An area west of Eugene is preserved as wetlands, particularly that located in the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area. In years past, most of the area was wetlands. But in more recent times much of it was drained and is now set aside for industrial use. Back then, there was a huge migration of birds through the valley. We still have birds migrating through and some have taken up residence here. But human population growth does have an effect on the migration routes and bird population. I can remember those days fondly, but I still enjoy the beautiful wetlands we have now and the efforts to maintain them.