Sherwood, Oregon: Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Although the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge was first organized in 1992, recent improvements to the facilities in 2022 brought it to our attention.

On our first visit, the visitor's center was not open, but we have since been able to look around, and have been impressed with the displays.

As well as providing good information, there is also a strong interactive element that visitors can take with them, like keeping an eye out for invasive plant species.

They also have letters and artwork from visitors on display, increasing the feeling of involvement.

As you enter there is a board where visitors write the species they have recently seen.

That is always subject to change. I have seen this water full of birds, and almost empty.

Sadly, I have never been able to get a picture of any creature I have seen here before it moved. That is mostly a reflection on my photography skills, but also that you cannot (and should not) expect wildlife to cooperate.

The trees are more amenable, and sometimes they at least show hints of where animals have been. Notice the holes in this oak.

For trails there is a permanent 2-mile path, as well as some trails that are closed seasonally to protect breeding and nesting.

Trails are clearly marked, with occasional benches and signage for more information

This includes several "study sites" that may call for exploration of a specific plant community.

Mainly, sometimes it is just good to get outside and get moving.

COVID: Obviously, the majority of the activity is outside, and unlikely to be crowded.

Obviously it makes sense to mask inside the visitor center or in restrooms.

Accessibility: One thing I really appreciated was this sign outside the visitor center:

The grade and texture of the different trails is given so you can plan accordingly. Even when there are steps, there is a sloping trail available, with nothing being excessively steep.

That, along with the educational resources, should make it possible for anyone to enjoy their visit.

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/tualatin-river

New Story Walk at Plumper Pumpkin

Plumper Pumpkin has added some new activities.

Initially I was thinking that this was the earliest we had gone there during the year, but in fact, when we went on the safari back in 2020, that was in May.

https://sporktogo.blogspot.com/2020/05/plumper-pumpkin-farm-safari.html

That was an innovation spawned by COVID. Normally a pumpkin patch and Christmas tree farm is for later in the year.

But there's no reason that more can't be done in the spring.

People are looking for things to plant and the world is full of baby animals.

Children may be interested in pumpkin planting and the Farmer For A Day bundle, but as adults we just checked out the new story walk.

 This was the third story walk we've checked out, but the other two were on trails in parks.

The part was a little hard to follow. It does seem like starting by a playground is a good idea...

... but then it cuts around more toward the house, which seem counterintuitive.

The signs themselves came through vividly and were easily legible, but the path could have been clearer.

Numbering the signs was helpful, but I know I never found page 8. (I guess I am going to have to check out the book now.)

This is a new for them, and I expect there will be some modifications. That is not a reason not to visit.

For one thing, there is no charge for looking around, and I love their decorations.

There are still slides and duck races and whimsical settings.

And along with baby animals there are some pretty impressive full-grown ones.

COVID: Some of the activities could put you in close quarters, but everything is outside and open.

The closest thing to "inside" is the farm store, and even that is pretty well-ventilated.

Accessibility: That part does not seem like it would be quite as good, at least for the story walk part and probably the slides. The store is navigable, and I think the animal loop should be, but I am not sure about all of the trails.

Staff is very friendly, so ask if there are concerns.

Check for details about their spring calendar at the web site:

https://plumperpumpkins.com/

PDX: Helen Bernhard Bakery

I remember trekking to the bakery once before, I believe to try out their egg nog bread. 

It had not occurred to me to do a review at that time, but they recently passed their century mark, Helen Bernhard having started her home baking business in 1924.

That seemed worth taking a look.

It is essentially a neighborhood bakery, something that used to be much more common. It is nice to have a nearby source for cakes and breads and cookies.

With very reasonable prices for coffee and doughnuts, I suspect they also get a fair amount of morning traffic as people start their day.

We were there on a Saturday afternoon; business was brisk, with many people coming and going and deciding.

We were there right around Easter, so there were a lot of spring-themed goodies. 

I don't know that it makes sense to make it a destination, but if you are in the area (near Lloyd Center), it can be a good stop, and they have their own parking.

Plus, if you find that you would rather have candy than baked goods, Woodblock Chocolate is right across the street. Convenient!

Accessibility: Please note that there are two entrances (both with parking spaces). The doorway with the stairs is on the West. That door announces the "Stair Free Entrance", which is on the East. 

Once inside, it is mainly looking in the cases and choosing, though there are things like breads, rolls, and greeting cards that are self-serve. These should be fairly navigable, though it may be harder when there are more customers.

For dietary issues, they do not offer sugar-free or gluten-free, and even products not made specifically with nuts may still have cross-contamination.

COVID: The shop is not large and there are frequent visitors, which can be a great reason to mask. 

There is some business delivery, and cakes should be ordered ahead if you want customization, but the business is largely drop-in.

https://www.helenbernhardbakery.com/