Walla Walla River Ecology Mural located at Marie Dorian Park

To see artistic details, click on any of these links: Bull Trout fish, Oregon "Old World" Monarch butterfly, Great Blue Heron, Blue-eyed Darner dragonfly.

Project Contacts: Carol Poppenga, Artist

Brief Summary: An educational mural portraying a typical cross-section of the Walla Walla River has been painted on a wall at the Marie Dorian City Park.  This site has historical significance for Milton-Freewater and is also the site of a former dam that was removed in 1998.  The mural includes depiction of the riparian zone and associated land and aquatic life (plants, animals, fish, insects, and people).  A key with information in Spanish and English will be located nearby to help visitors understand the diversity of life and habitat supported by the river.  You can read about the development of the mural at the artist's website: http://www.poppenga.homestead.com/WallaWallaRiverMural.html  To read the text of the press release for the unveiling, click here.

Timeline:  Development of the final design occured over the winter 2001-2002 and painting of the mural occurred during June 2002.  The mural was officially unveiled on July 2, 2002.

Involvement: Carol Poppenga, ODFW, WWBWC, City of Milton-Freewater, WSU and OSU Extension Offices, Milton-Freewater Area Community Foundation, Star Press Printing, and OWEB funding.

Questions from the grant application:

2. Describe the present situation and explain why the proposed work is needed. How was the need for the project identified?

Marie Dorian Park is site of former dam on the Walla Walla River. Bull Trout (ESA listed), Steelhead, Redband Trout, and eels are some of the species that utilize the river for habitat and reproduction. The park, a picnic area for local residents and visitors, is also along a primary route to Harris Park and hiking opportunities in the upper reaches of the Walla Walla River South Fork. This same route passes the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indians’ fish rearing/hatchery facilities.

3.  Explain what is proposed, what learning strategies will be used and what the end product will be.

A visual presentation of facts about the natural watershed environment/inhabitants is proposed in the form of a painted mural. Imagery engages the eye and imagination of viewers to stimulate thought and awareness. The end product is a mural with accompanying publications.

4.  What are the instructional goals and objectives?

Increase public awareness of the Walla Walla River’s importance and the need for continued improvement and protection.

5.  What audience will you reach and how will you deliver your product?

All age groups utilizing the park and to include visitors and local residents. Local school students on annual tours to Harris Park to stop at Marie Dorian Park where appropriate professionals in the fields of fish biology, riparian zone management, or entomology could use the mural as a speaking tool. 

The mural is also expected to help reduce graffiti.  An anti-graffiti sealant will be painted over the top to allow the use of solvents to remove spray paints and other mark-making materials. Based on past conversations with members of the Toppenish (WA) Mural Society, mural art deters graffiti.

6.  Can your project be used at other locations without major modifications?

Pamphlets and/or placemats showing mural diagram and key with additional facts may be distributed via area food businesses, chambers of commerce, public library, schools and civic organizations’ functions/events.

7.  Describe the credentials and related experience of the project leaders.

Artist Carol Poppenga has 35 years experience in commercial/fine art and graphic design. Recent mural experience includes production of 280 ft. x 13 ft. mural for Fort Walla Walla Museum and murals created while serving as an artist-in-residence in Hermiston, Oregon.