Tugman Park Tuggers – Southeast Neighbors

Our Mission:

To enhance habitat restoration, increase biodiversity and beautify our unique park of over 20 acres of developed park space and natural & waterway areas. This is accomplished through the removal of invasive, exotic, and troublesome plants; weeding; mulching; and adding new native plant species with a focus on community education and camaraderie. Our activities make Tugman Park a welcoming space for all to enjoy nature.

About Us:

The Friends of Tugman, or “Tuggers” as we like to call ourselves, are a group of volunteers that restarted in the fall of 2020 with the mission to beautify our wonderful neighborhood park. We have a great working relationship with the City of Eugene’s Parks and Open Space personnel. We continue to have open dialog about future strategies and projects for our park.

For recent activities the Tuggers have done, please go to the Southeast Neighbors Facebook page.

To report any safety issues at the park, please contact Eugene’s Park Watch website.

We meet every other Wednesday from 10 am to noon, weather permitting. Check the SEN Facebook page for details. We are always looking for more volunteers and ideas for improvements to the park, so please stop on by during that time or contact us at soeast.eug@gmail.com.

2023 Highlights:

Transformation of the park’s north end including invasive species removal, ground preparation, and planting of numerous native plants
Maintenance of the previously transformed beds in the park’s central area
Stewardship of Tugman Creek with debris removal and vegetation management
Initiation of the wet meadow restoration project in the park’s north end
Initiation of the Fawn Lily Rise – Upper Prairie Restoration plot
Continued partnership with Parks & Open Space personnel, especially our Volunteer Coordinator (Kelsey) and Park Ambassador (Ray)
Relationship building among and membership growth of our Tugger team
Addition of our Tugman endeavors to the Homegrown National Park organization
Participation in the planning and execution of the SEN Annual Picnic
Participation in (3) Amazon Creek Tree Planting events hosted by SEN ESC

2024 Goals:

Continue and complete sections of the north end wet prairie restoration project
Assist in the replanting of native species around the former spray-play area
Partner with Parks & Open Space personnel to remediate damage from the January 2024 ice storm
Maintain and enhance previously planted native beds
Further collaborate with the South Eugene High School (SEHS) – Earth Guardian (EG) 350 South club to monitor and collect data from the FLR – Upper Prairie Restoration plot and to include EG 350 South in other Tugger activities
Improve outreach to enhance recruitment of volunteers and better share our mission with the community

Friends of Tugman – December 2024 Report

The Friends of Tugman (aka The Tuggers) typically meet every other Wednesday from 10:00 am – 12 noon somewhere in Tugman Park. Exact time and park location is dependent on weather conditions and current project(s).

We held four volunteer work events at Tugman Park in December: 12/4, 12/7, 12/11, & 12/19
December 4^th highlights: several Tuggers met with P&OS staff to complete the final planting plan for the Tugman Creek – Tree & Shrub Planting Project which took place on Saturday, 12/7 (see below)
December 7^th highlights: (14) folks (Tuggers, neighbors, and P&OS staff) completed the tree and shrub planting portion (excluding willow plugging) of the Tugman Creek – Tree & Shrub Planting Project. This included (33) trees (white alder, Oregon white oak, choke cherry, and Oregon crabapple) and numerous shrubs (Pacific ninebark, Nootka rose, and osoberry).
December 11^th highlights: This was our one regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday event in December. We planted native shrubs (Pacific ninebark and spirea) in the park’s north end adjacent to our Wet Prairie Restoration plot. We plugged numerous willow osiers in two of the five designated willow planting areas along Tugman Creek per the Tugman Creek – Tree & Shrub Planting Project plan.
December 19^th highlights: A small group of Tuggers continued the willow plugging along Tugman Creek with completion of two additional areas of the five designated areas. The fifth area will be planted during January 2025 volunteer work events.
Our regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work events for January 2025 are: 1/8 & 1/22 (10:00 am – 12 noon).

Friends of Tugman – November 2024 Report

We did not hold any regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work events in November: 11/13 was cancelled due to inclement weather; 11/27 was not scheduled due to Thanksgiving Holiday proximity.
We held our rescheduled Wet Prairie Restoration Plot – Planting Party as follows:

- On Friday, 11/8, a select group of Tuggers met to accomplish the final planning and initial planting for our Saturday, 11/9, planting party.
- On Saturday, 11/9, (14) Tuggers, neighbors and friends accomplished the Phase 1 planting endeavor of our Wet Prairie Restoration Plot by planting numerous plants, bulbs, and seeds in an approximately 1000 sq. ft. section of this plot that had been recently un-tarped.

Planning and recruitment is proceeding for our next project, Tugman Creek – Tree & Shrub Planting Project, which is scheduled for Saturday, December 7^th from 9:00 am – 12 noon. Numerous trees, willow plugs and shrubs will be planted along and adjacent to Tugman Creek in a partnership endeavor with the City – Parks & Open Space folks. A final pre-planting meeting with P&OS will occur on Wednesday, December 4^th.
We purchased a battery powered string trimmer with proceeds from the SEN Annual Picnic Silent Auction. Thank you, SEN Board, for allocating funds for this much needed purchase!
Our regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work event for December 2024 is: 12/11 (10:00 am – 12 noon). We will NOT be having a volunteer work event on Christmas Day, Wednesday, 12/25.

Friends of Tugman – October 2024 Report

We held three regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work events in October: 10/2, 10/16, & 10/30
October 2^nd highlights: removed debris pile adjacent to the middle bridge; cut and chopped debris from large ash tree near Hilyard Ave. sidewalk; girdled and removed ivy from several Tugman Creek trees; picked up trash park-wide
October 16^th highlights: pruned, dug, and removed blackberries along Tugman Creek adjacent to the middle bridge; picked up trash park-wide
October 30^th highlights: removed 1000 sq. ft. of tarp fabric and staples in advance of our scheduled 11/2 planting party in the Wet Prairie Restoration Plot in the park’s north end; prepared the ground for planting as well
The initial planting & seeding of a portion of the Wet Prairie Restoration Plot is scheduled for Saturday, November 2^nd. Depending on weather and workload, this endeavor may be carried forward in November as well.
Discussion and planning continue with Parks & Open Space (P&OS) personnel for the tree/shrub planting project along Tugman Creek scheduled for later this fall/winter.
Invasive plant removal outside of our regularly scheduled volunteer work events continued in October as evidenced by the following:
- Continuation of blackberry pruning and removal along the southern park boundary of the central lawn
- Ivy removal in the vernal pool area in the park’s south slope adjacent to E. 39^th Ave.
Research continues on the selection for a battery powered string trimmer to be purchased for the Tugger team with proceeds from the SEN Annual Picnic Silent Auction. This equipment will be purchased in early November. Thank you, SEN Board, for allocating funds for this much needed purchase!
Our regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work event for November 2024 is: 11/13 (10:00 am – 12 noon). We will NOT be having a volunteer work event on Wednesday, 11/27 due to proximity to the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Friends of Tugman – September 2024 Report

We held two regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work events in September: 9/4 & 9/18
September 4^th highlights: weeded and swept the park’s central section prior to the SEN Annual Picnic on 9/7; irrigated the trees and rushes adjacent to the former spray play area; placed laminated SEN Picnic signage and finalized Tugger exhibit details; picked up trash park-wide
September 18^th highlights: weeded several central lawn area tree rings, pathways, and planted beds; spread bark chip mulch around several central lawn trees, a few natural area trees, and near the drinking fountain; picked up trash park-wide
Several Tuggers attended the SEN Annual Picnic on 9/7 @ Tugman Park and were involved in exhibiting at the Tugger booth as well as picnic setup, in-picnic participation, and clean up/take down. Thank you to all Tuggers who helped make this year’s SEN Picnic a great success!
Irrigation of the park’s north end native plantings was accomplished on 9/9 by a few Tugger team members.
A select group of Tuggers met with Parks & Open Space (P&OS) personnel on 9/25 to discuss and plan a tree/shrub planting project along Tugman Creek scheduled for later this fall/winter.
Invasive plant removal outside of our regularly scheduled volunteer work events continued in September as evidenced by the following:
- Continuation of blackberry pruning and removal along the southern park boundary of the central lawn
- Ivy removal in the vernal pool area in the park’s south slope adjacent to E. 39^th Ave.
Planning continues with discussion with P&OS on the selection and procurement of seeds, bulbs, and plants for the initiation of planting of a small section of our Wet Prairie Restoration plot in the park’s north end scheduled for this fall.
Research continues on the selection for a battery powered string trimmer to be purchased for the Tugger team with proceeds from the SEN Annual Picnic Silent Auction. This equipment will be purchased in the near future. Thank you, SEN Board, for allocating funds for this much needed purchase!
Our regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work events for October 2024 are: 10/2, 10/16 & 10/30 (10:00 am – 12 noon).

Friends of Tugman – August 2024 Report

We held one regularly scheduled Wednesday volunteer work event in August: 8/21
August 21^st highlights: weeded the former spray play area, one remaining central lawn tree ring, and native beds; pruned blackberry canes along the central park’s south border; irrigated the new trees & rushes adjacent to the former spray play area; picked up trash park-wide
Several tuggers irrigated native planted beds and trimmed troublesome foliage (e.g. willows over bridges and pathways & blackberry vines along south border) several times in August outside of our regularly scheduled volunteer work events.
Put out the Sign-Up Genius platform to the Tugger team for help with numerous tasks at the upcoming SEN 2024 Annual Picnic to be held @ Tugman Park on Saturday, September 7^th from 1:00 – 5:00 pm; many slots have already been reserved by several Tugger team members to date
Planned the details of the Tugger exhibit table for the upcoming SEN Annual Picnic
Our regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work events for September 2024 are: 9/4 & 9/18 (10:00 am – 12 noon).

Friends of Tugman – July 2024 Report

We held two regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work events in July: 7/10 & 7/24
July 10^th highlights: prepared the ground and mulched in the northeast corner of the park (E. 36^th Ave. & Hilyard St.); additionally mulched and irrigated the newly planted trees and rushes around the former spray play area; weeded several of the tree rings in the central lawn; picked up trash park-wide
July 24^th highlights: continued weeding and mulched the tree rings in the central lawn; irrigated the native trees and rushes in the former spray play area as well as other native planted beds; pruned blackberry vines along the park’s south border; picked up trash park-wide
Several tuggers irrigated native planted beds and trimmed troublesome foliage (e.g. willows over bridges and pathways & blackberry vines along south border) numerous times in July outside of our regularly scheduled volunteer work events.
Our regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work event for August 2024 is: 8/21 (10:00 am – 12 noon). We will not have a work event on Wednesday, 8/7.

Friends of Tugman – June 2024 Report

We held two regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work events in June: 6/12 & 6/26
June 12^th highlights: weeded with electric string trimmers and by hand around the 7 caged oak trees along the south slope (Fawn Lily Rise) pathway; weeded in the “central park” native beds (spray play, restrooms, basketball court); irrigated the newly planted trees and rushes around the former spray play area; picked up trash park-wide
June 26^th highlights: weeded with electric string trimmer adjacent to the former spray play area; prepared ground and mulched in the NE corner of the park (E. 36^th Ave. & Hilyard St.); additionally mulched areas around the new plantings adjacent to the former spray play area; arranged for an additional bark chip mulch delivery with P&OS – Developed Parks staff who were on hand chipping up ice storm debris; picked up trash park-wide
On the morning of June 21^st a few tuggers completed an irrigation phase of the native plantings in the North End and the newly planted trees and rushes around the former spray play area; the monthly monitoring of our Upper Prairie Restoration plot on Fawn Lily Rise was conducted
Our regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work events for July 2024 are: 7/10 & 7/24 (10:00 am – 12 noon).

Friends of Tugman – May 2024 Report

We held three regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work events in May: 5/1, 5/15, & 5/29
May 1^st highlights: weeded the native beds in the north end; prepared ground and mulched an area for future planting in the north end; weeded with electric string trimmer around the perimeter of the tarped Wet Prairie Restoration plot in the north end; picked up trash park-wide
May 15^th highlights: weeded in the NE corner of the park (E. 36^th Ave. & Hilyard St.); prepared ground and mulched (with remainder of bark chip pile) an area for future planting in the north end; weeded with electric string trimmer around the perimeter of the tarped Wet Prairie Restoration plot in the north end and the areas adjacent to the former spray play/restrooms; assessed and discussed our irrigation strategy and needs in advance of the warmer months; picked up trash park-wide; (1) new volunteer joined us on 5/15 and another expressed interest and requested to be added to the communication list
On the afternoon of May 15^th a few tuggers and two members of the SEHS – EG 350 Club conducted our monthly monitoring of our Upper Prairie Restoration plot on Fawn Lily Rise.
May 29^th highlights: weeded with electric string trimmers the areas adjacent to the former spray play/restrooms, west side of the basketball court native plant bed, and along the perimeter of the Upper Prairie Restoration plot; weeded in the “central park” native beds; irrigated the newly planted trees and rushes around the former spray play area as well as other native plant beds that needed early watering
On May 21^st & May 24^th a few Tuggers replaced two sections of the fabric tarping in the Wet Prairie Restoration plot in the park’s north end following a vandalism incident whereby our plot tarping was removed and/or stolen.
The Friends of Tugman – 2024 Work Plan was submitted to the SEN Chair to be included in the full SEN 2024 Work Plan for submittal to OECE.
P&OS personnel met at Tugman Park on afternoon of 5/29 to discuss the next steps in determining the options and priorities for spending the remaining 2018 bond/levy funds earmarked for Phase II Tugman upgrades. Whereas we (Tuggers) were not participants in this meeting, we will request to be brought up to speed with these discussion as well as request that we (SEN neighbors, Tuggers and park goers) be included in any public outreach process.
Our regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work events for June 2024 are: 6/12 & 6/26 (10:00 am – 12 noon).

Friends of Tugman – April 2024 Report

We held two regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work events in April: 4/3 & 4/17
April 3^rd highlights: transplanted numerous native plants from thriving beds to infill beds in the park’s north end; weeded numerous native plant beds park-wide; removed debris from Tugman creek; picked up trash park-wide
April 17^th highlights: met with Kelsey Irvine (P&OS – Volunteer Coordinator) and Josh Holloway (new P&OS Waterways Operations Field Lead) to discuss past, current, and future projects; discussed with Josh our desire for the Lane County Sheriff’s “outmate” crew to eliminate (or at least minimize) any damage to our restoration efforts park-wide during the crew’s activities at Tugman in the “Natural Areas” and “Waterways” sections of the park; weeded numerous native plant beds; electric string trimmed several areas; picked up trash park-wide
On April 19^th a few Tuggers and members of the South Eugene High School (SEHS) – EG 350 Club monitored the Upper Prairie Restoration plot on Fawn Lily Rise (FLR); counts and observations were logged of germination activity and overall status of the (11) native plant species sowed here in November 2023
Several Tuggers were involved in the Spring 2024 phase of the SEN-ESC sponsored Upper Amazon Creek Tree Planting and Habitat Restoration project on Sat. 4/13 & Sat. 4/27
Our regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work events for May 2024 are: 5/1, 5/15 & 5/29 (10:00 am – 12 noon).

Friends of Tugman – March 2024 Report

We held two regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work events in March: 3/6 & 3/20
We held two Saturday volunteer work events in March: 3/2 & 3/9 and a one-off “planting prep” event on Tues. 3/19
March 2^nd highlights: ground preparation occurred in the next phase wet prairie restoration plot in the park’s north end
March 6^th highlights: ground preparation continued in the wet prairie restoration plot; native plants supplied by P&OS Native Plant Nursery were planted park-wide; ice storm debris removal and consolidation continued; weeding in the north end commenced; trash pick-up park-wide was accomplished
March 9^th highlights: the next phase wet prairie restoration plot was tarped, secured and marked
March 19^th highlights: removal of turf and weeding was accomplished prior to tree planting in the former spray play area
March 20^th highlights: (8) trees and numerous rushes (Juncus patens) were planted and mulched adjacent to the former spray play area with P&OS personnel support and guidance. This is the project that was postponed on January 27^th due to the ice storm aftermath. The (8) trees planted were: (1) black oak (Quercus kelloggii), (1) western redcedar (Thuja plicata), (4) cascara buckthorn (Frangula purshiana), (2) black tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica)
Our regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work events for April 2024 are: 4/3 & 4/17 (10:00 am – 12 noon).

Friends of Tugman – February 2024 Report

We held two regularly scheduled bi-weekly volunteer work events in February: 2/7 & 2/21
February 7^th highlights: ice storm debris (fallen trees and limbs) was removed from the basketball court native plant bed; (12) native plants (Geum and wild strawberry) were planted in the restroom area bed; damaged limbs were pruned in multiple park locations; the plaque circle bed in the north end was weeded; debris was removed from Tugman Creek including from the grate in the far north end; trash pick-up park-wide was accomplished
February 21^st highlights: numerous snowberries from a large clump in the central park area were transplanted to the north end to infill the native plants there; a few native sedges were planted in the wet prairie section of the north end; weeding occurred in the north end; significant storm debris (trees and limbs) was pruned and removed from the wet prairie area in the north end and piled in a central debris pile near the north bridge; a major debris removal endeavor occurred in the entire stretch of Tugman Creek; trash pick-up park-wide was accomplished
The initial observations were taken in the Upper Prairie Restoration Plot on Fawn Lily Rise in the afternoon of 2/21 by Tuggers and one member of the EG 350 Club from SEHS; the Plectritis and lupine species are off to the fastest start of the (11) planted species of grasses and forbs planted by seed in November 2023; future monitoring is planned
The tree planting event in the former spray play area scheduled for Saturday, January 27^th with P&OS, Tuggers and the SEHS EG 350 Club was postponed due to the ice storm and its aftermath. A make-up date for this event is yet to be determined.
Our regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work events for March 2024 are: 3/6 & 3/20 (10:00 am – 12 noon).
Two Saturday volunteer work events are planned for March 2^nd and March 9^th, along with the EG 350 Club at SEHS, to prepare the ground and lay the fabric tarping in the next phase of our wet prairie restoration plot in the north end

Friends of Tugman – January 2024 Report

We held one regularly scheduled bi-weekly volunteer work event in January: 1/10; the other bi-weekly event scheduled for 1/24 was cancelled due to the aftermath of the ice storm which closed neighborhood parks
January 10^th highlights: we planted numerous native plants provided by the Parks and Open Space – Native Plant Nursery in one of the shelter area beds and the basketball court bed; trash pick-up park-wide was accomplished
The tree planting event in the spray play area scheduled for Saturday, January 27^th with P&OS, Tuggers and the SEHS EG 350 Club was cancelled due to the ice storm and the re-allocation of P&OS resources to areas of concern dealing with storm damage mitigation. This event is postponed indefinitely but will most likely occur sometime in Spring.
Prior to the cancellation of the 1/27 event, a few Tuggers met with three P&OS folks on 1/4 to further discuss the plot plan and tree species to be planted in the former spray play area. Whereas most decisions were made, the Tuggers will propose some new amendments to the location and species of trees now that this project has been delayed.
On 1/26, four Tuggers and a nearby neighbor cut, removed, and piled a large amount of fallen tree/limb debris from the ice storm. The main locations were the native plant beds in the central and north sections of the park. We also removed debris from Tugman Creek and pruned vegetation over the north bridge to allow safe passage.
Our regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work events for February 2024 are: 2/7 & 2/21 (10:00 am – 12 noon).

Friends of Tugman – December 2023 Report

We held one regularly scheduled bi-weekly volunteer work event in December: 12/13
December 13^th highlights: we planted numerous native plants provided by the Parks and Open Space – Native Plant Nursery in one of the shelter area beds; we removed debris and dams from Tugman Creek; trash pick-up park-wide was accomplished
Continued pruning and removal of blackberry vines occurred in December on an ad hoc basis along the park’s south border.
The (6) dead/dying and invasive Norway Maple trees have been removed from the former spray play area at Tugman Park. We have agreed to participate in the P&OS – Developed Parks team’s effort to replace these trees. We are involved in the selection of new native tree species for replacement and will be involved in the re-planting endeavor and the watering of the new trees next summer. We plan to re-plant these trees on Saturday, January 27^th, 2024 with participation from the EG 350 South club.
We continue to interact with the Park Ambassadors to partner in keeping Tugman Park safe and clean.
Our regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work events for January 2024 are: 1/10 & 1/24 (10:00 am – 12 noon).

Friends of Tugman – November 2023 Report

We held two regularly scheduled bi-weekly volunteer work events in November: 11/1 & 11/15
November 1^st highlights: we planted over 100 native plants provided by the Parks and Open Space – Native Plant Nursery in the park’s north end and the shelter and basketball court beds; we removed debris and dams from Tugman Creek; trash pick-up park-wide was accomplished
November 15^th highlights: we performed general weeding of beds, pathways and tree rings; we pruned dead and troublesome foliage adjacent to the park’s “middle bridge” (E. 36^th Ave. & Mill St.); trash pick-up park-wide was accomplished
We had a lunch get together on November 29^th in lieu of a work event at the park. 15 folks attended including Tuggers, family members, friends and our P&OS liaison (Kelsey Irvine).
10 Tuggers and several family members and friends participated in the SEN-ESC hosted Amazon Creek Tree Planting event on November 18^th.
Continued pruning and removal of blackberry vines occurred in November on an ad hoc basis along the park’s south border.
Our Fawn Lily Rise – Upper Prairie Restoration plot was weeded and marked (11/3), additionally weeded (11/9), and raked & planted (11/16) with 11 native plant species. This was done in conjunction with one member of the South Eugene High School (SEHS) – Earth Guardian (EG) 350 South club. The EG 350 South club will be involved in the monitoring and data collection of this plot going forward.
We have agreed to participate in the P&OS – Developed Parks team’s effort to replace the (6) dead/dying Norway Maple trees (non-native and invasive) adjacent to the former spray play area at Tugman. We will be involved in the selection of new native tree species for replacement; the re-planting endeavor, and the watering of the new trees next summer. We plan to re-plant these trees on Saturday, January 27^th, 2024 with participation from the EG 350 South club.
The installation of a Wildlife Tree sign on the Douglas Fir snag in the park’s north end was accomplished.
We continue to interact with the Park Ambassadors to partner in keeping Tugman Park safe and clean.
Our regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work event for December 2023 is: 12/13 (10:00 am – 12 noon). We don’t plan on meeting on 12/27.

Friends of Tugman – October 2023 Report

We held two regularly scheduled bi-weekly volunteer work events in October: 10/4 & 10/18
October 4^th highlights: welcomed new Tugger volunteers; edged native beds near the basketball court and restrooms; miscellaneous weeding (mainly thistle removal); blackberry pruning along Amazon Creek; removal of fallen willow limbs in north end; trash pick-up park-wide
October 18^th highlights: measured and staked the upper prairie restoration plot on Fawn Lily Rise (south slope of the park); ground preparation (weed whacking of grasses and removal of blackberries, small willows and ashes) in advance of tarping; removed debris and dams in the central portion of Amazon Creek; pruned blackberries in the SE portion of park near Betty Niven Drive homes; trash pick-up park-wide
October 24^th (outside of our two regular volunteer events detailed above): we measured, cut, placed, stapled, and posted additional tarping fabric in areas of the park’s north end meadow restoration endeavor.
Efforts at engaging students from South Eugene High School (SEHS) to get involved with proposed upland prairie restoration test plots on Fawn Lily Rise as well as assisting in other volunteer activities at the park are continuing. Contact has been made with the student leader of the SEHS E350 club and potential work dates are being discussed. Several Tuggers have completed the background check process in order to work with student volunteers. We’re expecting to receive the native seeds from P&OS in late October and hope to start this project with SEHS students in early November.
We are expecting to receive additional native plants from P&OS (Native Plant Nursery) to fill in the north end restoration area that was planted last fall/winter. We’re planning to receive these plants prior to our Wednesday, November 1^st volunteer event when they will be planted.
P&OS has reached out to their Urban Forestry division regarding the placement of a Wildlife Tree sign on the Douglas Fir snag in the park’s north end.
We continue to interact with the Park Ambassadors to partner in keeping Tugman Park safe and clean.
Our regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work events for November 2023 are: 11/1, 11/15, & 11/29 (10:00 am – 12 noon).

Friends of Tugman – September 2023 Report

We held two volunteer work events in September: 9/6 & 9/20
September 6^th highlights: Weeding in the central park area (e.g. spray park area, beds and walkways, central lawn tree rings) in advance of the SEN Annual Picnic on Saturday, Sept. 9^th; trash pick-up park-wide and general spruce up prior to the picnic; final Tugger input on picnic logistics (e.g. placement of exhibitors, vendors and SEN booths); removal of debris from Tugman Creek
September 20^th highlights: greeted one new volunteer (sign up from SEN Picnic) and hosted a park tour for this new volunteer and one returnee including discussion of our mission, past projects, current projects and future goals; weeded pathways and tree rings; removed invasive weeds from natural areas; pruned willow limbs from a troublesome illegal camping area near north bridge to provide more visibility; removed debris from Amazon Creek park-wide; trash pick-up park-wide
The Tugger team was well represented at the SEN Annual Picnic @ Tugman Park on 9/9. The Tugger booth was decorated with very impressive promotional materials detailing our mission and project updates. The booth was well attended. We received (14) potential new volunteer sign ups at the picnic along with (3) other sign ups at other recent encounters. The Tugger team was instrumental in the picnic set up, take down and clean up.
September 13^th (outside of our two regular volunteer events detailed above) was spent irrigating the native plantings in the central park beds by several Tuggers and assisting Park Ambassadors with illegal camping clean up near the north bridge
Efforts at engaging students from South Eugene High School (SEHS) to get involved with proposed upland prairie restoration test plots on Fawn Lily Rise as well as assisting in other volunteer activities at the park are continuing. New and additional contacts at SEHS will hopefully lead to partnership with students in the near future.
The distressed Norway Maple trees adjacent to the former spray park area have been reported to Parks and Open Space (P&OS) staff, and they may have an expert arborist out to diagnose them if funding or in-house staff is available. If they are afflicted with blight or another disease, they may have to be removed and we can discuss re-planting. If they aren’t diagnosed or nothing is found, we will wait and see if they leaf out next season and watch them throughout the spring.
Our tarping needs (fabric, posts, etc..) in order to enlarge our natural area (prairie/meadow) restoration endeavors in the park’s north end have been shared with P&OS staff.
We’re still awaiting word on the availability of additional native plants from P&OS to fill in and replace plants in the north end restoration area that was planted last fall/winter.
Replacing the garbage can in the north end of the park is, unfortunately, not supported by P&OS at this time.
Developed Park staff (P&OS) are seriously discussing keeping the restroom open year-round. This probably will not happen this year, but hopefully Parks Planning can work out the details for how to make it happen next winter (2024-2025).
Our regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work events for October 2023 are: 10/4 & 10/18 (10:00 am – 12 noon).

Friends of Tugman – August 2023 Report

We held two volunteer work events in August: 8/9 & 8/23
August 9^th highlights: we irrigated the basketball court bed and the shelter/restroom area beds; we weeded in the central park area (e.g. spray park area, beds and walkways, central lawn tree rings); we spread the remaining bark mulch pile near the north bridge to several central lawn tree rings and north park area near the snag; trash was picked up park-wide
August 23^rd highlights: we irrigated the basketball court bed and the shelter/restroom area beds; we weeded in the central park area (e.g. spray park area, beds and walkways, central lawn tree rings) in advance of the SEN Annual Picnic on Saturday, Sept. 9^th; we completed repairs to the solarization plot in the north end (e.g. re-secure posts and lines); trash was picked up park-wide
Several days in August (outside of our two regular volunteer events detailed above) were spent irrigating the native plantings park-wide by numerous Tuggers.
On August 17^th several Tuggers collaborated with UO personnel (Dr. Jeff Diez and his students) along with P&OS personnel on site at the Fawn Lily Rise portion of Tugman Park to learn about the UO upland prairie restoration plot planned for Tugman Park. This plot is one of four in the greater Eugene area. The Tugman location was agreed upon and the plot has now been established utilizing solarization to clear the space with planting of numerous native species by seed to occur in the near future. Jeff Diez is an Associate Professor at UO in the Biology Dept. and the Institute of Ecology and Evolution. The exact participation of the Tugger team in this project has yet to be determined.
The Tugger Team has made initial outreach to South Eugene High School (SEHS) in order to seek interest and participation in a Tugger upland prairie restoration project on Fawn Lily Rise (separate from the UO project listed above). We are also interested in learning if any SEHS students would like to get involved in our regular Tugger volunteer endeavors as well. Initial outreach to a SEHS science faculty member and club advisors (Gardening Club, Environmental Club) has occurred. We also have requested guidance from P&OS personnel regarding requirements (if any) for working with students on school sponsored projects as well as our regular volunteer events outside of school.
Our regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work events for September 2023 are: 9/6 & 9/20 (10:00 am – 12 noon).
The Tuggers will have a table/booth at the SEN Annual Picnic on Saturday 9/9 @ Tugman Park.

Friends of Tugman – July 2023 Report

We held two volunteer work events in July: 7/12 & 7/26
July 12^th highlights: we mulched and weeded in the park’s north end adjacent to the drinking fountain; we weeded several tree rings in the central lawn

July 26^th highlights: we irrigated the basketball court bed and the shelter/restroom area beds; we weeded misc. areas in the park’s central section; we broke early for a Tugger’s Lunch event at El Jaguar
Several days in July were spent irrigating the native plantings park-wide by numerous Tuggers.
Our regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work events for August 2023 are: 8/9 & 8/23 (10:00 am – 12 noon).

Friends of Tugman – June 2023 Report

We held three volunteer work events in June: 6/3, 6/14 & 6/28
June 3^rd highlights: we held a special Saturday work event, Tugman Spring Spruce Up, in order to recruit new volunteers that can’t make our usual Wednesday events. We had (14) participants (6 Core Tuggers and 8 new folks). We weeded and mulched several planted beds in the park’s north end.
June 14^th highlights: we weeded around numerous trees in the park’s south slope, Fawn Lily Rise. We utilized electric string trimmers from P&OS and completed weeding on (9) trees along the FLR pathway and up along 39^th Ave. After completing this, we moved into the central and northern portions of the park and weeded around numerous native plants in the Natural Area.
June 28^th highlights: we continued weeding and mulching in the park’s north end, restoring areas for future planting projects
Irrigation of the somewhat newly planted native species has begun in earnest with the onset of summer temperatures. P&OS provided us with a quick connect irrigation device and the authority to utilize the tap in the park’s north end which makes watering these plants so much more easy and efficient. Prior to this access, we were irrigating with bucket brigades from Amazon Creek.
The dead Douglas Fir tree was removed from the park’s north end plaque circle area in late June through approval of the P&OS Waterways team utilizing a private contractor. An approximate 25 ft. snag was left for wildlife use.
Our Fawn Lily Rise proposed project for additional trees and shrubs was not approved by P&OS for several reasons and now we’re discussing a Prairie Restoration type project for this space which will most likely meet with P&OS desires for this area.
Our Tugman restoration work has now been listed with the non-profit organization Homegrown National Park (https://homegrownnationalpark.org/). Currently it is co-listed along with one Tugger’s private yard in the nearby neighborhood but efforts are underway for P&OS to establish their own account whereby Tugman Park and other restored parks and open spaces within the system will have separate listings.
Our regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work events for July 2023 are: 7/12 & 7/26 (10:00 am – 12 noon).

Friends of Tugman – May 2023 Report

We held three volunteer work events in May: 5/3, 5/17 & 5/31
May 3^rd highlights: weeding of the plaque circle bed and adjacent areas in the park’s north end; trash pick-up park-wide
May 17^th highlights: weeding of the picnic shelter and restroom area beds; trash pick-up park-wide; participation in the SEN Gardening Get-Together (social and plant/seed exchange) in the early afternoon at Tugman
May 31^st highlights: weeding of the basketball court bed; finalization of plans/projects for the Springtime Spruce Up volunteer work event on Saturday, June 3^rd from 10 am – 12 noon; assisted in the bark chip/mulch delivery from P&OS
Following the 5/31 work event, we met with Kelsey Irvine (P&OS) to discuss:
1. Removal of the dead Douglas Fir tree in the north end with hopeful retention of a snag for wildlife benefit. Kelsey agreed to move this request forward with pertinent P&OS (and possibly Urban Forestry) personnel, including arborist(s).
2. Status of our proposed Fawn Lily Rise (south slope of the park) native tree and shrub planting project with hopeful inclusion in the P&OS tree budget for late 2023. Kelsey is still working on getting approval for this proposal.
3. Status of our request to list our Tugman restoration work with the non-profit organization Homegrown National Park (https://homegrownnationalpark.org/). Kelsey has not yet initiated approval of this request but agreed to move this forward once she identifies the appropriate P&OS personnel.
4. Possibility of uncovering or installation of a water tap in the park’s north end in order to facilitate our watering efforts there for our newly planted native trees, shrubs, forbs and grasses. This doesn’t appear possible for 2023 so we are planning to irrigate this portion of the park utilizing Amazon Creek with bucket brigades.
5. Initial thoughts as to how we Tuggers can contribute to any possible mitigation and restoration efforts at Tugman that may come about due to the demise of ash tree species from the Emerald Ash borer insect. This is a very complex issue but we all agreed to keep in contact and to further explore what can be done at Tugman, including the planting of other tree species in the near term to replace possibly affected ash trees.
6. The use of P&OS electric powered weed whackers for our 6/14 event whereby we plan to weed and water the young native oak trees along the Fawn Lily Rise trail.

Periodic watering of our native plant beds park-wide has started and will continue summer-long as needed.
Park Watch (https://www.eugene-or.gov/2411/Park-Watch—Report-A-Safety-Issue) request postings have been made recently regarding graffiti activity in the park’s north end.
In an effort to grow our volunteer ranks and to be even more productive in our efforts at Tugman, we are hosting a Springtime Spruce Up volunteer work event on Saturday, June 3^rd from 10 am – 12 noon. Hopefully, we’ll get some new passionate volunteers to help us in our beautification and restoration endeavors at the park. A notification of this Saturday 6/3 volunteer work event has been included in our May SEN digital mailing and more recently on the SEN Facebook page.
Our regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work events for June 2023 are: 6/14 & 6/28 (10:00 am – 12 noon).

Friends of Tugman – April 2023 Report

We held two volunteer work events in April: 4/5 & 4/19
April 5^th highlights: the ground preparation work for the north end natural area (adjacent to the plaque circle bed) restoration project was completed by tarping and fencing the area to be restored along with appropriate signage placement.
April 19^th highlights: spring weeding was initiated in many of our natively planted beds and other areas throughout the park
P&OS notified us that an order of approximately 7 cubic yards of bark chip mulch was ordered for our use at Tugman in the near future. We’re not sure of the exact delivery date at this point. This is welcome news since there is a major shortage of mulch in the P&OS inventory.
A new planting plan utilizing native trees and shrubs for the Fawn Lily Rise (south slope) section of Tugman Park has been submitted to P&OS for hopeful inclusion in their next planting season (late 2023) budget and approval process.
I’ve inquired again as to any details related to the remaining 2018 bond/levy funds earmarked for Tugman Park. Specifically, I asked about the timing and process involving planning, design, and construction phases for Phase 2 of Tugman improvements utilizing the remaining bond/levy funds. 2027 is now listed as the completion date for Tugman Phase 2. P&OS agreed to look into this issue further.
We’ve initiated communication with P&OS to list the restoration work we have been doing at Tugman with the non-profit organization Homegrown National Park (https://homegrownnationalpark.org/). HNP is a new organization promoting habitat restoration on private and public lands. It is the brainchild of Prof. Doug Tallamy, who has been advocating restoring habitat for many years.
In an effort to grow our volunteer ranks and to be even more productive in our efforts at Tugman, we decided to stage a Springtime Spruce Up volunteer work event on Saturday, June 3^rd from 10 am – 12 noon. Hopefully, we’ll get some new passionate volunteers to help us in our beautification and restoration endeavors at the park. A notification of this Saturday 6/3 volunteer work event will be included in our upcoming (early May) SEN digital mailing and on the SEN Facebook page.
Our regularly scheduled bi-weekly Wednesday volunteer work events for May 2023 are: 5/3, 5/17, & 5/31 (10:00 am – 12 noon).