Kalapuya Cultural Project and Wetlands Preservation

We recognize the First Peoples of the region and the sustenance that the land provides through season-round practices.

“Willamette Wetlands of the Kalapuya,” is a mural created by a collaboration of Beyond Toxics, Friendly Area Neighbors Equity Action Team, Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, Kalapuya descendants, City of Eugene's Human Rights and Neighborhood Involvement, and City of Eugene Parks and Open Space. The mural illustrates a Kalapuya storyteller speaking of her people and their ancient and contemporary uses of native plants for food, medicine and spiritual observances through the annual seasonal round in the traditional manner still practiced today.

This mural is part of a larger project called the “Kalapuya Cultural Project and Wetlands Preservation” sponsored by Beyond Toxics and Friendly Area Neighbors Equity Action Team. The project includes an informational kiosk, this web resource, environmental and cultural curriculum resources, and ongoing enhancement of the park wetlands to preserve and expand the presence of the significant native plants within these sites.

Wetland & Mural Guide

The Willamette Valley was once an open landscape, home to vast communities of flowering plants. A mosaic of species carpeted the lower elevations according to soil type and moisture retention.

The braiding, meandering, flows of the Willamette River created significant wetlands that provided natural flood control and a resource-rich environment. The wet prairie landscape in Eugene’s Westmoreland Park is a small but important remnant.

Some of the plants that provided food and medicine for the indigenous Kalapuya tribes are present in the park.

Mural Guide

Find the Mural

The mural is located on the east wall of the Dr. Edwin Coleman Jr. Community Center that houses the Boys & Girls Club of Emerald Valley. The building was renamed for Dr. Coleman in honor of his life and legacy as a University of Oregon professor, musician, and strong advocate for civil and human rights. These prior murals, sponsored by Friendly Area Neighbors Equity Action Team and the City of Eugene, feature visual statements on inclusion and social justice. This newest mural on the Coleman Center reaches back into history to commemorate the Kalapuya presence on this land prior to European pioneers.

Please take time to visit the Willamette Wetlands of the Kalapuya mural in Westmoreland Park on Indigenous Peoples' Day (or any day) to experience this remarkable work of art in person!

Wetland Plants

The mural features the wetland plants listed below, considered important to the Kalapuya people thoughout past and present times. Kalapuyan names in the Santiam dialect are noted in bold font and scientific names are italicized.

Common Camas | Andip
Camassia quamash and Camasia leichtlinii

Barestem Biscuitroot | Alu’t
Lomatium nudicaule

Tarweeed |Tukwa
Madia sp.

Narrowleaf Mule’s Ears | Uamelk Tepok
Wyethia angustifolia

Cut-leaf microseris or commonly called Silver Puffs
Microseria laciniata

Willamette Valley gumweed
Grindelia integrifolia

Kalapuya Culture and Wetland Plants

Mural Creative team

Susan Applegate, Mural Designer, Artist and Painter
Esther Stutzman, Kalapuya Descendent and Project Consultant
Esteban Camacho Steffensen, Muralist
Pam Wooddell, Painter
Nancy Bray, Friendly Area Neighbors Equity Action Team Chairperson
Jennifer Eisele, Beyond Toxics Pesticides Project Manager
Lisa Arkin, Beyond Toxics Former Executive Director
Gabrielle Bird, Wetlands Plants Artist

Featured Speakers & Performances from the Dedication CeremonyMeet the Creative Team

Youth Education Curriculum

Educators and parents! Beyond Toxics has created a curriculum for kids to learn about the Kalapuya people, the original inhabitants of this area of the Willamette Valley.

Our curriculum is centered upon the mural, The Willamette Wetlands of the Kalapuya, with fun activities, featuring the native plants and animals that played a significant role in the lifeways of the Kalapuya.

The material also includes connections to climate science and public health.

Kalapuya Youth Education Curriculum

Westmoreland Park Work Parties

As part of our ongoing commitment to preserving the Willamette wetlands of the Kalapuya, Beyond Toxics partners with Eugene Parks & Open Space and Friendly Area Neighbors to host work parties throughout the year. Volunteers from our community come together to remove invasive species and help manage the riparian areas of Westmoreland Park.

Tools are provided thanks to Eugene Parks & Open Space.  Work parties happen regularly, especially in the spring and summer. Watch our events page and social media for the next opportunity to join a work party!
View our Events