Delta Ponds

Right in Our Own Back Yard

By Charlene Simpson

The Delta Ponds are located within the City of Eugene adjacent to the Willamette River. They occupy a historic side channel of the Willamette River which was transformed in the 1950’s by clearing the forest for gravel extraction leaving behind pits that we now know as the Delta Ponds. Over time an impenetrable thicket of blackberries grew along the paths that meandered around the ponds. Native plants were choked out and birds, amphibians, reptiles and animals struggled to find nesting sites. In 2005 crews began grubbing out blackberries around ponds west of Delta Hwy. More recently invasive species removal has been accomplished east of Delta Hwy. This summer more removal will take place to prepare the area for the planting of thousands of native trees and shrubs.


The steep-banked extraction pits were an impediment to riparian species diversity. The banks are being filled in for a gentler slope that will support plant and animal life. Western pond turtles are a species targeted for recovery in the Ponds. Females must exit the water and crawl up on to sloping banks to dig nests and deposit eggs. The Western pond turtle is listed as a species of concern by both the US and Oregon Endangered Species Acts. In partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers a weir was breached allowing seasonal water from the Willamette River to enter the ponds.

Soon a large culvert will be constructed under Goodpasture Island Road connecting the river, interior ponds, and the slough system that reconnects with the river to the north (Eugene Outdoors, Spring 2010). The goal is to create suitable habitat for juvenile salmon. See What’s New for Goodpasture Island Road closure dates.

In April 2009 Island Lakes residents participated in a walk led by Lauri Holts of Eugene’s Parks and Open Space Department and learned about the history of the ponds and plans for their future. Island Lakes residents are actively involved in their community. Click here to learn more.