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Allik 1111111111111r11011.24151111111111111111111-Prnai_ r � / � W - � / / �JI. Is -umar J - ''J� L �7 "" EUGENE MIMI IIIi aril i M'/BMW i n I 1 r11L- October 21, 2002 CONTACT: Richard Zucker, Leaf Program Coordinator, 682-4833, or Therese Picado, Public Information Specialist, Parks and Open Space, 682-4814 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE EUGENE'S LEAVES GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY The City's leaf program begins October 28. Originally implemented in the late 1960s as a leaf collection program to prevent street flooding, the program now delivers and recycles leaves as well. For decades, the program has recycled leaves by delivering them to residents, the City's community gardens, community groups such as Food for Lane County, and commercial recyclers who use them as mulch or compost. Nearly 4,000 tons of leaves are recycled every year through this effort. The City began recycling leaves from City parks in 1999. Leaves were composted at Alton Baker Park, and about 50 cubic yards of compost was produced, tested for micronutrients and acidity, and determined to be "very high quality compost." The next year, the City added street leaves to the composting program and again the compost was tested and rated as high quality material. The City now consistently produces and uses thousands of cubic yards of compost to bolster the soil in Eugene's parks. "Over the years, the program has expanded as it has received an overwhelmingly positive response from the community," says program coordinator and parks maintenance crew supervisor Richard Zucker. Residents are asked to pile leaves in the street away from parked cars so that pick-up vehicles can easily access the piles and at least a foot from the curb to avoid clogging storm drains. Piles need to be free of other yard debris so that they can be delivered to people who want leaves for their gardens. Leaf piles must not block bike or traffic lanes. The leaves should be put in the street the weekend prior to collection.