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WI 111-11 ---Imiiii aro--7.1 . 0-- - Iff -':--= <br /> tifl 0EUGENE M s i o�s L eLTL:or��_ <br /> February 7, 2003 <br /> CONTACT: <br /> • Michael Robert or John Moriarty, Hendricks Park, 682-5324 <br /> • Therese M. Picado, Parks and Open Space Public Information Specialist, 682-4814 or <br /> 682-4800, therese.m.picado(aci.eugene.or.us <br /> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE <br /> VOLUNTEERS WILL "GAIN GROUND" IN HENDRICKS PARK FOREST THIS SATURDAY <br /> Hendricks Park staff and volunteers from the Friends of Hendricks Park and the <br /> community at large can work on "Gaining Ground" in the Hendricks Park forest this Saturday, <br /> February 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This last ivy removal work party of the season will continue <br /> the work of volunteers and a restoration contractor to remove ivy from the park's forest floor. <br /> Just over five acres have been removed this season through these efforts. Interested <br /> volunteers should meet at the F.M. Wilkins Shelter at 2200 Summit Avenue for work <br /> instructions, equipment and some warm-up snacks. <br /> Ivy will be removed while protecting the delicate native plants on the forest floor in a <br /> series of work parties this winter. "We need to focus on getting as much ivy removed as <br /> possible before the native bulbs and perennials begin to emerge in the spring," says Hendricks <br /> Park Head Gardener Michael Robert. <br /> Ivy and other invasive plant removal was identified as a priority in the Hendricks Park <br /> Forest Management Plan, accepted by the City Council in January 2000. English ivy is a non- <br /> native, invasive plant that last winter was officially quarantined by the Oregon Department of <br /> Agriculture to prevent its sale and propagation in the state. In Hendricks Park, ivy causes <br /> damage to the native forest ecosystem by developing into a dense ground cover that prevents <br /> native plants from growing. The loss of native plants reduces the habitat for animals and <br /> insects that depend on the natural forest ecosystem. When ivy grows up the trunks of trees, it <br /> produce seeds, allowing it to spread even further and cause more damage in other parts of the <br /> forest. Over the last two years, nearly all the ivy on trees and over almost ten acres of ivy on the <br /> forest floor have been cleared in the park by volunteers, youth crews and a restoration <br /> contractor. <br /> Volunteers are encouraged to wear long sleeves, pants and sturdy shoes, and bring <br /> water. Tools will be available on site. For more information, call 682-5324. <br /> ### <br />