The GYWC coordinates a number of Oak and Prairie Habitat programs including the restoration projects highlighted below which leverage the support of a diverse network of local volunteers, landowners, partner organizations, and funders to better understand local water quality conditions and increase community awareness.
Miller Woods Oak Savanna
Restoration Project Phase 1
2021 – 2025, Grant Funded
The Yamhill Soil & Water Conservation District’s Miller Woods Conservation Property, in partnership with the Greater Yamhill Watershed Council, have recently been awarded a 4-year $11,000 State Habitat Grant from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) to create a demonstration area restoring historic native oak prairie habitat in 3-acres of the former cow pasture adjacent to main parking lot.
This habitat restoration will provide much-needed native habitat for wildlife and pollinator species, including the Monarch Butterfly. This work will also expand upon ongoing restoration efforts immediately adjacent to the south, where Miller Woods staff and volunteers have been working diligently over recent years to control weeds and plant native oak prairie species on ~2.4 acres.
The current condition of the 3-acre pasture project area is a mix of highly-competitive non-native grasses and invasive weeds such as blackberry, Oxeye Daisy, Canada thistle, and more. Prior to planting with native vegetation, a 2-year Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy will be used to control these non-native and invasive species through a combination of mowing, spraying, and hand pulling.
In the Fall of 2022, the area will be re-seeded with native Roemer’s prairie grass using the Yamhill SWCDs special No-Till Drill which promotes soil health and greatly improves seed germination. In addition 25 wildflower species will broadcast seeded including slender cinquefoil, Tall Meadowrue, and Milkweed varieties that provide essential habitat for the Monarch Butterfly
