The Dirt

Prairie Soils for Sustainable Restoration

Andy and Logan characterizing prairie soils

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Can information from the soil explain why some prairie restoration efforts are more successful than others? In 2016, the Prairie Soils for Sustainable Restoration project set out to find the answer, thanks to funding from Oregon Natural Resources Conservation Service. Read more »

Half Moon Bend Restoration Project

Half Moon Bend Restoration Project Area © C. Durbecq

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A 27 acre portion of a 115 acre parcel of the Willamette River Greenway, just north of Corvallis, is the site of a demonstration project for riparian forest restoration practices and future riparian forest ecology studies in a bottomland forest. Read more »

Conservation Neighbor: Alan Ayres

Alan milling lumber for the Confluence Building.

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As a youngster exploring the wild forests and streams of his home, Alan Ayres developed an appreciation for the abundant waters and lush vegetation that gave him comfort. Now he is working with The Confluence to create a sustainable office building in downtown Corvallis. Read more »

Conservation Neighbor: Jenny Brausch

Jenny at the water's edge

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When asked what conservation challenges she faces, Jenny says the biggest one is when she feels that what she does doesn’t do enough. “Then I remember the butterfly effect. Success is seeing the work that BSWCD does.” Read more »

Conservation Neighbor: Ed Easterling

Ed describes the layout of Crestmont Land Trust compared to other oak and prairie restoration sites in the Wren area.

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“Conservation gives production a richer purpose,” Ed Easterling says. In 2012, Ed founded Crestmont Land Trust (CLT), a non-profit land trust with a mission to own and manage self-sustaining habitat with a charitable, recreational, educational, and research focus. Read more »

Conservation Neighbor: Karrie Woodruff

Karrie, at center with sunglasses, models active listening for her students on a Salmon Watch field trip.

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As a Garfield Elementary School teacher, Karrie Woodruff became part of the BSWCD community through Salmon Watch in the fall of 2017. Since fewer Spanish-language resources exist, she creates engaging, hands-on lessons that build from what students know from their surroundings and integrate multicultural perspectives. Read more »