From Friends of the Columbia Gorge and filmmaker Monique Trevett, “The Wildflower Woman” short film profiles renowned Columbia Gorge conservation icon and Lyle, Washington, resident Barbara Robinson. The film follows Robinson as she reflects on her life’s work preserving and restoring fragile and ecologically important lands in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, including the from-her-own-pocket purchase of Tom McCall Preserve in the 1970s, founding the Klickitat Trail Conservancy, landscaping the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum with native plants, and spreading balsamroot seed across the Gorge. Through the film, we hope to shine a light on the life and contributions of one of the preeminent Gorge conservationists to inspire future generations to follow in her footsteps.
Note: We encourage you to watch The Wildflower Woman for important context before reading this behind-the-scenes article from Friends’ digital content producer and filmmaker Monique Trevett.
A year ago, Friends’ Executive Director Kevin Gorman and I were discussing the idea of creating a short-form video featuring longtime Friends collaborator and legendary Eastern Gorge conservationist Barbara Robinson. After an introductory phone call, we set up a time to meet at one of her favorite spots in the Gorge—Catherine Creek. Those who know Barbara won’t be surprised to learn that our planned 30-minute meet-and-greet turned into a two-hour wide-ranging educational stroll along the lower section of the Catherine Creek trail, during which she shared her deep knowledge of the Columbia River Gorge’s history and geology with me.
When I first envisioned the project, the goal was to collaborate with Barbara on a short video exploring the unique wildflower species in the Gorge. But it quickly became clear there was a much bigger story to tell. By the time we reached the end of the trail and said goodbye, one thought stuck with me: “How in the world am I going to do this?” A single day of filming wouldn’t begin to scratch the surface of the immense work she has done to preserve the Gorge. So I decided to pivot to an expanded film.
The following week, we started where her life in conservation began in the 1960s—Tom McCall Preserve. We walked across the Memaloose Hills and Tom McCall as Barbara told me how her love of Balsamroot first took root. A week later, we crossed the Columbia into Washington and made our way to the town of Klickitat, stopping frequently so Barbara could show-and-tell every wildflower she spotted. After the first few days of filming, I realized I needed help to tell her story, so we brought in people who’ve worked alongside her over the years: Friends’ Executive Director Kevin Gorman, Klickitat Trail Conservancy President Ken Hansen, and U.S. Forest Service botanist Brance Morefield.
Hearing everyone’s firsthand experiences with Barbara and the crazy stories you hear while spending time with her was truly something special. From hiking Sevenmile Hill, falling 75 feet off a cliff near Horsetail Falls, to scrambling down to the lower bench at Tom McCall while eight months pregnant, Barbara’s stories left me speechless.
The book on Barbara’s life would have so many chapters, and her relentless pursuit of her goals is a powerful reminder to persist day after day, year after year, no matter what may change around you. For me, it’s incredibly inspiring to see how a woman in conservation can make such a profound impact by creating public spaces for everyone to enjoy the beauty of the Gorge.
One memory I’ll always carry with me about this project was dreaming about the perfect scene in which Barbara looks out over her first land purchase (Tom McCall Preserve) from across the river in Lyle, Washington. And, as luck would have it, the large bay window in her living room brought that dream to life: a stunning view of Tom McCall that she gets to see every single day. That serendipity gives me chills just thinking about it. You can see a screenshot from the scene below, or watch it in the film at the 14:15 mark, complete with her daughter and grandson.
Barbara Robinson (left) with her daughter and grandson. Tom McCall Preserve, Barbara’s first land purchase that began her life in conservation, can be seen across the river. The preserve is now owned by The Nature Conservancy. Image taken from video by Monique Trevett.
Everything came together so well while producing this film, from getting to include Barbara’s daughter and grandson who were visiting from Norway to scheduling a short-notice planting party before the premiere at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum. I feel so grateful to have witnessed her receiving the lifetime achievement award at the Washington State Trails Conference (see 15:55 of the film) and for hosting the attendees who watched the premiere of The Wildflower Woman. Seeing Barbara in her element as a passionate conservationist and an educator during the stewardship event was something I will never forget. I could not help but be so proud to know her life’s work is finally being celebrated by all. Her name and legacy will live on in perpetuity as a giant of Pacific Northwest conservation.Enjoy a photo gallery from the film premiere and stewardship event here.