New Parking Improves Access to Meadowlark Prarie and Fern Ridge Path

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12;/1 /03 THU 15: 1 FAX 541 682 4882 EUGENE PW MNTNC & POS PW ADMIN ~ 0 O1 ~I ? ~ i December 18 2003 ! CONTACT: ! ¦ Eric Wold Wetlands Supervisor, 682-4888 ¦ Therese icado, Public Information Specialist, Parks ~ Open Space, 682-4814 or 682-4800 I FOR IMMED ATE RELEASE + i Ne Parking Improves Access to Meadowlark Prairie and Fern Rtdge Path Publi access to the West Eugene Wetlands was improved this fall with the completion of Checker Ilow Access, a new parking faality located along Amazon Creek off of Royal Avenue. Ch ckermallow Access, which connects directly to the Fern Ridge Path and the recently rest red 400-acre Meadowlark Prairie, provides spaces for 14 vehicles and a bus, as well as bicy le racks, for walkers, bicyclists, nature observers, and other visitors to this popular natural area The facility augments the existing public access, which includes restrooms, picnic tables and ditional parking at Meadowlark Prairie Overlook at the end of the recently extended bi a path. The name "Checkermaltow" refers to a pink native wildflower that is common in et prairies, such as the West Eugene Wetlands, and that is an important source of + food for bu erflies. Che ermallow Access is the latest in a series of recreational, interpretive and wetland restoration rojects that has been completed by the West Eugene Wetlands Partnership near ~ Meadowlar Prairie. For example, eight signs that interpret the natural, cultural and hydrological histary oft a site were also installed this fall along the Fem Ridge Path. These signs give path users an u derstanding of the wetland ecosystem, the site's land use history, and management techniques used by the West Eugene Wetlands Partnership. In addition, the wetlands at Meadowla Prairie were enhanced this fall with the planting of over 15,000 native flowering plants and rasses. These plants were planted near viewing areas, promising a brilliant wildflower isplay this spring for users of the Fern Ridge path. Furthermore, over 4,000 native trees and hrubs were planted along different branches of Amazon Creek to enhance the quality of the stye mside habitat for fish and wildlife. Th West Eugene Wetlands Partnership is a coAaboration between the City of Eugene; U.S. Bure u of Land Management; The Nature Conservancy; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; I Oregon Y uth Conservation Corps; U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; McKenzie River Trust; and Willame Resources and Educational Network (WREN). It has one of the most sucxessful track rec~ ds of any similar program in the region and is k:onsidered a national model for innovativ and collaborative wetlands management. For more information, call 682-4888.