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<br /> • Supporting City government by providing research and advice on crucial issues as members of boards,
<br /> commissions and committees.
<br /> "Volunteers enable us to provide more and better services than we otherwise could. Many times they offer special
<br /> expertise or an extra personal touch that we couldn't provide within existing budgets," City Manager Dennis Taylor said to
<br /> he crowd gathered for the event.
<br /> According to the picnic planners, the weather didn't dampen the spirits of these extraordinary individuals who seem to
<br /> value their participation in their community as much as City staff appreciates their involvement in City programs. Several
<br /> volunteers expressed how much they enjoy their volunteer involvement and the meaning, friendship and fulfillment it has
<br /> brought them. "Despite the weather, everybody had a good time learning about all the other programs and mingling with
<br /> other like-minded individuals," said Carrie Peterson, a member of the team that organized the event. For more
<br /> information about the event or volunteer opportunities, contact Steve Norris, Neighborhoods Program Coordinator, at
<br /> 682-5009, or Laura Philips, Library Volunteer Coordinator, at 682-6617.
<br /> Volunteers Glean Seeds and Understanding
<br /> Eugene Stream Team volunteers acquired an appreciation of native habitats
<br /> while gathering native seeds this summer. Every Wednesday, teams of gleaners ,, '�'�, . . r•
<br /> combed natural areas in search of samples for restoration projects around �.c.1`,,�, '``; ` ti!�t,�'„
<br /> Eugene. The purpose of the collection effort is to help diversify wetland, prairie .. ' ,a."
<br /> and riparian habitats in the city. A diversity of native vegetation attracts native •� ' ,►: �` 1'.,••�.•
<br /> wildlife and helps restore habitats to a more natural state. It also develops a 7'` • <�-• ,°
<br /> multi-layered root system that assists in soil retention and keeps waterways clear 1. :. , ,•it, 'r. ,
<br /> of debris. • , ' .'
<br /> Stream Team educates the community and encourages behavioral changes so .
<br /> that water quality can be higher after passing through Eugene," says Lorna , -0 ,,:: . , t
<br /> Baldwin, Stream Team program coordinator. / ,,. •^°
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<br /> In addition to environmental benefits, attentive volunteers saw other advantages i,.
<br /> of native seed collection and cultivation. "It makes sense on an economic level," .
<br /> says Tammie Stark, a graduate student in economics and environmental studies •` '
<br /> 3t the University of Oregon. "Native plants require less maintenance and r ,..
<br /> nutrients, which means less man-hours and expensive fertilizers." .
<br /> Seed collecting is completed for this season and will begin again next spring. For *1' .,":..t t o
<br /> more information about Stream Team and native seed collection, contact Lauri
<br /> Mullen, Steam Team assistant, at 682-4846.
<br /> Laurel Hill Valley Citizens Neighborhood Picnic
<br /> On Sunday, September 7, the Laurel Hill Valley Citizens hosted a neighborhood picnic. There were family activities,
<br /> dinner, and music by the Zambuko Marimba Band. The event was on a larger scale and scope than previous
<br /> neighborhood LHVC picnics in hopes of attracting more attendees. The strategy succeeded. About 200 neighbors and
<br /> friends showed their Oregonian spirit, ignoring the on-again/off-again rain showers to attend the festive event.
<br /> The event was sponsored in part by a Neighborhood Matching Grant. Business supporters included Jerry's Home
<br /> Improvement Center, Safeway, Sundance Natural Foods, Albertsons, Trade Joe's, and Market of Choice. Volunteer
<br /> hours comprised the remainder of the match. For more information on the Neighborhood Matching Grants program,
<br /> please contact Beth Bridges, Planning and Development, at 682-5272 or via e-mail, heth.b.bridges@ci.eugene.or.us.
<br /> Neighbors In Action
<br /> The Neighbors In Action volunteer conference is a unique call-to-action organized by Lane County community leaders in
<br /> response to the severe budget cuts in health, human services and education. Similar to a job fair, this free conference
<br /> will offer volunteer opportunities to individuals, families, friends, organizations, co-workers and businesses as well as
<br /> easy ways to learn about the immediate need for help and see the wide variety of related volunteer projects. The event
<br /> will be held at the Eugene Faith Center on October 10, 2003. There will be both afternoon and evening sessions. To
<br /> register, or for more information, please visit www.unitedwavlane or call 741-6000.
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<br /> EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2
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