The Columbia Slough Watershed Council will honor two people connected to Metro next week at its annual celebration of the wildlife-rich waterways tracing the Columbia River.
Former Metro Councilor Rex Burkholder, who finished his term last month, will receive a leadership award for his 12 years representing this part of the region. He is being recognized for supporting two natural areas bond measures, helping launch The Intertwine as an advocacy network for the region’s natural areas, parks and trails, and creating environmental education opportunities. Participating in events such as Explorando el Columbia Slough, the Columbia Slough Regatta and the Slough Celebration has given Burkholder a strong appreciation for the Slough.
"What sets it apart is that you are surrounded by urbanized areas," he said. "There are factories clanking, there are airplanes landing, you hear traffic and trains – but yet there you are, and you’ve got eagles and herons and otters."
The Watershed Council will present an achievement award to Metro scientist Katy Weil, who led the response last fall when an avian botulism outbreak killed thousands of birds at Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area in North Portland. Although avian botulism is a natural occurrence, it can have significant consequences for wildlife. Weil worked with partners to coordinate an eight-week effort that involved closing the area, removing dead birds, rescuing wildlife by canoe and kayak, treating birds, diverting healthy birds and managing water levels.
"Without her efforts, many more birds and ducks would have been lost," the Columbia Slough Watershed Council said in a press release about the awards. "And she is now spearheading the effort to glean lessons from this crisis to help everyone be better prepared for the future."
The nonprofit Watershed Council, which focuses on the health of the waterway, will honor Burkholder, Weil and four other winners at its annual Slough Celebration at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8 at the Melody Ballroom in Southeast Portland. The celebration includes a banquet, silent auction and raffle. Tickets are $55-$75 and can be purchased until this Friday, Feb. 1, by visiting www.columbiaslough.org or calling 503-281-1132.