Michael Cairns was a visionary leader and a champion for both environmental and social causes in the Monmouth and Independence communities. Back in 1999, he played a key role in establishing the Luckiamute Watershed Council and after retirement, was the LWC's first manager. Part of his legacy is a beautifully designed wetland near the Willamette River just west of the Independence Sports Park, which is thriving now with a wide diversity of native plants, birds, and other wildlife. He was also instrumental in restoring the health and improving the streamside habitat of Ash Creek at what is now OSU Extension's Mt. Fir Inspiration Gardens. To honor Michael, the LWC is managing an Education Fund that Michael's wife, Gail Oberst, has set up to be used towards creating an educational display about the wetlands he helped create.
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