Hundreds of years ago, the majority of what is now Northeast Corvallis was wet prairie wetlands fed by coastal mountain streams. As urban development and agriculture grew in the Willamette Valley, local ecosystems like the wet prairies were changed with shifting land use demand. What remains of this sacred ecosystem can be found in 144 acres of restored wetlands on the north edge of Corvallis in the Jackson-Frazier Wetlands, where Jackson and Frazier creeks meet to saturate the soil, creating an ecosystem whose primary benefit is to purify flowing water and control flooding. Snow showers and cold frosts are also rarities in the valley, but greeted me one morning when I decided to go for a walk around the wetlands. The frozen boardwalk and trees dusted with snow was the best way to wake up, better than any cup of coffee, as the crisp air filled my lungs. Evidence of beaver was abundant as the boardwalk passed downed trees and the beginnings of a beaver dam across the creek. The Jackson-Frazier boardwalk trail is a short, 0.8 mile loop interpretive trail that is a popular place for neighborhood runners. Being ADA accessible with interpretive signs sharing information on the wetlands' 300 flowering plants and abundant migratory bird species makes this trail attractive to a more diverse group of community members including educational groups and the disabled. In fact, this trail is perfect for almost anyone to come clear their head and take a walk in the woods. The Jackson-Frazier wetlands are managed by Benton County and open year-round, allowing visitors to experience the vivacity this land shares as each season comes and goes.
For more information:
http://www.co.benton.or.us/parks/facilities/jackson_detail.php
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