Working closely with Willamalane, we began the first phase of on-the-ground work in spring 2018 by removing invasive vegetation such as blackberries, false brome, Scotch broom, thistle, and English hawthorn. In September 2018 we removed Douglas fir trees that have encroached on the oak woodlands. This provides space for the Oregon white oak to develop full, open canopies and allow them to receive the sunlight they need. We then replanted the area with native grasses and wildflowers to help support native wildlife.
In the winter of 2022 we will be embarking on another round of restoration at Thurston Hills. Willamalane and Middle Fork staff identified a secondary area that would benefit from oak release and invasive removal further down the hillside. This project will undertake similar work including the removal of Douglas fir trees and invasive species and the planting of native grasses and flowers.
What makes this project even more exciting is the integration with recreation and education. In 2018 Willamalane opened hiking and mountain biking trails in THNA which allowed people to see first hand the impact we were having on these public lands. Through this grant, we were able to offer educational opportunities to local Springfield students and adults to learn about oak habitat and watershed restoration (see photos below). We feel that restoring this landscape at the same time as the public explores this new piece of public land is a great way to foster support for habitat restoration.