Trip Report

Cold and fog could not deter 17 people from participating in the Spencer Butte Trail Maintenance Day. This was a combined effort with the City of Eugene Parks Department. Under the guidance of Matt McCrea from the city an amazing amount of work was done on the main trail as well as to the tie-in to the Ridgeline Trail. Five new drains were made, old drains were made functional and culverts were cleaned. As in October, the restoration of short-cut trails was continued in two spots. The total area measured about 300 sq. ft. The upper section was so eroded that it no longer could be used even for short cuts... what an eye sore! The group took on the intensity of a bee hive. Some removed downed branches and loosened the soil to prepare for the planting of ferns that others were out gathering. Some mined soil from the root balls of downed tees to help with terracing. Rotted logs were replaced and rocks were moved into place before the ferns were planted. Then leaves and bark that had been gathered were scattered over the area. The transformation was amazing! Hikers would not be able to tell where the old scar was. The group gave itself a self-congratulatory applause and Matt was presented with a moss hat for his leadership. Other participants were Wayne Deeter, Bob Huntley, Max Brown, Jim Duncan, Sue Wolling, Judith Thompson, Rick Ahrens, Joe Geil, Scott Youngblood, Dan Dubach, Peter Asai, John Griener, John Cooper (facilitator) and Janice, Brennan and Stacey from the Natural Resource Crew.