@EUGparks eugene-or.gov/parks

Photo credit Vern Rogers Vern credit Photo

A treasured natural area in the heart of Eugene of heart the in area natural treasured A Delta Ponds Ponds Delta

A Brief History

Two hundred years ago, the 150-acre area that is now Delta were to re-establish the connection to the Willamette River, Ponds was part of a braided channel of the Willamette River enhance habitat for a variety of native species, improve water supporting a diverse community of fish and wildlife. However, quality, and provide recreational opportunities. in the 1950s, the area became an active gravel mining site, Today, the award-winning Delta Ponds restoration project and when mining efforts came to a stop, the area was serves as a model for other similar projects in the Willamette abandoned and in poor ecological health. Valley, and across the nation. The City of Eugene purchased the ponds in 1979 and, later, in 2004 began a major restoration project. The primary goals A great blue heron takes flight. Bring your binoculars— Photo credit Vern Rogers more than 155 species of birds have been identified at Delta Ponds!

@EUGparks eugene-or.gov/parks

Photo credit Vern Rogers Vern credit Photo

A treasured natural area in the heart of Eugene of heart the in area natural treasured A Delta Ponds Ponds Delta

A Brief History

Two hundred years ago, the 150-acre area that is now Delta were to re-establish the connection to the Willamette River, Ponds was part of a braided channel of the Willamette River enhance habitat for a variety of native species, improve water supporting a diverse community of fish and wildlife. However, quality, and provide recreational opportunities. in the 1950s, the area became an active gravel mining site, Today, the award-winning Delta Ponds restoration project and when mining efforts came to a stop, the area was serves as a model for other similar projects in the Willamette abandoned and in poor ecological health. Valley, and across the nation. The City of Eugene purchased the ponds in 1979 and, later, in 2004 began a major restoration project. The primary goals A great blue heron takes flight. Bring your binoculars— Photo credit Vern Rogers more than 155 species of birds have been identified at Delta Ponds! River Ave.

Enhancing Wildlife Habitat One of the primary goals of the Delta Ponds

restoration project was to improve habitat for Beltline Rd. declining species, most notably endangered

juvenile spring Chinook salmon. A highlight of Owosso Dr. OWOSSO PED/BIKE oop the project was the restoration of 2.2 miles of asture L BRIDGE Goodp slow-moving side channels of the Willamette River that provide areas of calm water during high winter flows. These quiet backwater areas provide critical habitat where young

salmon are able to rest, feed and grow larger Copping Ave.

before migrating to the ocean. Help Protect Delta Ponds Howard Ave.

r h The side channels also provide benefits to Take time to enjoy this treasure right in our ug e o Sl backyard, and help us to protect its natural beautyFormac Ln. v Discover i k many other native wildlife species including ic and important habitat. R Marist r d the Western pond turtle, Eugene’s only native e e High School t . • Stay on official trails. Rd D turtle. These turtles live at Delta Ponds and t and e Isl

e • Keep dogs on leash and pick up pet waste. m Delta Ponds bury their eggs high up along the shores. ur t a s

l a Delta Hwy.

Non-native red-eared slider turtles, intro- • Dispose of trash in the nearest receptacle. Mary Ln. l p i d Kingsley Rd. o o

duced to this area through the pet trade, • Follow Eugene’s smoke-free parks policy. W G threaten the native Western pond turtles by • Watch, rather than feed, the wildlife. Darlene Ln. competing for food and nesting places. You • Do not place unwanted pets, plant material or may also see beavers or beaver dams, which Recreation and nature viewing opportunities River Rd. aquarium contents in natural areas.* Planned abound at Delta Ponds. This natural area, contribute to the restoration project by Path *Some of the worst problems here have been caused by people radio tower located along the Willamette River in Eugene, is keeping water levels up in the late summer. releasing pets such as turtles, dumping yard debris, or emptying a favorite spot for walking, bird watching, Other wildlife residents include river otters, fish tanks with aquatic plants that later become invasive. a variety of butterflies and more than 155 LTA nature photography and enjoying the outdoors. DE Fir Acres Dr. species of birds. DS Nearly a mile of pedestrian gravel trails, bridges, Crest Ave. PON viewpoints and benches provide an oasis for nature viewing and relaxation. Runners and

Russet Dr. bikers can enjoy Delta Ponds on the East Bank

River r

section of the riverfront bike path as it passes e Alexander Loop

v through the area. Road i Cal Young Rd.

R

Sherwood Pl. Delta Ponds also provides the perfect natural e t

t classroom for adults and children, alike. e Interpretive signs throughout the area allow m DELTA Robin Hood Ave. Cal a l PEDESTRIAN l BRIDGE for self-guided tours. i Young W The main parking area on Goodpasture Island Willagillespie Rd. West Bank Path Parking/Trailhead Road has restrooms and a paved ADA accessible N path to a viewing platform. River Rd. East Bank Path Interpretive Sign Ped Only Path Viewpoint Western pond turtles, Eugene’s only native turtle, live at Delta Ponds. Ped Only Bridge Park Boundary Restoring ative lants Planned Path Direction of water flow N P Photo credit Vern Rogers Prior to the restoration project, Delta Ponds Goodpasture Island Rd. Ped/Bike Bridge Culvert was dominated by invasive plant species Ped/Bike Path 1/8 Mile 1/4 Mile including Himalayan blackberry, Scotch broom Road Get Involved Valley River Dr. and English ivy. During the project, a variety of Visit eugene-or.gov/deltaponds to read more Valley River Valley River invasive species were removed and replaced Parking Lot Center and to learn about volunteering with Eugene with native plants that provide food and Outdoors to help protect Delta Ponds. shelter for many types of wildlife. More than 98,000 native plants, such as willows, Report maintenance or safety concerns at dogwoods and bigleaf maples, were planted. eugene-or.gov/parkwatch