Hello Community Science Friends,

Spring community science was wonderful — and smoother than ever! We've been growing a dedicated team to support this sweet project, and it shows. Meet the people behind the scenes in our □ Ode to the Community Science Dream Team□ below.

Also in this issue:

• □ Spring Recap
• ☀️ Summer Happenings
• □️  Save the Date: Grande Ronde Public Lands Day 
  Saturday, September 26 at Riverside Park

Wishing you adventure, watershed caretaking, and some well-earned rest along the way. ☀️

Summery regards,
Carrie
Carrie Caselton Lowe
Community Science Coordinator
Grande Ronde Community Science Project

Click on the Spring Recap Video --> -->
for some warm, fuzzy community science moments!   

This spring, 858 youth — from 1st grade through high school — investigated our watershed, representing schools in Cove, Elgin, Imbler, La Grande, Union, Walla Walla, Portland, Pendleton, and Baker Web Academy!

□Ode to our Community Science Dream Team□ 

Here's to the crew who make it all flow,
A team so stellar, we just had to let you know!

Mary keeps the finances in perfect balance — no question,
Managing funds with a grand sense of direction.
When it comes to the numbers, she never overdraws,
The budget stays current — give this woman some applause! □

Christopher wears two hats and wears them well,
From Community Science to Cove Outdoor School, he's got a story to tell.
He teaches with heart, never missing a beat,
Because when outdoors and science confluence — life is complete! □

Ethan writes science by night, then by day hits the field,
Tracking snowfields on peaks that few dare to yield.
He's a man of few flakes — well, except on the mountain --
His knowledge of watersheds? An overflowing fountain! ❄️

Lexzi keeps supplies so ready and right,
Every net, boot, and water kit — a glorious sight.
She nurtures the little ones at Blue Mountain Nature School too,
From preschool to field kits — there's nothing she can't wade through! □

And the Youth 360 crew — oh, what a team!
They organize kits and keep waders streamlined and clean.
With smiles so bright they could illuminate any river,
Each one a top-notch caretaker and giver! □

Once Spencer, now Toby keeps our data flowing free,
Entering it on GLOBE for the whole wide world to see.
From qualitative notes to open source — he filters through it all,
Making sure no data drop gets lost, however big or small! □

So here's to the people who are our headwaters and our heart,
The Community Science Dream Team — Water'd we do if you didn't take part?

Save the Date: Grande Ronde Public Lands Day

Click here for more information.

Hello Community Science Friends!

With winter comes a change of pace for the Community Science Project. See below for what winter has in store for us.

Also, consider joining us Saturday, January 24 for "Lessons from the Land: a Winter Walk at Heritage Pond." This community event is a collaboration with Fishtrap Reads, Cook Memorial Library, and Blue Mountains Conservancy. Think - rosehip jam, wild tea, art, books, and community science - all on a winter walk. 

Sending well wishes for a wonderful winter season.

□️ Warmly,
Carrie Caselton Lowe
Community Science Coordinator
Grande Ronde Community Science Project

Join us for a winter walk at Heritage Pond Education Center!
(913 Miller Dr, La Grande, OR)

Saturday, January 24, from 1:00pm.
Event is FREE and open to all ages.

Bundle up and let’s explore our connections with the natural world! What can we learn through observation? How can we support the places we love with citizen science? How can we be nourished by native plants, and what can they teach us?

Led by the Grande Ronde Community Science and Blue Mountains Conservancy, this event is inspired by this year’s Fishtrap Reads book, “The Bear” by Andrew Krivak (adult novel). For companion books exploring similar themes for younger readers, check out “Over and Under the Snow,” by Kate Messner, and “My Side of the Mountain”, by Jean Craighead George.

Visit the link below for a full list of Fishtrap Reads events in Union and Wallowa Counties from January 9 – January 30.
https://fishtrap.org/fishtrap-reads-2026/