Eugene, Oregon Project
“This was the best day of my life!”
Mentee, The Mayfly Project
Project Location
Eugene, OR
Year Project Founded
2027
Project Lead Mentor
Wade Schlichenmayer
Co-Lead Mentor
Mentors on this team
Looking for mentors!
Children mentored to date
TBD
Children to be mentored in 2027
8
Local foster care partners
Every Child Lane County, CASA
Local companies that support this project
Falling Sky Brewery, Caddis Fly Shop, The City of Eugene
Apply to Mentor
Support the Eugene Project!
At the end of our program, I received a thank you note from my mentee. He enjoyed the time we spent together on the water and mentioned that ‘he didn’t know fishing could be so fun’! It was his first-time fishing and admitted that he considered fishing ‘boring’ and that he didn’t want to do it. His perspective changed after our time together on the water. We talked conservation and he jumped right in to help keep the lake clean. His favorite part, of course, was his ‘First catch’! The note included pictures of us and it filled me with happiness and a few of those ‘happy tears’!
Mentor from The Mayfly Project
Project Mentors
Wade Schlichenmayer, LEAD MENTOR
| A Colorado native that grew up nowhere a mountain stream, Wade began fly fishing with friends in 2001. Living in Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, before settling down in Eugene, Oregon in 2022- he has had the opportunity to fish some iconic waters and is fortunate to have the famed McKenzie River, birthplace of the drift boat, nearby. As his spey game continues to develop, he’s learning what a treat it is to fish the large waters of the PNW. Wade has been a mentor in the Denver and Bend projects and is looking forward into settling into his role as the lead mentor for the Eugene Mayfly Project! |
Lupe Phillips, MENTOR
| I am honored to be part of The Mayfly Project as a mentor. My journey has been shaped by a lifelong love of the outdoors, fly fishing, and helping others. I was born and raised in Redding, California, served in the National Guard and US Navy. My 19-year journey with Trader Joe’s has taught me the importance of building relationships, listening, and encouraging others. I’m incredibly grateful for my love, Miki, and our two dogs, Jasper and Duke. Through The Mayfly Project, I hope to help foster children discover the joy of fly fishing, build confidence, and experience the healing and connection that nature can offer. My goal is to be a positive role model, a patient teacher, and someone who encourages each child to believe in themselves. |
Emma Browning, MENTOR
| Born and raised in the Willamette Valley, Emma has always felt a deep connection to the outdoors. In 2020 she took the dive into the wonderful world of fly fishing. Working on developing her skills and knowledge over the last few years, Emma has gained a whole new sense of appreciation for fishing and her connection with nature. In her free time you can find Emma on the river, hiking through the woods, or capturing moments with her camera…always with her dogs in tow. Emma loves how fly fishing allows her to slow down, be present, and appreciate the little moments, all while connecting with nature. Through The Mayfly Project, she hopes to share that experience, helping kids build confidence and create meaningful memories. |