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REEL TO REAL Visual Experiences
Salem Area Video
Salem Area Tour Itineraries |  |
The NaturalistShowcase experience: Marion and Polk Counties (Salem Area) Oregon’s Willamette Valley was once a rich mix of wildlife habitats. Valley wetlands were once extensive, with meandering stream channels and vast seasonal marshes. Today, the Valley is a mix of lush farmland, gardens, wineries and unique cities. Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge near Jefferson, Oregon was created to provide vital wintering habitat for Dusky Canada Geese. The Refuge contains about 2,800 acres of flat to gently rolling land near the confluence of the Willamette and Santiam rivers south of Salem, Oregon. Ducks, geese, swans, shorebirds, and bald eagles are common in the fall and winter and the northern saw-whet owl is a resident. Basket Slough National Wildlife Refuge near Dallas, Oregon is situated in open farmland near the eastern foothills of the Coast Range. The Refuge consists of 1,173 acres of cropland, which provide forage for wintering geese, especially the dusky Canada goose. Baskett Slough also provides habitat for a wide variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Breitenbush Hot Springs mission is to provide a safe and potent environment where people can renew and evolve in ways they never imagined. Natural hot spring pools along with tiled tubs and steam saunas are set in the 154 acre wildlife sanctuary in the Willamette National Forest near Detroit, Oregon. Ancient forest, river and mountain trials along with meditation, reflection and yoga connect visitors to nature and erase the every day pressures. Located on 80 acres in Silverton, Oregon The Oregon Garden offers 20 specialty gardens, water features, conifer garden, garden art, wetlands, the Rediscovery Forest, kids garden, and 400-year-old Signature Oak tree. A diverse bird population is right at home within The Oregon Garden and the view is spectacular. Nearby is Cooley’s Iris Gardens where the Ernst family has been growing iris since 1928 and still trim each plant by hand. Stroll through their brilliant iris garden and order bulbs from acres of iris fields. Take home your favorite to remember your visit. Roses, roses and more roses can be enjoyed at the Heirloom Rose Garden in Saint Paul and in Salem at Bush’s Pasture Park. Known for the worlds most fragrant roses, Heirloom Roses offers three large display rose gardens containing 1,500 varieties of roses. Bush’s Pasture Park Rose Garden sits along side the grand 1878 Italianate Bush House. This garden is a true treasure comforting many rose bushes including the Tartar Old Rose Collection that survived the arduous overland Oregon Trail migration between 1841 and 1869. These hearty rose plants are part of the legacy of the Oregon pioneers and are a gift for future generations.
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