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EUGENE newe r <br /> December 18, 2003 <br /> CONTACT: <br /> • Eric Wold, Wetlands Supervisor, 682-4888 <br /> • Therese Picado, Public Information Specialist, Parks & Open Space, 682-4814 or 682-4800 <br /> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE <br /> New Parking Improves Access to Meadowlark Prairie and Fern Ridge Path <br /> Public access to the West Eugene Wetlands was improved this fall with the completion <br /> of Checkermallow Access, a new parking facility located along Amazon Creek off of Royal <br /> Avenue. Checkermallow Access, which connects directly to the Fern Ridge Path and the <br /> recently restored 400-acre Meadowlark Prairie, provides spaces for 14 vehicles and a bus, as <br /> well as bicycle racks, for walkers, bicyclists, nature observers, and other visitors to this popular <br /> natural area. The facility augments the existing public access, which includes restrooms, picnic <br /> tables and additional parking at Meadowlark Prairie Overlook at the end of the recently <br /> extended bike path. The name "Checkermallow" refers to a pink native wildflower that is <br /> common in wet prairies, such as the West Eugene Wetlands, and that is an important source of <br /> food for butterflies. <br /> Checkermallow Access is the latest in a series of recreational, interpretive and wetland <br /> restoration projects that has been completed by the West Eugene Wetlands Partnership near <br /> Meadowlark Prairie. For example, eight signs that interpret the natural, cultural and hydrological <br /> history of the site were also installed this fall along the Fern Ridge Path. These signs give path <br /> users an understanding of the wetland ecosystem, the site's land use history, and management <br /> techniques used by the West Eugene Wetlands Partnership. In addition, the wetlands at <br /> Meadowlark Prairie were enhanced this fall with the planting of over 15,000 native flowering <br /> plants and grasses. These plants were planted near viewing areas, promising a brilliant <br /> wildflower display this spring for users of the Fern Ridge path. Furthermore, over 4,000 native <br /> trees and shrubs were planted along different branches of Amazon Creek to enhance the quality <br /> of the streamside habitat for fish and wildlife. <br /> The West Eugene Wetlands Partnership is a collaboration between the City of Eugene; <br /> U.S. Bureau of Land Management; The Nature Conservancy; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; <br /> Oregon Youth Conservation Corps; U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; McKenzie River Trust; and <br /> Willamette Resources and Educational Network (WREN). It has one of the most successful <br /> track records of any similar program in the region and is considered a national model for <br /> innovative and collaborative wetlands management. For more information, call 682-4888. <br /> # ## <br />