Reserve your spot at the annual invasive species cook-off

Asian carp, nutria and crayfish are a few of the nasty invasive species in Oregon that compete with native wildlife and cause trouble to local ecosystems. It just so happens that these invasive species are edible, and what better way to combat an ecological threat than to turn it into a delicious entre? You can do your part to save the environment at the Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE)’s Invasive Species Cook-off: Eradication by Mastication. According to Tamara Mullen of the IAE:

The Cook-off was created to raise awareness and support to combat the problems caused by invasive species on our natural world and economy. It is an elegant (and quirky) event in a gorgeous setting, with a focus on educational outreach enriched by devouring delicious adventurous invasive cuisine presented by top culinary artists of the Pacific Northwest, and one from the Deep South too!

While the dinner doesn’t take place until Sept. 28 in Salem, the early-bird price to dine is a $65 donation through July 30, so head on over to the event’s website to stake your claim.

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!