INSIDE
Learn about the water cycle at Santa Clara Community Park!
Find out why preventing wildfires helps keep our waterways clean!
Check out which feathered friends are visiting your backyard!
pg. 5
pg. 6
pg. 8
Spring 2026
EXPLORE THE NEW AMAZON CREEK Many Eugeneans may not know that Amazon Creek is our largest stormwater infrastructure, carrying millions of gallons of water through the city each year and reducing flooding in our rain-heavy region.
Also In This Issue Students Plant...........................2 Master Plan.................................2 Long Tom Watershed..............3 Water Treatment.......................4 happyrivers.org
Infrastructure Upgrades........4 River-Friendly Car Wash ......5 Canines for Clean Water.......6 Floodplain Maps........................7
In 2024, the City of Eugene started construction on a major upgrade to Amazon Creek between 20th and 24th avenues. In spring 2026, the finishing touches were planted, and the project is complete! Take a look below to see some of the changes that brought this portion of the creek “back to the wild.”
Raingarden Q&A........................7 Lily’s Pad ......................................8
CHANNEL
The project removed a 21-foot-wide, 8-foottall concrete channel and returned the creek to a gentler, windy path.
BRIDGE
The footbridge south of 20th Avenue was replaced. The bridge and nearby path upgrades ensure the area is ADA compliant with access for all users. BANKS WATER PIPES
Working with EWEB and South Eugene High School, the project replaced a 6-inch water pipe— previously located above ground— underneath the bridge.
The natural bank, with its gentle slope supports additional water volume while enhancing wildlife habitat and improving water quality.
CITY OF EUGENE
Riffles (rocky, shallow spots) slow water down to prevent erosion while also adding air to the water. After a riffle is a pool (deeper, calm area), which allows silt to settle. Cleaner water is better for wildlife habitat. RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER
ECRWSS
Public Works • Stormwater Management Program 99 West 10th Avenue, Suite 370 Eugene, OR 97401
Prsrt Std US Postage Paid Eugene, OR Permit No. 360
RIFFLE-POOL
FIRST LAYER OF PLANTING
The native plants added closest to the water are “emergent wetland” plants like sedges and bulrushes. SECOND LAYER OF PLANTING
The plants a little farther from the water are shrubs—either “riparian” for the midrange or “upland” for higher up the bank. Think willows, Oregon grape and hawthorn. THIRD LAYER OF PLANTING
The areas between the shared-use path and the upland shrubs are planted with native grasses. Read about more stormwater infrastructure projects coming up for Eugene on page 4. A publication of the City of Eugene Stormwater Management Program
2026 Clean Water Connections - page 1