Alliance For Recreation And Natural Areas

Marys Peak Fence Project. AFRANA worked with the US Forest Service to design and produce a split rail fence to protect sensitive botanical areas in the Marys Peak Scenic-Botanical Special Interest Area. People were climbing on rock outcrops at the summit of Marys Peak where many sensitive plant species grow. AFRANA paid for the production and installation of fences to keep people off the rocks. The fence design was a USDA approved buck and rail fence. The fences were installed by AFRANA volunteers. The project included placing boulders to block unauthorized trails and signs marking sensitive areas.

Jackson-Frazier Boardwalk Project. AFRANA paid for the structural engineering design for a new boardwalk in the wetland. This is part of an ongoing years long project to replace an aging boardwalk in the Benton County, Oregon, Natural Areas, Parks, and Events Department's Jackson-Frazier Wetlands Natural Area.

Marys Peak Student Field Trips. Marys Peak Alliance (MPA) is a committee of AFRANA that serves as a friends group for Marys Peak, the highest point in the Oregon Coast Range. MPA conducts student field trips in cooperation with the US Forest Service. Our guides and interpreters are trained by the Forest Service and are certified as Forest Service Interpreters. Field trips for Earth Sciences classes from two local middle schools brings 500-600 students to the mountain each year. There they were led by guides to different interpretation spots where professionals in their fields describe the many aspects of the mountain's biology, geology, history and importance as a water source for local communities. This was the 12th year MPA has conducted these field trips. AFRANA pays for porta-potties and some travel expenses for these outings.

Camas Fund. AFRANA established a Camas Fund to support planting of camas (Camassia quamash and Camassia leichtinii, native lilies) to reestablish historic camas fields in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Camas was an important food crop for the Native American populations. 2410 camas bulbs were purchased and planted in several locations to establish and expand camas fields. The work was performed by volunteers, including several classes from local middle schools as part of their study program on camas and its importance to Native American populations.

Marys Peak Creek Signs. The USGS named several previously unnamed creeks on Marys Peak with names suggested by local Native American tribes. AFRANA paid for the production of signs and the US Forest Service installed them.

Grants. AFRANA awarded grants of $75 to organizations and $250 to individuals for their efforts to support AFRANA's programs.