Aumsville Ponds County Park

Location

Aumsville Ponds County Park is located 1.5 miles southeast of Aumsville at the intersection of Bates and Bishop Roads. From Aumsville go a half mile east on Mill Creek Rd, turn south on Bishop Rd, then right on Bates Rd. The 77-acre site, composed of wetlands and upland buffer areas flows into Porter creek, within the Mill Creek Watershed. Working with many community volunteers, the County intends to restore and preserve this site as part of the Natural Heritage Parks Program.

Wetlands perform a critical hydrologic function in the Willamette Valley. Emergent Wetland and Bottomland/Wet Prairie lands in the Willamette Valley have decreased from 881,935 acres in 1850 to 6,934 acres in 1995, amounting to an overall reduction of 99% (Hulse, 1998.). The disappearance of wetlands has altered the area’s hydrology, greatly impacting flood control in the Valley. In addition to enhancing hydrologic functions, the Aumsville Wetlands Restoration will also expand educational and recreational opportunities for the community. Noxious weed removal is ongoing, mostly through volunteer efforts. Dogs are not allowed at Aumsville Ponds Park.