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Eco Inspirations

The West Eugene Wetlands offers visitors opportunities for biking, hiking, outdoor photography, birding, wildlife and butterfly observation, as well as many other related outdoor activities - all within four miles of the core of the city of Eugene. This area is accessible via public transportation, and is close to the municipal airport, yet offers solace and opportunities for reflection in an urban setting.

Birding: The annual Fern Ridge Wings and Wine Festival is just one example of a regional event that gives all birders engaging opportunities to discover how birds are enjoyed and protected, while gaining access to cultivated gardens and pristine forestland. In 2003, the Fern Ridge Reservoir was recognized as an Important Birding Area. It is home to more than 250 bird species including tundra swans, northern harriers, peregrine falcons, egrets and eagles. The county has an active Audubon chapter, involved in numerous community programs. The Cascades Raptor Center is a non-profit nature center and wildlife hospital specializing in birds of prey. The Center's mission is to preserve a healthy, viable population of birds of prey in their natural habitat, through public education and rehabilitation.  On display in this south Eugene wooded setting are over 60 non-releasable birds and 33 native species. The Coast and Cascades Trail includes excellent opportunities for estuarine viewing. With Clark's nuthatches and a variety of owls in the east to Tufted Puffins and Snowy Plovers in the western portion of the county, the region offers fascinating birding opportunities.

River Rafting, Kayaking, and Fishing on the nearby crystal clear McKenzie River is an experience which brings you close to nature like no other. This merry body of water flows steadily through lush forests, old growth fir and cedar trees, some which tower over 200 feet (61 m). There are numerous varieties of ferns and flowers which add to the beauty of the riparian surroundings. McKenzie guides are skillful and well educated about the river history, fauna and flora. The stewardship of the river is taken seriously by the folk who have often lived, loved and worked on it for decades.

Culinary Tourism: Food has always been tied to travel, but it has now reached an entirely new level. It provides a tangible connection to our heritage as the region has deep roots in agriculture. It is the products of our state – cheese, pears, hazelnuts, wine grapes, and hops - that make this a culinary destination. Culinary tourism promotes the consumption of these products at restaurants, fresh produce stands and wineries in a dynamic way. Eugene, Cascades & Coast leads the way with the annual Oregon Truffle Festival (the first of its kind in North America), award-winning wineries, and a rich array of bio-dynamic and organic farms. The Willamette Valley is a proud participant with other Oregon regions in the internationally-recognized Oregon Bounty statewide celebration of the fall harvest. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area: The Oregon Dunes extends for 40 miles (64-km) along the central Oregon Coast. These dunes are like no others in the world, and constitute the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America. The experienced and professional dune buggy operators who negotiate this ever-shifting terrain embrace the self-imposed mandate of sharing the geologic story and ecology of the area while showing visitors an extraordinary time.