It’s About Time – July 2021

Finding a cool spot to relax and commune with nature can take a little searching in urban landscapes. Many parks in Eugene have small patches of native woodlands, ponds and riverside corridors. Natural areas like these are not simply places where nothing needs to be done to sustain them. Maintenance of these oases require regular attention to keeping the trails clear and free of trash. Controlling invasive species like blackberries and English ivy is essential.

The Delta Ponds now provide a wonderful series of ponds and woodlands. Originally nothing more than flooded gravel pits left after highway building, they have become an outstanding example of habitat restoration. The abundance of geese, ducks, osprey and song birds provides wildlife entertainment for many people every day. Lucky walkers may see turtles, otters or bald eagles.

The Eugene Parks and Open Spaces crews deserve a major shout out for their work in sustaining these natural treasures. Their work is what keeps the wild spots welcoming to families with children, bird watchers and walkers. The native wildlife benefits from their attention. A good way to show appreciation for their work is to always carry a bag for picking up stray bits of trash.

This unprecedented heat wave is a grim reminder that climate change is here to stay. Predictions and warnings are behind us. Our way of life must change as a result. Wildlife suffers from excessive heat as much as humans. Birds need us to remember to keep water sources filled every day.

David Wagner is a botanist who has worked in Eugene for more than 40 years. He teaches moss classes, leads nature walks and publishes the Oregon Nature Calendar. He may be contacted directly at fernzenmosses@me.com.

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!