Please join the Institute for Applied Ecology to help restore native prairie habitat at Turtle Swale in the West Eugene Wetlands!
Turtle Swale is a Bureau of Land Management property located along the Fern Ridge bike path in West Eugene, near the Checkermallow Access parking area. This remnant prairie site supports numerous sensitive species including Fender’s blue butterfly and Kincaid’s lupine. Turtle Swale is under active restoration to combat invasive species and to reestablish a diverse array of native prairie species. Our primary objective will be to cut and remove teasel seed heads. We may also pull Scotch broom with weed wrenches and pull other weeds by hand.
This is a great opportunity to see a beautiful natural area in West Eugene, meet new friends, and help restore habitat for important native species.
Event Details
When: Friday, March 14, 2025, between 9 am – 2 pm.
Where: Turtle Swale, West Eugene Wetlands (Lane County). Coordinates provided upon RSVP.
What to bring: Bring lunch, water, warm clothes, and waterproof rain gear. We will hold this event regardless of the weather, so please bring gear you are fine with getting muddy. Gloves and tall boots are highly encouraged. IAE will provide tools and some refreshments.
Accessibility notes: We will be cutting/pulling weeds for an extended period. This will require bending, crouching, and lifting. We will walk up to a mile round trip across wet, muddy terrain with tripping hazards. Please note there are no formal restroom facilities on site.
Registration: Please RSVP to the event by emailing Evan Lasley ([email protected]). All volunteers (or parent/guardian if the volunteer is a youth) must fill out IAE’s volunteer release form. Questions can be directed to Paul Reed ([email protected]).
