Having Fun Finding Forest Fairies

Look for hidden gems throughout Hendricks Park at the Forest Fairies Nature Quest this Sunday, Dec. 14. Starting at the Francis M. Wilkins Shelter, this walk includes a hunt for “fairies,” or pine cones decorated with fabulous craft supplies. Each fairy can be found next to an aspect of nature near and dear to the organizers, such as a mushroom, lichen or tree. Participants will take turns collecting them and talking about the flora and fauna on the way. After the walk, cozy up around a fire. Participants collect their own pine cones to decorate with craft supplies and a little hot glue. Aimed at families with preschool to elementary school-aged children, the walk is family-paced, says organizer Beth Stein. Nearby Nature tries to do a Nature Quest monthly, as “You get a walk, and you get to learn some things, and you get to be imaginative, and then you go back, and you get to sit by the warm fire,” Stein says. Rain or shine and free for Nearby Nature members, organizers encourage non-members to register for $10 per family beforehand.

Forest Fairies Nature Quest, 1-3 pm, Sunday, Dec. 14, Hendricks Park. Free for member families, $10 for non-member families. Register at NearbyNature.org.

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!