Monday, January 25, 2016

Golden Gardens Recap

From our recent trip to Golden Gardens Ponds, A City of Eugene Park with a lot of life!

We had 7 attendees brave the rain for this Wetland Wander on January 12th. Although wet and stormy that morning, we saw an amazing diversity of wetland animals including 3 river otters, Canada and Cackling geese, Nutria, evidence of Coyotes, Pied-billed Grebe, a Great Egret, a group of Bushtits, Red-winged Blackbirds, and several other bird species. With the guidance of City of Eugene Ecologist, Lauri Holts, we found remnants of Western Pond Turtle nests as well as egg shells from the invasive Red-eared Slider turtle. Lauri talked about the history of Golden Gardens Park, Western Pond Turtle ecology, the invasive aquatic plant, Ludwigia, and much more. Tracker and Expert Naturalist, David Walp was able to point out several Nutria "highways", a devoured carp, and coyote scat with Nutria fur, bones, and even a Nutria claw!

We hope you'll join us for our next Wetland Wander at Meadowlark Prairie on February 9th, 9am-11am.

WREN Volunteer, Steven Fletcher found this tiny snail.


Nutria toenail found in Coyote Scat

Nutria trail adjacent to the walking path.


Monday, January 4, 2016

Wetland Wander at Golden Gardens Ponds


Tuesday, January 12th

9AM-11AM

Join us for our first Wetland Wander of 2016 at Golden Gardens Pond!

Formerly an excavation pit to provide gravel for the construction of Beltline Road, the ponds are now home to 222 acres of native trees, shrubs and grasses, western pond turtles, and abundant wildlife. We’ll follow a looped, soft-surface walking path around the ponds. Expert Naturalist David Walp and City of Eugene Ecologist Laurie Holts will be there to guide our adventure!



 Directions: From Hwy 99, west on Barger, Right on Golden Gardens St. Meet at the pull-off located north of Barger Drive, at the intersection of Golden Gardens Street and Jessen Drive. 

For more information contact WREN at info@wewetlands.org or call (541) 338-7047