The SMSU Gardens are located at the SW Corner of the Smith Memorial Student Union (SMSU), located just along the beautiful park blocks. This is a space that students interact with frequently on their way to class. The space along the Park Blocks is being redesigned to focus on growing native plants, specifically demonstrating prairie mounds. 

Background and History

The PSU Willamette Valley Prairie Garden is a miniature demonstration garden located between the Grazing Gardens and the Dialogue Dome on the Southwest corner of Smith Memorial Student Union. The garden was planted in November of 2022 after receiving a generous grant of over 200 native plants and a soil donation from the local landscaping company, Plantzy PDX. Preparation of the site began in early November, with the removal of an old garden bed, bushes, and many weeds. SSC volunteers and staff worked hard to remove the first two inches of soil to fully get rid of the invasive seed bank, as prairie plants are highly sensitive to competition from nonnative species. After initially starting dirt removal, volunteers hit a base layer of flagstones that had to be removed, adding time and manpower demands to the project. They also encountered multiple stumps and tough invasive shrubs, which facilities helped them remove. After the site was cleared, a new load of dirt was brought in and shaped. Volunteers helped build a rock wall around the perimeter of the garden. After the site was prepared, over 200 native plants (including bulbs and plant starts) were meticulously arranged and planted. After planting, efforts to raise awareness about the new garden and the importance of prairie ecosystems began, with help from SSC’s Marketing Volunteer Team. Through the planning and planting  process, staff from  The Rae Selling Berry Seed Bank and Plant Conservation Program on the PSU campus have provided valuable support and insight, and will remain long-term partners on this project.

Importance of Native Plants

Native plants are important for gardens. They provide a variety of benefits for people and the wildlife, especially in urban areas.

• Native plants need less fertilizer / pesticides. We want to reduce the use of fertilizer and pesticides because they can release harmful greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere and the eutrophication of waterways.

• Native plants need less water and clean air. Native plants use less water because they are adapted to the native environment and soil. Plants complete a process called photosynthesis in which plants clean the air through taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. 

• Native plants support biodiversity and pollinators. Native plants attract a variety of species including pollinators and provide diverse habitats and food sources.

Prairie ecosystems support many unique and rare organisms that are being lost quickly due to climate change and human activities. Prairie ecosystems restore environmental systems to prevent further damage. Our Prairie Plant Garden supports Portland’s urban wildlife and restores systems.

Culturally Significant Plants

The PSU Willamette Valley Prairie Garden is planted with many plants that are culturally significant for local Indigenous groups. Plants have many cultural and sustenance uses for Indigenous people and are important for people’s wellbeing, health, and food sovereignty. Many of the plants at this site are commonly used as food, medicine, and ceremonial use.

To learn more:

• Indigenous Nations Studies: Visit this website to learn about PSU’s Indigenous Nations Studies department and available classes.

• Indigenous Traditional Ecological & Cultural Knowledge (ITECK): Visit this website to learn about ITECK courses, events, and how to get involved.

Check out the Clearing magazine: Visit this site to learn more about ITECK and native plants!