Presenter(s): Nicole Long—Environmental Studies and General Music
Co-Presenter(s): Ryan Downey, Julia Olson, Julia Troxell, Casey Clavecilla, Emily Cook
Faculty Mentor(s): Peg Boulay, Sara Worl
Session 4: Environmental Leaders Program
Located within the Willamette Valley ecoregion, Thurston Hills Natural Area (THNA) contains remnant Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana) savanna habitat that has undergone dramatic conifer encroachment . Currently, oak ecosystems in the Willamette Valley have diminished to < 10% of their original range, making this ecosystem one of the most endangered ecological communities within the region . Oak savannas and woodlands support the persistence of over 200 native plant and animal species who are reliant on these open ecosystems . Using data collected by the Environmental Leadership Program’s (ELP) 2019 Oregon Oaks Team we are designing an oak restoration plan for a 25-acre subunit of THNA . We will apply for a restoration grant through the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board to implement the oak restoration project at THNA in partnership with Willamalane and the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council . Our plan will utilize adaptive management techniques to carry out restoration focusing on conifer thinning in savanna and prairie ecosystems, controlling invasive species, and planting native species . Monitoring of the site will be maintained by future ELP students to assess the effectiveness of this restoration plan . Considering THNA’s establishment of 14 .5 miles of recreation trails, our plan will enhance local experiences with engagement and educational opportunities by focusing on public visibility .