Nature

A major earth-moving project is underway along the McKenzie Highway east of Eugene-Springfield. The work is meant to restore the McKenzie River to its more meandering character to improve wildlife habitat and water quality.

Pollen counts are in the moderate range this week for trees and grass, according to Dr. Kraig Jacobson with Oregon Allergy Associates. He said warm, dry weather has sped up deciduous tree development.

“Right now is a good time to identify if you have an ash tree because they are leafing out right now,” says an invasive species specialist. “It’s OK if you don’t even know what an ash tree is. We have a guide.”

A new study reveals that butterfly populations in the U.S. declined by more than 20% from 2000 to 2020.

The exploration is called “Tacoma Aroma: From Stigma to Discovery.” The free "smell walks" take volunteers through different parts of Tacoma, and are broken into three parts: catching, hunting and exploring.

Portland watercolor artist Lindsey Fox paints much of Oregon’s natural landscape as abstract art that delves into the patterns of nature. Her work offers a unique way for people to view and appreciate the natural world.

After centuries of overhunting by fur traders, sea otters have largely disappeared from the Oregon and Northern California coasts. But the Siletz Tribe is trying to bring them back.

More than a million acres of wildlands in Eastern Oregon could be preserved through federal legislation or a monument declaration from the president. This could be the last chance for the Owyhee Canyonlands to see additional protections for years.

Kotek wants the Biden administration to designate the Owyhee Canyonlands in southeastern Oregon a national monument if Congress won’t vote to protect it.

The Elkton Community Education Center houses a replica of Fort Umpqua, a native plant nursery, and—for the past 13 years—a butterfly pavilion.