West Eugene Wetlands
Overview
The West Eugene Wetlands is a 600-acre cooperative venture between the BLM's Eugene District, the City of Eugene, and The Nature Conservancy to protect and restore wetland ecosystems in the southern Willamette Valley of Oregon. The Wetlands, with a projected final acquisition area of 1,500 acres, have protected many important endangered-species habitats. The West Eugene Wetlands also encompass every type of habitat-from wetland, to upland prairie, to oak savannah-found in the Willamette River Valley. This area is home to numerous rare and unusual animal species and more than 350 species of plants, some of which exist only in the Willamette Valley. While providing visitors scenic views of native wetland plants, birds and animals, the West Eugene Wetlands has been recognized as a national model for wetlands planning. On the western edge of Eugene, visitors can view wildlife and restored wetlands while they walk trails or ride the Fern Ridge Bicycle path through the West Eugene Wetlands.
Activities
Hiking
Take a hike along Tsanchiifin Walk. This 1/2 mile trail offers an easy walk through the wetlands. Look for kestrels hovering while hunting, great blue herons hunting in vernal pools, and listen for pacific tree frogs. Six interpretive signs along the way explain what wildlife can be found in the wetlands. Or take a bike ride along the Fern Ridge bike path to Meadowlark Prairie Overlook. Along the way, look for herons, beaver activity, and you may even catch a glimpse of an otter in Amazon Creek.
Seasonality/Weather
Open year round.
Park Partners
West Eugene Wetlands Education Center
(541) 683-6494
Directions
Driving
In Eugene, OR travel west on West 11th Ave. past Beltline Road. Turn right on Danebo Ave. the address is 751 S. Danebo.
Phone Numbers
Primary
(541) 683-6600Links
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