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Project IEP ge <br /> City3ugene- Hatmaker- Johnston <br /> Expected Outcomes and Benefits <br /> • Architectural renderings, models and presentation materials will provide a visual display of the Education Center <br /> to be constructed and of the surrounding landscape. Cost estimates will assist in determining the scope of work to <br /> be undertaken by project planners, administrators, business planning and marketing consultants, and fundraisers <br /> when promoting public awareness of the West Eugene Wetlands and seeking support for the construction of the <br /> Education Center. Good design will achieve greater balance between the buildings, landscape and the exhibits. <br /> • A coordinated business plan will aid in garnering fmancial support from private and public funding sources, <br /> including community-wide fundraising campaigns. <br /> • An overall Interpretive Plan and planning documents to produce an overall Vision Document will be used to tell <br /> the story of the wetlands and of the urgent need for wetland preservation. Using an Interpretive Plan will <br /> strengthen public messages regarding the ongoing need for wetland education and community involvement. <br /> Public involvement is important because public cooperation is needed to help conserve the last one percent of <br /> Willamette Valley wet prairie and maintain the quantity and quality of water in our watershed. <br /> • Interpretation will increase public interest in wetlands. Well planned interpretation will promote future visitors' <br /> understanding of and appreciation for the wetland area and adjacent uplands. Clearly articulated interpretation is <br /> intended to (a) promote respectful attitudes and positive actions when using the wetlands, (b) encourage curiosity <br /> in further discoveries, and (c) provide motivation for greater involvement. <br /> • Planning by multiple specialists will promote uniform and consistent themes on selected wetland areas. Visitors <br /> will be exposed to accurate, easily identifiable and consistent signage. Unified themes for signage and other <br /> interpretive features will enhance the wetland's image and better aid future site visitors as they tour the wetlands, <br /> observe and learn about natural resources. <br /> • A Training Guide for volunteer docents will serve as a staff development resource for volunteers intending to <br /> conduct tours of the wetlands. Phase I of the Guide is geared toward tours for children in Grades 3-5. Various <br /> components of this pilot tested and evaluated training manual can be easily adapted for use with diverse age <br /> 'groups and individuals with differing interests and abilities. Information in the manual is intended to promote <br /> public awareness of the West Eugene Wetlands and promote stewardship of the wetlands. Lesson plans provide <br /> activities that can help visitors gain a better understanding of the connection between humans and our <br /> environment and the many ways they can contribute to (a) the health of the wetlands, (b) water quality, and (c) the <br /> survival of multiple species of plants and wildlife. Materials will meet national and state standards. <br /> • Participating teachers who are pilot testing the manual will gain information about wetland topics and issues. <br /> They will have opportunity to learn about the functions and benefits of wetlands and healthy watersheds. They <br /> will gain valuable knowledge about wetland functions and the need for preservation and restoration. <br /> • Criteria for program evaluation will be developed that reflect partnering agencies' interests and the unified <br /> mission of the project. Evaluation will contribute to insight needed for improving wetlands programs and <br /> processes. Staff, evaluators, and the funding agency will gain understanding about specific program components <br /> that facilitate or hinder the achievement of desired outcomes of the West Eugene Wetlands Interpretation and <br /> Education Plan (Project IEP). <br /> 7 <br />