My parents, Mark and Leslyn, are safe after having to quickly evacuate from the devastating Akawa Butte Fire outside of Sisters, Oregon. For that, our family is incredibly grateful! Unfortunately, the fire destroyed Nature House at Wildhaven Preserve, the place they have called home for nearly 30 years. Wildhaven is a 160-acre nature preserve created 56 years ago by Gil and Vivian Staender with a vision of protecting this beautiful Central Oregon land and its wildlife for future generations. My parents became volunteer caretakers for Wildhaven in 1998. For nearly three decades, they have cared for its wildlife and land and fought to protect the Staenders’ vision. Their advocacy helped Wildhaven eventually become part of the Sisters School District, where it could continue to be protected while giving students a place to experience and learn from nature.

But Wildhaven wasn’t just something my parents cared for. It was their beloved home. Nature House held decades of photographs, nature related keepsakes, furniture, artwork, and memories from the life they built there. In a matter of hours, all of it was destroyed.

We’re raising money to help Mark and Leslyn replace essential belongings, cover unexpected expenses, establish a new home, and begin rebuilding their lives. For almost 30 years, they took care of Wildhaven and now we’re hoping we can help take care of them. If you’re able to donate or simply share their story, our family is incredibly grateful. The fire may have taken their home, but it cannot take the legacy they helped protect.