Gnome Hunt 101
Blossom, Greenie and Oak MOVE THE 1st OF EACH MONTH to 3 new parks!
* Find 3 gnomes hiding in different natural park areas from Apr. to Oct.
* Take a photo of you, your dog or anything else by a gnome!
* Post your gnome photos on social media at #LOparksgnomes
* #LOparksgnomes photos go in a contest to win a gnome in Oct!
Gnomes love natural areas...cooking, movies & sports! Their Bios tell all!
The 3 gnomes challenge you to Nature Jokes! (C'mon, give us your best guess!)
Listen to bird songs & animal calls on the "Wildlife, Birds & Plants in LO's Parks " link.
These 3 tricksters are hiding in 3 new natural park areas. Map is in Attachments.
Cooks Butte Park, Pennington Park and Roehr Park
JUNE GNOME CLUES
COOKS BUTTE PARK (18600 Shirley Dr: ) Follow the paved trail along Stevens Meadows into Cooks Butte Park.
This 42 acre natural park has it all! Explore several miles of forest trails and discover a meadow with sweeping views.
1. At the kiosk, follow the trail. At the “Y”, go RIGHT. Take the upper trail to look for wild flowers, A Stellar Jay's screeching from a Douglas Fir tree that’s very close to a Big Leaf Maple tree...and Blossom!
2. Continue up the trail past lush Sword ferns. At the “Y”, go LEFT. At the next “Y”, take a sharp LEFT, Go down the trail. Greenie followed a Barn Owl to a Big Leaf Maple tree covered in moss.
3. Hop down the trail, Watch for Banana Slugs on large tree roots. At the base of the trail is a “Y”. Head LEFT along the scenic meadow. Oak saw a Downy Woodpecker on 3 huge Douglas Fir trees farther up the trail.
PENNINGTON PARK (15120 Boones Ferry Rd.)
Wander trails in this 1 acre natural gem hidden right in the middle of the City. Listen to Springbrook Creek as it splashes and dances over logs and rocks.
1. Enter the park at the kiosk and find a natural oasis hidden from view. Listen to Springbrook Creek as it dances along the trail. Blossom chased a Grey Squirrel into a Cedar tree grove off a side path.
2. Watch for Black Tail Deer hoof prints on the banks of Springbrook Creek. Black Capped Chickadees sing as they dart into Salmonberry bushes. Greenie climbed a Cedar tree along the trail.
3. Walk past Fringecups blooming by the trail. Near the trail end is a great spot to watch for salamanders that live in the moist ground. Oak is peeking out from a dappled Ash tree near the creek.
ROEHR PARK (350 Oswego Point Dr.)
This 7.5 acre park has Willamette River views. Stroll the paved trail past buildings and read historical signage. This trail continues to the natural park area.
1. Pass under Footbridge #1 with a viewing platform. Continue on the trail past the amphitheater. Blossom is hiding on a Western Cedar tree, watching Osprey hunt for fish in the river.
2. Go under Footbridge #2 with a viewing platform. Pass the Water Sports Center. Rest on a bench and look for Sea Lions in the river. Greenie is on a log nestled in Licorice Ferns.
3. Continue on the trail with the Willamette River lapping the shoreline. Oak’s on a large Cottonwood tree and hopes the Bald Eagles that soars overhead will join him!
Greenie is all A-BUZZ with BEE jokes!
Why do horses like to live near Bees?
What sport do Bees like the most?
Why do Bees have sticky hair?
(Take a few guesses BEE-fore you click)
Blossom has TREE-mendous jokes to STUMP you!
What kind of Tree fits in your hand?
How do you get a Tree to leave your party?
How do you make a Tree laugh?
(Click on the link and BRANCH out!)
Oak has gone NUTS with Squirrel jokes!
Which ballet do Squirrels like best?
Where do Squirrels go on vacation?
Why don't Squirrels have many friends?
(We're not telling & it's driving us NUTS!))
Dig In and Restore the Natural Areas!
The City of Lake Oswego works with volunteer Friends Groups to help restore the habitat in over 460 acres of park natural areas. Check out these Stewardship events for ways to volunteer and help restore natural areas in our community!
Lake Oswego Parks Stewardship
Wildlife in Lake Oswego's Natural Areas
