For the past seven years, Portland artist Nancy Helmsworth has found inspiration in Forest Park. She began looking to the trees as examples of longevity and resilience at the same time they are under assault by climate change and over-harvesting by humans. 

She has since shifted her gaze to the creek running through the Bird Alliance and along Lower Macleay Trail in Forest Park, kulla kulla Creek, which means bird in the chinuk-wawa language. 

At her request, the Tribes suggested this name, which only makes sense as this area is their ancestral homelands. Not only does the creek flow through the Bird Alliance property, but the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde and other Native advisors are collaborating with the educational work of that public resource. So kulla kulla, bird is quite fitting.

The chinuk-wawa language is especially significant as before the takeover by the colonists, it was used by the many Tribes who thrived and traded resources in this abundant state. Chinuk-wawa was literally the first language of Oregon!

Kulla kulla Creek is ever changing along this trail and in the Bird Alliance; it is enjoyed by thousands of people/week.

This world famous park is a locally important urban forest and a model worldwide, supporting over 112 different species of birds and various other wildlife. No wonder this area has been valued throughout time, by locals and those passing through.