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THE AGENDA <br /> 1:00 Opening remarks by Johnny Medlin, City of Eugene Parks and Open Space Division <br /> III Manager <br /> th.„ Announcement from the board of Friends of Hendricks Park <br /> 1:15 Introduction to the design of the new native plant garden and the public/private <br /> partnership that enabled its creation by Michael Robert, Hendricks <br /> Park head gardener, and Jerry Blakely, catalyst for the garden's community fundraising <br /> 1:30 Discussion of the design philosophy and features of the garden by Jin Chen, designer of <br /> the garden <br /> Dedication of the garden to Mary Rear Blakely <br /> 1:45 Closing remarks by Mayor Jim Torrey, City Councilor David Kelly and Johnny Medlin <br /> III FACT SHEET <br /> CONCEPT AND BACKGROUND <br /> I'I During the development of the Hendricks Park Forest Management Plan, the native plant <br /> garden was identified as a key means of fulfilling the following ecological, educational and <br /> safety goals for the park: <br /> li ■ Reduce the threat of windthrow, or damage from severe winds, to trees around <br /> the F.M. Wilkins picnic shelter. <br /> Excess water around the roots of the summer-drought-tolerant Douglas fir trees in the <br /> area can contribute to root damage and failure of those trees to thrive. Establishing a <br /> garden composed of primarily native species will significantly reduce the need for <br /> summer irrigation and thereby increase the stability of the overstory trees. <br /> • Integrate the various social and natural components of the park. <br /> The native plant garden will serve as a living bridge between the Rhododendron Garden <br /> lil to the north and the forested area to the south. The introduction of new pathways and <br /> plantings will make the entire park more accessible and inviting. <br /> • Provide educational opportunities for the community. <br /> The native plant garden will be a living classroom for both education and research with a <br /> variety of programs designed to introduce visitors to local native plants. By displaying <br /> these plants in a variety of settings, the garden will illustrate how native plants can be <br /> II'll incorporated into residential as well as commercial landscapes. <br /> For more information about the Hendricks Park Forest Management Plan, see the <br /> document on the web at www.ci.eugene.or.us'PW/parks/Hendricks/HPFMP.htm. <br />