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.o ~ > <br /> May 8, 2003 <br /> CONTACT: Scott Duckett, Wetlands and Open Waterways Manager, 682-4842 <br /> <br /> ~ Eric Jones, Public Affairs Manager, 682-5523 <br /> From Public I formation Section, 682-5523 <br /> FOR IMMEDI TE RELEASE <br /> Ceremony Dedicates Meadowlark Prairie Improvements <br /> Local nd federal officials will be joined by a Native American elder on Monday morning, <br /> May 12, to d dicate the natural and recreational improvements recently completed at <br /> Meadowlark rairie in west Eugene. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at the Meadowlark Prairie <br /> overlook on reenhill Road south of Royal Avenue. <br /> Mead wlark Prairie is a 400-acre site bounded generally by Royal Avenue on the north <br /> and Greenhi Road on the west. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Bureau of Land <br /> Managemen ,the Oregon Department of Transportation, and the City of Eugene worked as <br /> partners in atwo-phase, multi-year project to restore the native prairie wetlands adjacent to <br /> lower Amaz n Creek and extend the Fern Ridge Path approximately 2.5 miles, with connections <br /> to the west nd of Roosevelt Boulevard and a spur along Greenhill Road south of Royal. The <br /> total cost of oth phases was more than $6 million, funded primarily by federal agencies. <br /> The estored wetlands provide enhanced habitat for native plants and wildlife, including <br /> the western meadowlark, which is Oregon's state bird. The overlook constructed on Greenhill <br /> Road inclu es wildlife viewing areas, covered picnic shelters, restrooms, and interpretive <br /> signage. Bonze disks by local artist Mark Andrew are embedded at viewing points at a number <br /> of locations along the multi-use and at the overlook. The disks depict native plants and animals <br /> and are left red to correspond with interpretive information about Meadowlark Prairie. <br /> Sp akers at the dedication event include U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio, Eugene Mayor Jim <br /> Torrey, Col nel Richard Hobernicht of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Julie Dougan of the <br /> Bureau of and Management, and Steve Gordon of the Lane Council of Governments. Frank <br /> Merrill, a I cal Native American tribal elder, will offer a blessing of the site. <br /> # # # <br /> ub(ic Works • Administration • City of Eugene • 858 Pear( Street • Eugene, OR 97401 <br /> Phone: (541) 682-5262 • FAX: (541) 682-6826 • www.ci.eugene.or.us <br /> <br />