What does it take to recreate rare habitat on a large scale? Watch a 2-minute video about Metro's effort to restore oak woodland habitat at the Graham Oaks natural area near Wilsonville...to the tune of more than 150,000 native trees and shrubs have been planted. Go
Metro
503-797-1700503-797-1804 TDD
503-797-1797 fax
Turning back the clock
Planning and conservation › Natural areas, parks and trails › Restoration › Turning back the clock
By reestablishing or mimicking historic conditions, Metro's science and stewardship team is bringing back the native plants and wildlife that once thrived in this region.
When Metro’s natural resource scientists look out over a meadow full of scotch broom or an abandoned dairy farm, they sees the oak savanna or Geyer willow marsh that thrived there hundreds of years ago. Each of the natural areas protected by the Metro’s acquisition program presents a unique challenge to Metro’s stewardship team, but generally the approach is the same – take the land back to its roots... Learn more about Metro's acquisition program
“You don’t reverse 150 years of degradation overnight,” said former team leader Jim Morgan in 2007, “but it is amazing how much memory is held by the landscape. If you take out some of the obstacles and start nudging it in the right direction, the land can return to its true nature.”
Tracking down history
Metro scientists begin by researching the historical conditions of each site. Sometimes old survey data and historical photos are available; often conversations with landowners and neighbors help fill in the gaps. There also are hints on the landscape – remnant native plants and evidence of changes in the hydrology.
Then they begin a careful analysis of the site’s current conditions and the opportunities and limitations for restoration. Can original hydrology be restored? Does the site integrate into a larger ecological landscape? What will be the future use of the site and the surrounding area and how does that use impact restoration? Will invasive plants continue to be reintroduced by flooding or trail usage? How much will it cost and what are the available funding sources? Out of the answers to these questions, a strategy emerges and the team goes to work – often with the help of partners, grant money and hundreds of volunteers.
A little help from our friends
Metro has received nearly $2 million in grant funds, donations and contributions toward its restoration efforts. In an average year, more than 20,000 hours are donated by volunteers who plant native trees and shrubs, remove fences and invasive species, lead community and school groups, collect and propagate native seeds, and help document the results of all this hard work by monitoring the plants and wildlife at restoration sites.
Need assistance?
Related Links
Volunteer
As a Metro volunteer, you will be directly involved in improving and protecting the region's great places for people, wildlife and future generations. Share your energy and ideas and make your own unique contribution.
Restoration
