Restoration

Since 1993, the West Eugene Wetlands(WEW) Partnership has actively acquired and resorted wetlands. Our restored sites are now maturing into excellent wetland habitats. Our mitigation bank program allows private funds to assist with restoration efforts in the WEW project area. Another important management tool is prescribed burning, where fire is used in controlled conditions to mimic the historic conditions and natural ecological processes. Currently, a tremendous effort is underway to restore these plant communities by sowing hand collected seeds from over 90 native species within the local geographic area. The native seed program has been successful at recreating some of the species diversity in this wetlands system.

Restoration does not mean attempting to bring the wetlands back to a set of conditions that existed 150 years ago. Rather, it means enhancing and conserving biological integrity. Native plant conservation can restore habitats and water quality. Both wetlands restoration and maintenance activities provide opportunities for students and volunteers to become intimately involved in the wetlands program.