The very human desire to live where we feel comfortable with our surroundings inspired this summer issue of Eugene Magazine. Some sense of “curb appeal” is what keeps us living in a neighborhood, month after month, year after year, whether we own or rent: graceful homes, landscaped yards, safe parks for our children, public services, and alternative transportation opportunities. Writer Mikael Krummel, delves into several of the neighborhoods that give Eugene its personality, and provides fun facts along with current real estate realities.

One area of Eugene which people don’t give enough thought to is the West Eugene Wetlands. Home to an abundance of wildlife, this public area is picturesque and environmentally sensitive. Yet land stewards are enjoying successes in restoring habitat for endangered and threatened species that call that area home.