Oregon White Oaks 2020

Located within the Willamette Valley ecoregion, Thurston Hills Natural Area (THNA) contains remnant oak savanna habitat that is transforming and diminishing into a mixed conifer forest. Conifer encroachment is critically endangering the longevity of the Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana) and its limited native prairie ecosystem.

Though oak trees are only one species within this threatened ecosystem, their management is essential as oaks are a critical structural element for over 200 native wildlife species. The Oregon white oaks of THNA are a structural element of the oak savanna ecosystem that promotes persistence of uncommon native annuals, dependent endangered species, and unique biodiversity. Willamalane Park and Recreation District aims to preserve, manage, and enhance oak habitats in THNA through restoration of the site’s forests, prairies and woodlands to promote forest resiliency and provide habitat for native wildlife.

Originally, our goal for Spring 2020 was to continue field monitoring of Oregon white oaks within THNA. However, due to COVID-19 we adapted our project to a remote format and created a restoration plan and grant application for an area within the park using data from last year’s Oregon Oaks ELP team. We took into account the restorative recommendations made by last years team and worked with our community partners to create a grant to provide funding for a practical oak restoration project within THNA.

Restoration at THNA began in 2017 with success for the first phase of their management plan. It is important for restoration to continue within THNA and our team had the great opportunity of collaborating with Willamalane to ensure that continued restoration is made possible through the creation of a grant application.