🌱 U-Pick Strawberry Farm Season + Salem Seekers Glass Birds In Parks

Hello, friends! It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Salem Patch newsletter. Let's get this day started off right, with a quick dive into the most important things happening in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Partly sunny. High: 87 Low: 53.
• Thursday: Clouds and breaks of sun. High: 79 Low: 54.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories in Salem today:

1. It's summertime, which means farms in the area are open for strawberry picking! In Salem, Fordyce Farm on Sunnyview Road is open for picking through the week of Jun. 12. Rick Johnson Farms opens on Jun. 10, and customers are advised to bring their own containers. The strawberry season doesn't last long, so it's a good idea to call the farm before heading out. (Statesman Journal)
2. If you take a walk through Salem parks this summer, you might find a small, colorful, glass bird. These birds are meant to be taken home by whoever finds them, and they are part of the Salem Seekers program. Created by Salem resident Pamela Garland, who drew inspiration from a similar program in Lincoln City, Garland hides the glass birds in plain sight in an effort to encourage people to return to Salem's parks. This month, Garland is hiding the birds at Weathers Street Park, and in July, Garland will focus on Woodmansee Park. (KOIN)
3. As the weather heats up, the City of Salem has issued some friendly reminders for how to enjoy recreational water activities and also protect water quality. According to the city, washing off boats and boating gear, such as life jackets and paddles, can help prevent the spread of invasive species. The city also requests that people enjoying the outdoors, please pack out all trash and pet waste. (City of Salem via Facebook)

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Today and tomorrow in Salem:

Wednesday, June 7

• Whisker Wednesday At For Tomorrow We Die Brewing Co. (5:30 PM)
• Trivia Night At Corner Pocket Bar & Grill (7:00 PM)

Thursday, June 8

• Theatre 33 Presents Solastalgia At Willamette University Putnam Studio (7:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• The Salem Art Association has upcoming summer camps! Beginning Monday, Jun. 26, each summer camp runs for one week and offers morning sessions for kids between the ages of seven and 10 and afternoon sessions for kids between 11-13. Each camp has a different theme, such as Jungle Creatures or Insects. Read more about the camps here, or register here. (Salem Art Association via Facebook)
• The Salem Family YMCA sent out thanks to its Outdoor School volunteer and staff. The YMCA still has upcoming camp opportunities, click to learn about Camp Greider or Camp Silver Creek. (Salem Family YMCA via Facebook)
• The Salem Police Department is hiring entry-level police officers. To learn more about the position, click here. (Salem Police Department via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you soon.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!