Tag: Sara Worl

White Oak (Quercus garryana) Habitat Monitoring and Management: Thurston Hills Natural Area (THNA)

Presenter(s): Marinn Longenecker

Co Presenter(s): Kristi Thompson, Nick Pierson, Sakina Shahid, Jane Yeoman, Seth Arbogast, David Josi, Sarah Cudworth, Marie Moore, Marina Harrington

Faculty Mentor(s): Peg Boulay & Sara Worl

Oral Session 2 CLN

Prior to European colonization, Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana) savannas and woodlands were a prominent ecosystem across the Pacific Northwest (Devine and Harrington 2013). Presently, their area is reduced by 97% in the Willamette Valley (Pritchard et al. 2017) as a result of reduced fire frequency, introduced species, and mismanagement (Devine and Harrington 2013). Land managers are increasingly adopting active management for oak savanna restoration in order to support biodiversity. Primary actions include the removal of invasives, underbrush, and competing conifers. Establishing baseline data on forest composition and health is required for informed and adaptive management decisions. At Thurston Hills Natural Area (THNA), a team of students from University of Oregon’s Environmental Leadership Program conducted a survey of Oregon white oaks to establish a baseline for use in restoration management decisions by Willamalane Park and Recreation District. Data was collected on the location, health, and threats to mature oak trees within the study area. Additionally, qualitative observations about wildlife, natural features, and neighboring vegetation were recorded to help evaluate recreational opportunities. This data was used to create detailed maps of THNA forests, and compile a detailed database of oak trees. As a comprehensive baseline, these deliverables provide the means for developing, implementing, and evaluating effectiveness of restoration management strategies.

Environmental Leadership Program Oregon Oaks Phase II Management Plan and Grant Proposal for Thurston Hills Natural Area

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 .