It’s About Time

One of the signature indicators of climate change in action is a sudden occurrence of unexpected, severe weather. The foot and a half of snow that fell in southern Willamette Valley in the last week of February was such an event. I remember the last great snowfall exactly 50 years ago, when the entire region was paralyzed for weeks. At least this time it has warmed up so the snow will disappear soon. Now the concern is that a heavy, warm rain on snow will bring extreme flooding. It’s life in the real world.

Many osoberry buds that were ready to open the first week of February have suffered damage from freezing. Their display will likely be less than wonderful this year. We look forward to the appearance of the typical March blooms, if somewhat later this year. Last year they were early. Many of the little flowers that show up in open areas are not native. They are winter annuals originally from northern Europe, which were preadapted to the Pacific Northwest. Some of the lawn weeds, like buttercup and speedwell, are a pleasant sight.

The shore birds and waterfowl seem to be quite happy. So long as the ponds don’t develop a sheet of ice they will be able to forage reasonably well. The little songbirds that hang around our neighborhood have been flocking to the feeders that people have set out. A little fountain that keeps running provides fresh water. Otherwise, they need warm water brought outside.

David Wagner is a botanist who works in Eugene. He teaches moss classes, leads nature walks and makes nature calendars. He can be contacted through his website, fernzenmosses.com.

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!