Autumn Wilson

Email: autumn@middleforkwillamette.org
Title: Youth Education Project Lead
Organization: Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council
Community: South Springfield to Oakridge
Population: 24,000
County Served: Lane County

Meet Autumn Wilson (she/her):

Autumn grew up along the scenic Columbia River, often spending her childhood days scaling towering Cottonwood and Douglas Fir trees or collecting frogs in the muddy creeks near her home. She developed a passion for biology and environmental sustainability after working four years in the agricultural sector and later graduated from the University of Oregon with a B.S. in Environmental Studies. After her undergrad in Eugene, she decided to serve in the RARE AmeriCorps program and was placed here at the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council to be a part of their environmental education projects. Autumn loves ecology and could spend hours identifying trees if she could, but outside of the lush PNW forests she is an avid gym-goer with a passion for trying out different varieties of fitness forms–Everything from pilates to powerlifting! She is beyond excited to be a part of such a dynamic and vibrant team and cannot wait to experience everything this role has to offer.

Community and Organization:

Nestled in the heart of the densely wooded Oregon Emerald valley lies the proud headwaters of the historic Willamette River. A lush, bountiful bouquet of coniferous forests and crystal clear water, channels of mountain melt have shaped the ecosystems of this valley for millions of years, leaving behind the misty habitats for countless species of Oregon wildlife and dozens of communities large and small. Stitching together these communities is the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council, a network of biologists and educators driven by a passion for restoration and accessible environmental education for all.

Project:

Autumn develops and manages the different environmental education programs and works with different partners to better support the volunteers and teachers who participate in said programs. She, essentially, acts as a liaison between schools and the outdoors and her job is to get as many students outside as she can, in the most accessible and equitable way possible.