Westmoreland Park Wetlands Enhancement ProjectIn conjunction with the “Willamette Wetlands of the Kalapuya” mural and kiosk project in 2021-22, FAN Equity Action Team collaborated with Parks & Open Space and Beyond Toxics on enhancement of the wetlands to the east and west of the Dr. Edwin Coleman Jr. Center. The goal of the project is to remove invasive non-native plants to help native plants grow and flourish. These wetlands have protected status due to their significant populations of several native plants, including two plants with the largest populations in Eugene. The wetlands are remnants of the wet prairies that once covered this area
Under the coordination of Parks & Open Space Ecologist Diane Steeck, four volunteer work parties were held in 2021-22. In the spring, eight FAN neighbors were trained as “Citizen Scientists” and “adopted” five plots in the east wetland that volunteers had covered with ground-cloth for 5 months. The monitoring data they collected from March-June, 2022, showed positive results with an increase in the number of native plants in some plots. These enhancement techniques will be replicated in more areas, with work parties and monitoring continuing in 2022-23.
The work party schedule is:
Sept. 17, 2022 --- lay ground-cloth on plots Jan. 28, 2023 --- remove ground-cloth from plots March 11, 2023 --- training for “Citizen Scientists” to monitor plots from March – June Apr. 15, 2023 --- work party to remove invasive non-natives from around the plots June, 2023 --- work party to remove invasive non-natives from around the plots --- date TBA 
If you're interested in participating in the wetland enhancement work parties and/or being a Citizen Scientist, email friendlyareaneighbors@gmail.com to be added to the mailing list for volunteer opportunities.
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