Mayor's Note (May 2023)

Mayor Frank Bubenik Headshot

The spring season is officially upon us! Here at the City, we have been enjoying the sunshine peeking through more often, the vibrancy that comes when our parks begin to leaf and bloom, and the pure enjoyment of watching baby ducklings paddling around behind their mothers at the Lake at the Commons. 

This year, thanks to calls to action from concerned local residents, our Public Works Department has piloted a program to help our urban ducks make the (sometimes miles long) journey from their nests to our local waterways.   

On Friday, April 21, (just in time for Earth Day!) our crew temporarily placed mesh fabric “guards” underneath several storm drains around the City.  The fabric should prevent the ducklings from falling into the drain and instead allow them to jump out or be picked up by their mothers and continue on their journey to the water!   

These duck crossing hotspots were identified with help from local residents, the Audubon Society, and the Tualatin Riverkeepers. Yet another example of how important resident engagement is for Tualatin - we can do great things, both big and small, when we share ideas and work together. Please keep in touch and enjoy the baby ducks! 

Learn More - https://www.tualatinoregon.gov/publicworks/baby-ducks