For More Information Contact:
Lance Robertson, 984-4716
Eugene Water & Electric Board

May 23, 2008

EWEB installing native plant demonstration garden

The Eugene Water & Electric Board is building some “bird gardens” near the Leaburg-Walterville hydroelectric facility in the lower McKenzie River Valley.

The stone masonry planter beds currently under construction will be filled with native vegetation to attract local birds and other wildlife. The plants will require minimal irrigation, and no fertilizers or pesticides will be needed, adding to the overall health of the watershed.

The work is the first phase of the Lower McKenzie Bird Gardens & Trail Pilot Project, which includes installing mile markers and interpretive signs later this year, as well as creating a native flower “seed bank.”

“This project is a demonstration of EWEB’s commitment to the environment and habitat enhancement and restoration,” says Tulsi Wallace, landscape designer and EWEB environmental consultant. “The native plant gardens will highlight the value of the lower McKenzie as a viable bird watching destination, as well as bring attention to the diverse array of beautiful native plants for use in the home garden.”

Members of the Lane Metro Youth Corps began building the planters near EWEB’s Walterville Powerhouse on May 20 after receiving instruction from professional stonemason Rob Hoffman of New Earth Landscape. Work will continue through early June.

The Lower McKenzie Bird Gardens & Trails Pilot Project also includes the creation of a native flower seed-banking meadow. Seedlings will be grown in a greenhouse at Walterville Elementary School and transplanted into the seed-banking meadow for future use at restoration projects in the area.

Lane Community College students have designed mile markers and interpretative signage about native plants that will be installed along the Leaburg and Walterville power canals, as part of the Oregon Bird Trail System connecting the hydroelectric facility to the Cascade and Willamette Valley bird trails. The power canals, Walterville Pond and other areas around EWEB’s Leaburg-Walterville Hydroelectric Project have been recognized as top-notch bird watching locations.

Note to editors and reporters: The stone-masonry planter beds are being constructed along Camp Creek Road, immediately west of the entrance to the Walterville Powerhouse (turn off Highway 126 onto Camp Creek Road at Mile Marker 7). Construction days are May 20-22, May 27-29 and June 2-5.