To prepare for the construction of the Park Blocks Pavilion and Plaza the City of Eugene has begun the process of demolishing the Butterfly Parking Lot. As part of the demolition, the City removed a handful of trees surrounding the parking lot. Most of the trees removed were shrubby with limited canopy size and odd growth in part due to outdated planting practices used in the 1950s.
During the planning process for the Park Blocks Pavilion and Plaza, the City explored opportunities to invest in the health of new trees while also ensuring that the future canopy would be resilient in light of the warming climate. The project will include the installation of "silva cells" which will act as underground scaffolding to prevent soil compaction and allow for healthier growth, while also using species that thrive in urban environments while also being especially resilient to heat and drought. Pictured: one of the future plaza trees at the nursery, ready for planting.
Friends of the Farmers Market and park visitors will have 20 new trees to enjoy for generations to come.