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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />April 22, 2015 <br /> <br />CONTACT: Lauri Holts, Parks and Open Space Ecologist, (541) 682-4925 <br /> <br />From Public Information Section, 541-682-5523 or 541-954-2938 <br /> <br />FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE <br /> <br />Grassland Birds Need Your Help During Nesting Season <br /> <br />Oregon’s state bird needs your help. <br />It’s nesting season for the western meadowlark and other birds who make their nests in prairie <br />grasslands such as those along the Willamette River in the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park. <br />Romping dogs and off-trail boots can crush eggs and scatter tiny chicks. <br />“It’s really important that people stay on designated trails and keep their dogs leashed,” says <br />Lauri Holts, ecologist with the City’s Parks and Open Space Division. <br />Grassland-nesting birds such as meadowlark, pheasant, killdeer and quail depend on open, <br />grassy areas to feed and raise their young. With less than one percent of the Willamette Valley’s historic <br />prairie habitats remaining, it’s critical to protect every nesting site. <br />Dog owners who want to let their dogs run and play can do so at a number of off-leash dog parks <br />in the area, including one in Alton Baker Park near Autzen Stadium. There are lots of opportunities for <br />hiking as well, including more than 10 miles of surfaced trails in Alton Baker Park. <br />“Alton Baker Park has something for everyone,” says Holts. “All we’re asking is that people give <br />these beautiful birds the space to raise their young in one of the few remaining prairies in this area.” <br />According to the “Willamette Valley Landowner’s Guide to Creating Habitat for Grassland Birds,” <br />the western meadowlark was selected as the state bird in 1927 because of its bright colors and cheerful <br />song. Today, due to development, cultivation, invasive species and other issues, the meadowlark is no <br />longer common in some parts of Oregon and has become increasingly rare in the Willamette Valley. <br />Nesting season generally runs from mid-March to mid-July. Dogs must be leashed year-round in <br />the Whilamut Natural Area. For more information about the Whilamut Natural Area, go to <br />http://www.eugene-or.gov/index.aspx?NID=1728. <br /># # # <br /> <br />Public Works Administration ● City of Eugene ● 101 E. Broadway, Suite 400, Eugene, OR 97401 <br />Phone 541-682-8421 ● Fax 541-682-6826 ● www.eugene-or.gov/pw <br />