home Ranger District offers nature and heritage tours to help people learn more about the forest. Located on the edge of the Willamette Valley, the tours discuss the local plants, animals, geology, and cultural history of the area. A guide will take you to a variety of different spots with a friendly group of equally curious adventurers.

The Willamette National Forest has all of its available activities listed on their official website, along with information on accessibility. Looking at the website beforehand can be helpful to get a full scope of all the different areas and which ones are currently available for exploration. Trails and campgrounds can be closed for a number of different reasons, so it’s always best to plan ahead.

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