In 2006, ASC joined William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, Friends of Willamette Valley Refuges, and Greenbelt Land Trust to create a boardwalk trail and observation blind in memory of life-long valley resident, scientist, ASC chapter leader, Chat editor, and legendary environmentalist – Homer J. Campbell. The wildlife refuge that he loved is 12 miles south of Corvallis and contains some of the last remaining unchanged Willamette Valley prairie, as well as several other habitat types representative of this area. Its location near four metropolitan areas makes it readily available to hundreds of thousands; it is a very popular site for birding, wildlife studies, and environmental education.
The approximately 1,700-foot boardwalk trail winds through deciduous riparian forest habitat in the Muddy Creek flood plain north of Cabell Marsh. It begins from a paved parking lot off Finley Refuge Road near the Muddy Creek Bridge and travels south through the forest to the 125-acre Cabell Marsh, which is outstanding waterfowl habitat. While most refuge trails are closed from November through March to protect wintering dusky Canada geese, the Homer Campbell Memorial trail is one of just four open year-round. It is also the first wheelchair accessible trail on the refuge.
The observation blind overlooking Cabell Marsh at the end of the boardwalk was completed in September of 2008.
Thanks to the wonderfully extra-generous donations of the Werner family (Ann and her mother Jane), a new extension to the boardwalk - finished in October 2009 - connects the Homer Campbell Memorial Trail to the 3 mile walking trail around Cabell Marsh. This connection is open from April 1 to Nov. 1 each year. To give over-wintering waterfowl true refuge, walking around the marsh is not allowed November thru March, but wildlife viewing from the observation blind is available all year long.
The skies were leaden and soggy on Saturday morning, November 17, 2007 but spirits were high among 45 hardy souls who gathered at Finley National Wildlife Refuge for the dedication of the Homer Campbell Memorial Trail. The boardwalk, approach ramp and parking area were completed in late October, barely ahead of the fall rains, and it was time to celebrate! Thanks to refuge staff, a large tent had been erected near the trailhead, and it kept most of us dry for most of the brief ceremony. Amy Schoener on the saw and bow and Nancy Leman on a portable keyboard played a few of Homer’s favorite tunes. Remarks were offered by Homer’s daughter Linda Campbell, refuge complex manager Doug Spencer, ASC president Chris Mathews, Friends of the Willamette Valley Refuge Complex treasurer Rick Brown, trail benefactor and ASC member Ann Werner, and Homer’s widow Meg Campbell. After refreshments, courtesy of Allann Brothers Coffee and Sheryl Brown, secretary and muffin-chef of the Friends group, and good conversation, we all walked the trail in the misty rain, marveling at its curving construction and at the beauty of the lichen-draped Oregon ash riparian area through which it passes.
The boardwalk is wheelchair accessible and available for use all year – in winter, a good place to keep your feet dry, see multitudes of waterfowl on Cabell Marsh, and – all year - to experience the soothing rhythms of nature!
- Chris Mathews and Linda Campbell
