Mount Pisgah Arboretum at the height of summer, a tree swing, and one of the best views in the Southern Willamette Valley.  Bathed in warm light, a sunset swing arcs high into the air to catch a glimpse of the Coast Fork Willamette and Spencer Butte. Mount Pisgah Arboretum, located near Eugene and Springfield Oregon, is a nonprofit nature preserve established in 1973. It sits on 209 acres within the larger Howard Buford Recreation Area, at the base of Mount Pisgah. The Arboretum was founded by a group of local naturalists and community members passionate about conserving the area’s natural beauty and biodiversity.  In its early years, the Arboretum focused on restoring the native ecosystems, including oak savannas, woodlands, and riverine habitats, while also developing trails and interpretive programs.  The arboretum has become a center for environmental education, nature walks, and community events. Its signature events include the annual Mushroom Festival and Wildflower Festival, which celebrate the rich botanical diversity of the region. Over the years, the site has grown into a popular destination for hiking, bird watching, and nature photography, with well-maintained trails and educational programs.  In addition to the important work done by the Arboretum, [The Friends of Buford Park & Mount Pisgah] also plays a tremendous role in trail, and ecological maintenance of the greater county park at Mount Pisgah.  Like the Arboretum, The Friends of Buford Park, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing and restoring the natural ecosystems within the Howard Buford Recreation Area (HBRA) and the surrounding Mount Pisgah region near Eugene, Oregon. Founded in 1989, the group works in partnership with Lane County Parks and other agencies to protect this area’s diverse habitats, including woodlands, wetlands, and prairies.  The Friends organization focuses on habitat restoration, native species conservation, trail maintenance, and environmental education. Volunteers and staff conduct activities like invasive species removal, native plant propagation, and wildlife monitoring. They are also involved in educational outreach, offering guided hikes, workshops, and volunteer opportunities to engage the community.  Howard Buford Recreation Area, Lane County, Oregon.                       Lane County, Mount Pisgah Arboretum, People, Sunset, White Oak, Willamette Valley