Dispersed Natural Areas

Dispersed Natural Areas include natural areas and future developed parks in Eugene’s Parks and Open Space system which are not associated with either Eugene’s Ridgeline, Waterways, or the West Eugene Wetlands. This diverse collection of park lands includes large metropolitan parks such as the Whilamut Natural area of Alton Baker Park, Skinner Butte Park, and Amazon Park, as well as neighborhood parks such as Hawkins Heights Park, Rasor Park, Gillespie Butte Park, Tugman Park, and Oakmont Park.

Because they occur throughout the City, Dispersed Natural Areas are the nature in your back yard. They provide places where you can find solitude, throw a Frisbee, watch birds and butterflies, learn about our natural heritage, or volunteer to improve habitat. Dispersed Natural Areas also include parks that have been purchased for future park development. These lands are placeholders for the future which can be enjoyed now for both active and passive recreation. These natural areas are dispersed throughout our city.

Dispersed Natural Areas (DNAs) are managed by the Natural Resources Section of the City’s Parks and Open Space Division. The City manages these DNAs for diverse values including habitat, passive recreational uses, educational opportunities, and public safety. Mowing regimes are customized to each DNA site in an effort to balance habitat preservation with public safety. Invasive species management, trail maintenance, habitat management and restoration, and basic stewardship activities such as litter pickup and hazard abatement are performed by Natural Resource Section Staff.