Meadowscaping Handbook: Designing, Planting and Managing an Urban Meadow
(92 pgs., available for free download for personal use, or order a paper copy from West Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District ) A collection of knowledge and “lessons learned” by regional ecologists and landscape professionals. It is not meant to be a technical manual. The handbook is designed as a “how-to” publication to help gardeners, landscape professionals, and ecologists in the Willamette Valley plan, design, plant, and maintain native plant meadows on small u
Camas: The Most Important Plant You've Never Heard Of
( 90 min. video , from Mugsy Explains) This science teacher takes you on a fascinating journey where you'll learn everything there is to be learned about camas, a plant that historically served as the main staple food for most of the indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest. He explains the history, anatomy, reproduction, and ecology of this amazing plant, and travels to actual camas meadows in the process. He also cultivates camas in his garden at home, and harvests, cooks
Monarchs and Milkweed
(9:30 minute video) Monarch butterfly populations have declined 90 percent across the US. A key piece of their habitat has been wiped out by farms and urban sprawl. Milkweed is the single most important plant for monarchs. It’s the only one they lay their eggs on and young caterpillars eat. People are encouraged to plant milkweed wherever they can to help monarchs along their long migration routes. [IMPORTANT: Plant only milkweed that is native to your area. In Oregon's Willa
Restore Oregon Oak Habitat
(2-page brochure.) Walama Restoration Project: Restore and Protect a Native Ecosystem in Your Backyard; A Vanishing Ecosystem; Oaks and Their History in the Willamette Valley; How Should I Restore and Preserve My Oak Habitat? #Northwest #Oregon #Restoration #WillametteValley #OakSavanna #OakWoodland #Biodiversity #OregonWhiteOaks
City of Eugene Native Plant Alternatives
(6-page PDF document) Native Plant Alternatives. "There are many beautiful native species that are readily available from local native plant nurseries. Below is a list of some of the more common species that are found in the southern Willamette Valley. While native species generally require less water and care than non-native species, this is only true when planted in the appropriate soil moisture and sunlight conditions. We have tried to include brief notes on habitat requi
Western Oregon Prairies
(2-page brochure) What are prairies?; Animals and plants of upland prairies; Are prairies in trouble?; How can you help? Native prairies are a severely endangered habitat in Western Oregon... Oregon State University and US Fish and Wildlife Service. Western Oregon Prairies
What's So Special About Oregon White Oaks?
(1-page article by Cynthia Orlando, Oregon Dept. of Forestry.) " What's So Special About Oregon White Oaks? It’s now estimated that more than 99 percent of pre-settlement prairies and savannas in Oregon have been converted to urban areas, farms, and other developments. In addition to urban development, yet another challenge to this native tree is the spread of invasive plant species. Diversity of bird species is often higher in oak forests than in adjacent conifer forests. O
Vanishing Oak Savannah
(8:41 minute video segment , PBS Oregon Field Guide, Season 21, Episode 2111 ) Take a look at some of the Willamette Valley’s savannah-prairie lands. See how the savannah has changed due to lack of fire. The oak savannah, one of the rarest and quickly diminishing of habitats is being crowded out by plants normally held at bay by fires. See how lack of this habitat impacts the survival of wildlife. But some land managers are working to restore pockets of the once-common oak
