Restoration Work Showing Results at Hendricks Bridge and Eagle Rock

WALTERVILLE: Visitors to the Hendricks Bridge Park may have noticed the landscape looking a little more open lately. Recent restoration work included removing invasive blackberry and ivy that has begun to reveal the park’s natural understory and is already showing signs of ecological recovery.

Last year, a Sheriff’s Office work crew cut ivy vines around the base of many trees in the park to prevent the plants from climbing and smothering them. With the vines severed, the ivy on affected trees has begun to turn brown and die off. The clearer view of the trunks has also made it easier to identify areas where vines were missed, and crews plan to return to complete the work so trees have a better chance to thrive.

Since the invasives were removed, native vegetation has already started to return. Lane County Parks staff report that bleeding heart and Pacific waterleaf have appeared in areas that were previously covered by ivy and blackberry thickets.

Along the riverbank at Hendricks Bridge Park, youth crews planted native species last year as part of the restoration effort. Snowberry and thimbleberry have shown the strongest survival rates so far. Youth Services recently removed plants that did not survive and replanted the area, with hopes that earlier planting and earlier watering this season will improve success.

Park staff say volunteers played an important role in watering the new plantings last year and will again be invited to help support the restoration effort as the project continues.

Upstream in the community of Nimrod, visitors to Eagle Rock Park will find several new improvements designed to make the popular day-use area more accessible.

The 13.3-acre park includes 655 feet of McKenzie River frontage and sits directly across from Eagle Rock, a striking volcanic monolith that rises more than 250 feet above the river.

Lane County Parks recently completed construction of a new picnic shelter at the site, along with ADA-accessible pathways and a designated accessible parking space. While parking remains limited, the improvements are intended to help more visitors enjoy picnicking and quiet time along the river.

Local outfitter Helfrich River Rafting praised the upgrades in a recent social media posting that noted the importance of accessibility for outdoor recreation.

“Accessibility matters – on and off the river,” they wrote. “We’re excited to see Lane County Parks prioritizing ADA-compliant improvements at Eagle Rock Park, including accessible parking, pathways, improved river access, and a new shaded picnic shelter. These thoughtful updates help ensure this beloved riverside space can be enjoyed by everyone in our community.”

The outfitter added that”Before the improvements at Eagle Rock Park, we brought the tables ourselves to make it happen. The new covered picnic area and accessibility upgrades are going to be such a gift for large groups of all kinds.”

Eagle Rock Park is open for day use year-round from dawn to dusk. A Lane County Parks day pass or annual pass is required.

On a different note, Lane County Parks is also reminding visitors that wildlife sightings are a normal part of spending time in the region’s parks and natural areas. Recent coyote activity has been reported in several locations.

If visitors encounter a coyote, officials recommend making loud noises or clapping to scare the animal away. Small children should be supervised outdoors, dogs should remain on a leash, and visitors are asked not to leave food or water bowls outside or feed wildlife.

Anyone encountering wildlife that appears unusually aggressive is encouraged to report it to the Lane County Parks office at 541-682-2000.