Pringle Grove

"A nearly separate world. A natural space that borders the Amazon Creek. Seperate from everything else along this long stretch of a natural and man made area."

"Back in the early 2000s a guy by the name of Tom Pringle got fed up with the City of Eugene's Parks Department.  The Amazon Park was being neglected for "structured programming" also known as cash producing uses.  Little by little the park's open space was being gobbled up for parking lots and wild grassy fields were being turned into drained ball fields. Tom got ticked off and did something.  He started purchasing trees and native shrubs.  He also had a knack for getting plant nurseries to donate plants to him. Tom started guerilla planting the weed covered banks of the Amazon Creek in South Eugene.  This area was a totally ignored stretch of the Amazon Park.  Tom pick axed out the thick invasive grasses and blackberries to get to the soil below.  One tree after another he carefully planted.  He tended those trees for many years after. Tom hand watered the trees with a bucket.  Grasses were repeatedly cut back until the trees were big enough to compete. I helped him a couple of times.  The project extended from 33rd to skateboard park at 29th, 2200 plants 117 species. Over time, just shrubs and trees were left. Eventually, the city "approved" of his project and considered Tom a volunteer so one of the departments could tally his hours in their reports. This summer I walked through the area to see how it was doing.  The trees have shaded out the weeds and the trunks are massive.  The appearance of the water flowing through this area looks much more clear. Most people will drive or walk by this area and never give it a thought.  I see these trees and think of the guy who took it upon himself to get something done.  This will always be Pringle Grove to me."