The 2,500-acre West Eugene Wetlands are located within the city limits of Eugene, Oregon. These lands were acquired by federal, state, local, and nonprofit organizations because of the important ecological values, both botanical and wildlife. This area contains one of the most endangered plant communities in the nation, the Willamette wet prairie. Today, less than one half of one percent of the Willamette Valley*s wet prairie habitat remains. The West Eugene Wetlands is important not only for plants and wildlife, but as important open space for the residents of Eugene, Springfield, and surrounding communities.