Friends of Oaks Bottom has been working on a documentary in Oaks Bottom that chronicles the history of the refuge, the environmental challenges and successes in the refuge, and the current state of the refuge. Taggart Siegel, an award-winning environmental documentary maker based in Portland, best known for his films “Queen of the Sun” and “Seed”, has been filming, and will produce and direct the film. With the help of Mike Houck, and other renowned Portland naturalists, this project aims to educate the public about the importance of this urban wildlife refuge, encourage responsible stewardship, and help make the refuge a place for all Portlanders, including those from underserved communities. By filming for over a year as the seasons change, Taggart will depict the refuge as a whole, as well as the birds, fish, mammals, trees, and plants in the refuge. Additionally, historical documents including the original Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge Coordinated Resource Management Plan and others will be analyzed and filmed. Our hope is that these endeavors will highlight the general societal benefit that the refuge provides. By presenting a complete picture of the historic successes, challenges, and failures that the refuge has experienced, we will generate a lasting tool that can be used for future stewardship and understanding of this remarkable 167 acre natural space, which exists in the middle of our city.
We need your help to make this project a reality! To edit this film, we must raise $10,000. To make a tax-deductable contribution, please make a check payable to Sellwood-Moreland Improvement League with a note saying “FOOB Documentary” and send to:
Friends of Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge C/O Ezra Cohen
926 Southeast Sellwood Boulevard
Portland, OR 97202
If you would like to make a larger donation, or have more specific questions, please email us, at Friendsofoaksbottom@gmail.com