Behind the Waterfall
A NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS OF SILVER FALLS MEMBERS
Table of Contents:
For the Love of Flowers
By Ann Kitchel, Board President
Happy Spring! As wildflowers begin to bloom throughout the park, anticipation grows for the 48th annual Mother’s Day Wildflower and Birding Festival. This event has become one of the park’s most popular traditions, where visitors can enjoy the beauty of the falls, its wildflowers and birds.
The festival’s history goes back to 1978, when park volunteer Blanche Sweger, one of the founding members of the Friends of Silver Falls, initiated the project. Blanche, originally from South Dakota, had a lifelong passion for flowers. After her family settled on a three-acre property in the Silverton Hills in 1947, she became fascinated with the native wildflowers growing there. Over the years, she identified at least 75 species on her property and collected even more, expanding her knowledge through classes, tours, and personal study.
In 1977, the park sought volunteers, and Blanche joined, beginning a two-decade association with the park and the Friends of Silver Falls. She welcomed visitors at the lodge, helped with displays, collected park history, designed brochures, and assisted with landscaping. She is credited with adding more than 800 native plants to the park.
Blanche was committed to educating the public about native wildflowers. She organized an interpretive display at the lodge, which inspired the first “Wildflower Weekend” on Mother’s Day in 1978. The event featured 70 potted wildflowers; all propagated from her own garden. To transport the plants, she used tubs, buckets, and kettles, returning the plants to her garden once the show ended.
Blanche and Laurie Brauer in 1978
Reflecting on the early years in a 1982 article, Blanche recalled, “The first year, the volunteer coordinator [Laurie Brauer] made arrangements for the show, other volunteers took care of the news releases and greeted visitors and I furnished the flowers.” She added, “Gathering the wildflowers, mosses and ferns, transporting them to the lodge and getting them arranged took several days.”
Blanche continued to organize the event until 1983, when the Native Plant Society of Oregon became the sponsor of what became known as the “Mother’s Day Wildflower Show.” The show grew to feature over 200 specimens. In 1990, the sale of native plants began outside the lodge and eventually expanded and moved outside the Nature Store. Birding became part of the festivities in 2006, adding birdwatching hikes, displays, and demonstrations to the celebration.
Ultimately, it was Blanche Sweger’s love of wildflowers and native plants that sparked this enduring event. She will always be remembered as the “Wildflower Lady,” a title she wore with pride throughout her years of service.
Watch an archival news clip about Blanche here.
Meet the New Management Team
By Chelsea Sims, Executive Director
Following Chris Gilliand’s appointment as District Manager, we are pleased to share leadership updates at Silver Falls State Park. Jason Wagoner has been named Park Manager, and Steve Hernandez has stepped into the role of Ranger Supervisor. Both have worked with the agency for many years and bring a wealth of experience, strong leadership, and a deep commitment to Silver Falls, its visitors, staff, and partnerships. Learn more about Jason and Steve below:
Jason Wagoner is the Interim Park Manager at Silver Falls State Park, leading operations to ensure visitor safety and preserve cultural and natural resources. He grew up in Oregon and attended Southern Oregon University, starting his career in parks in 2003. He moved to Silverton in 2006 as a Park Ranger at Silver Falls State Park and has continued his career there to this day.
Interim Ranger Supervisor Steve Hernandez started State Service in 2003 as a Recreation Technician for ODF Santiam Unit. Then in 2007 he joined Oregon Parks and Recreation Department for greener pastures. In the last 20 or so years he has had the pleasure of working in four different management units, with one of those being Silver Falls. He is excited for this challenging and rewarding opportunity to return to Silver Falls in a completely different role.
On a personal note, Steve first fell in love with the backcountry at age 11 through YMCA summer backpacking trips. Before traveling to the Jefferson Wilderness Area for six nights, he did gear shakedowns and trial hikes at the Silver Falls Youth Camp. As Steve puts it, “this was in ancient times (mid-1980s), way before trekking poles, smart wool, and Garmin watches.”
Thank you business sponsors!
2025 Annual Report
By Chelsea Sims, Executive Director
This past year, your support helped expand our impact in meaningful ways, from enhancing visitor experiences and supporting interpretive programs to funding projects that improve access and connection to the park. We’re proud to share the Friends of Silver Falls 2025 Annual Report, a reflection of what we’ve accomplished together and where we’re headed next.
We’re also honored to have earned Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition for nonprofit accountability. It reflects our commitment to openness, strong stewardship, and making every dollar count.
Thank you for being part of this work. We invite you to explore the full report below, and see the impact you’ve helped create.
Click here to view it full-screen.
Park Updates
By Jason Wagoner, Park Manager
Repairs to the Trail of Ten Falls are moving forward. The salvage logging operation along the trail has been completed, and Ranger Hilbert, along with dedicated volunteer crews, is working hard to safely reopen the remaining sections. We appreciate your patience as this work continues.
It’s been a busy season at the park! Silver Falls hosted several large events this winter and spring, including MammothMarch on March 29, which welcomed just under 1,000 participants.
Looking ahead, Camp Silver Creek will reopen on April 13 as it welcomes students from the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center for Outdoor School. Staff are currently preparing the site to ensure a great experience for students and educators alike.
We’re also excited to welcome back several familiar faces to the park team. Five returning Park Ranger Assistants, Isaiah, Josh, Ebb, Ben, and Jace, joined us in March and April. Two more, Elizabeth and Lari, will return in May. Additional seasonal hiring will take place later this spring to support the busy months ahead.
Photos from Ranger John Hilbert and Trailkeepers of Oregon
Upcoming Events & Programs
South Falls Plant Walks: Thursdays at 1pm
Explore the native plant species of Silver Falls alongside longtime volunteer Earl McCollum. This easy, accessible walk is suitable for all ages and welcomes participants of any experience level. Custom walks are also available by contacting Kim Maley, FOSF Park Interpreter.
Earth Day: April 18th 10am-12pm
Spring Clean up around the South Falls Historic District! Join us for a satisfying day digging in the dirt. Goals are to remove invasives in the meadow by the South Falls Lodge, and do some general clean up in the Native Plant Garden.
Tools are provided. Bring gloves and kneeling pads if desired. Space is limited, sign-up here.
Birding and Wildflower Festival: May 9th-10th 10am-4pm
Explore the birds and wildflowers of Silver Falls State Park in this beloved annual tradition. Activities include guided birding and wildflower walks, a native plant sale, a wildflower show, live bird of prey presentations, and educational discovery tables. Most activities take place in the South Falls District, with some walks taking place in other parts of the park.
