The Willamette Resources and Educational Network (WREN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on a mission to practice and promote land stewardship through education, partnerships, and scientific research.

WREN is part of the West Eugene Wetlands Partnership, a nine-member unique partnership of government and private agencies that has acquired and now protects and restores 3,000 acres of rare wetland and upland habitats in west Eugene that are home to thousands of plant and animal species.

In 2000 WREN formed to carry out the educational objectives of the partnership, facilitating hands-on learning experiences in a natural setting for thousands of community members of all ages. WREN staff and volunteers have now reached more than 16,000 school students and community members through classroom presentations, field trips and outdoor community programs! This exposure offers children, educators, and community members a greater understanding of their connections to the natural world, and instills knowledge that increases each person's power to be a more effective environmental steward.

WREN is also leading the campaign for an environmental education center to house the program and citizen science research. The spark that ignited the idea for an environmental education center flashed more than a decade ago, and since that time, thousands of people have contributed countless hours toward the realization of this important community asset. Community focus groups, planning meetings, and visioning sessions have moved this project steadily forward. This project will enable WREN to continue serving its mission and to meet the demand for innovative and forward-thinking experiential environmental education. The expanded educational opportunities will continue to bring to life the unique upland and wetland habitats on the 12.5-acre project site, as well as throughout the system of wetlands that span more than 3,000 acres in and around Eugene.