Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park, located in the state of Oregon, offers visitors a serene and picturesque natural setting with a variety of attractions and activities to enjoy.


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Summary

This summary is based on information gathered from multiple independent sources to ensure accuracy.

Reasons to Visit:
1. Scenic Beauty: The park is known for its stunning natural beauty, featuring lush greenery, meadows, and a tranquil pond.
2. Outdoor Activities: Visitors can engage in various outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, and nature photography.
3. Wildlife Viewing: The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and reptiles, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts.
4. Peaceful Atmosphere: Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park offers a peaceful and calming environment away from the hustle and bustle of city life, making it an ideal place for relaxation and solitude.
5. Community Events: The park hosts occasional community events such as nature walks, guided tours, and educational programs, providing a chance to engage with the local community.

Points of Interest:
1. Rutherford Pond: The park features a scenic pond that attracts various bird species, ducks, and even beavers.
2. Nature Trails: There are several well-maintained trails winding through the park, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the surrounding natural beauty on foot.
3. Ecological Significance: The park provides a habitat for various native plant species, contributing to the preservation of local flora.
4. Interpretive Signs: Informational signs throughout the park provide interesting details about the area's ecology, history, and wildlife.

Interesting Facts:
1. Named in Honor: Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park was named after Verdell Burdine Rutherford, a prominent African American leader and civil rights activist from Oregon.
2. Formerly Known As: The park was previously known as the Hazelia Field Wetland and the Hazelia Sports Complex.
3. Restoration Efforts: The park underwent significant restoration efforts to enhance its wetland habitat, preserving its ecological importance.

Best Time to Visit:
The ideal time to visit Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park is during the spring and summer months when the weather is pleasant, and the natural surroundings are at their vibrant best. This period offers the opportunity to witness the park's flora and fauna in full bloom, making it a perfect time for outdoor activities and nature exploration.

Please note that specific details, such as visiting hours, amenities, and events, may vary. It is always recommended to check official sources or contact local authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information before planning a visit to the park.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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