HEALTHY FARMS, FORESTS, FOOD, AND FAMILIES IN POLK COUNTY

Inside | Oregon’s Newest AVA Gets Its Due | Pg. 6

Cultivating is a quarterly publication of Oregon State University Polk County Extension Service and Polk And Water Conservation District. Included in these pages, readers can find practical information on farm and forest management, on home and lifestyle choices, and on the many programs and services available through the Service and the District. Who We Are Calendar of Events Who We Are

June POLK SOIL AND WATER All Month – PSWCD – Taking special pre-orders for native fall CONSERVATION DISTRICT bulb sale 6 – PSWCD – Finance Committee Meeting – Polk SWCD Office – 580 Main St., Suite A, Dallas, OR 97338 – 9am (First Thursday) Nearly 3,000 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) across the United States The Polk County Office of the Oregon State 12 – PSWCD – Monthly Board Meeting and Budget Hearing University Extension Service provides re- – PCF Arts & Crafts Bldg – 520 S. Pacific Hwy, Rickreall, OR are helping local people conserve land, wa- 97361 – 6pm search-based educational information and ter, forest, wildlife, and related natural re- programs in Agriculture, Forestry, 4-H/ 17-18 – OSU Extension – Youth Nature Day Camp – Monmouth sources. SWCDs are charged with directing Youth and Family and Community Develop- 17-19 – Youth Tractor Safety Course – Aumsville – andrea. programs to protect local renewable natural [email protected] ment for the citizens of Polk County. resources. 19-20 – OSU Extension – Youth Nature Day Camp – Dallas OSU Extension’s mission is to convey re- 25 – OSU Extension – Preserving the Valley’s Fruits Workshop Polk SWCD was formed in April 1966, and search-based knowledge in a way that is – Salem promotes erosion control, reduction of in- useful for people to improve their lives, their 25-26 – Technical Large Animal vasive species, improvements to farms and Emergency Rescue Course – Wilsonville – homes, and their communities. oregonhorsecountry.com forests, control of animal waste, as well as 26-29 – OSU Extension – 4-H Summer Conference – Corvallis improving wildlife habitat and water quali- Office Location & Hours ty/quantity issues in Polk County. The Polk 289 E Ellendale, Suite 301 July SWCD is administered by 7 locally elected 1 – PSWCD – Personnel Committee Meeting – Polk SWCD volunteer directors representing 5 zones Dallas OR 97338 | 503.623.8395 Office – 580 Main St., Suite A, Dallas, OR 97338 – 5pm and 2 at-large positions within the county. extension.oregonstate.edu/polk 4 – OSU Extension and PSWCD – Closed in observance of The Polk SWCD is a source of information Independence Day Mon-Fri 8am-12pm, 1pm-5pm and education on natural resources. 4 – PSWCD – Independence Day Parade – Independence 10 – PSWCD – Monthly Board Meeting – Polk SWCD Office Staff Contact Information – 580 Main St., Suite A, Dallas, OR 97338 – 6pm (Second Wednesday) Office Location & Hours Nicole Anderson | Field Crops 16-18 – OSU Extension – 4-H Wild West Camp – 4-H Center 580 Main Street, Suite A 503.434.8912 W. Salem Dallas OR 97338 | 503.623.9680 Alisha Atha | Office Manager & County Leader 18 – Shrivel Me Timbers – Drying Fruits & Veggies Workshop – 971.612.0022 OSU Extension Polk County www.polkswcd.com 20 – Fair Beautification Day – Polk County Fairgrounds – Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm Neil Bell | Community Horticulture Volunteer Opportunity 971.612.0026 23 – OSU Extension – Pressure Canning How To’s Workshop Susan Busler | 4-H Youth Development – Salem Staff Contact Information 971.612.0028 August Senior Resource Conservationist OSU Extension – Tuna Canning Workshop – OSU Marc Bell | Jenifer Cruickshank | Dairy 3 – [email protected] | Ext. 103 971.600.1222 Extension Polk County 5-9 – OSU Extension Polk County office CLOSED – move to Patti Gray | Office Assistant Carla Cudmore | Front Office & 4-H Support Polk County Fairgrounds 971.612.0024 [email protected] | Ext. 108 6-9 – OSU Extension – 4-H Horse Camp – 4-H Center W. Kristi DuBois | 4-H Youth Development Salem Jackson Morgan | Associate Farm Specialist 971.612.0029 8-10 – PSWCD at Polk County Fair [email protected] | Ext. 113 Javier Fernandez-Salvador | Small Farms 8 – PSWCD Monthly Board Meeting – Polk SWCD Office Karin Stutzman | District Manager 503.373.3766 – 580 Main St., Suite A, Dallas, OR 97338 – 6pm (Second Wednesday) [email protected] | Ext. 110 Tonya Johnson | Family Community Health 8-10 – Polk County Fair – Polk County Fairgrounds 503.373.3763 Polk SWCD is an equal opportunity provider and em- 8-10 – Cultivating Activity Tent – Polk County Fair – Free with ployer and prohibits discrimination in all its programs Mitch Lies | Cultivating Editor Admission to Fair and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual [email protected] 10 – OSU’s Benny Beaver at the Polk County Fair orientation, or marital or family status. Persons with Chrissy Lucas | Well Water Program 12-17 – OSU Extension – 4-H Wild West Camp – 4-H Center W. disabilities who require alternative means for communi- 541.766.3556 Salem cation of program information should contact the district 20 – OSU Extension – Preserving Tomatoes & Salsa Workshop office at 503.623.9680. Richard Riggs | Regional Director – OSU Extension Polk County 503.269.6389 27 – OSU Extension – Jams, Jellies, Pie Fillings…Oh My! Oregon State University Extension Service prohibits dis- crimination in all its programs, services, activities, and Christopher Scadden | SNAP Ed Workshop – Salem 971.612.0030 materials on the basis of race, color, national origin, reli- September gion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), Rachel Villwock | Front office & Comm. Horticulture Support sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, famil- 971.612.0023 2 – OSU Extension and PSWCD – Closed in observance of ial/parental status, income derived from a public assis- Labor Day tance program, political beliefs, genetic information, vet- Brad Withrow-Robinson | Forestry & Natural Resources 11 – PSWCD – Monthly Board Meeting – Polk SWCD Office – eran’s status, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights 541.766.3554 580 Main St., Suite A, Dallas, OR 97338 – 6pm activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

4 | Cultivating | Summer 2019 Contents Published June 19, 2019

Oregon’s Newest Ava Gets Its Due 6 Designed by Eagle Media Lab Q+A With Karin Published by the Itemizer-Observer Stutzman 10 Printed by Eagle Web Press CULTIVATING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES 147 SE Court Street | Dallas, OR Trees For Summer Bloom In The Garden 13 503.623.2373 www.polkio.com Well Going 14 Dry? CULTIVATING HEALTHY Stop by or give us a call to YOUTH & FAMILIES advertise in the next issue!

Summer’s A Busy Time For 4-Her’s 16

West Salem 18 Farmers’ Market

Salad Greens Provide Vitamin K 19

Las Hojas Verdes 19 Para Ensalada CULTIVATING PRODUCTIVE FARM & FOREST BUSINESS

Olea Olive Research Project 20 CULTIVATING NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION

Vineyard Owner ‘All In’ 22 For Endangered Butterfly

Efforts Continue To Eradicate Water Primrose 24

Medusahead, An 25 Invasive Annual Grass

Habitat Improvement Fund Helps Build Habitat In Eola Ridge Park 26

History Still Seen In 28 Today’s Landscape

The Understory Of Oak Habitat Management 30 Photo by Sébastien Marchand | Unsplash Photo by Morgan Paine | Unsplash

Oregon’s Newest AVA Gets Its Due

By Mitch Lies Oregon 18 and coming to a point near Chateau But the lady at the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Cultivating Editor Bianca Winery. A total of 18 vineyards are in Trade Bureau said it had to be in print.” the AVA. In the end, the winemakers and vineyard eff Havlin of Havlin Vineyards has long Difficulties in establishing a new American managers settled on Van Duzer Corridor, only known his grapes are unique to others in Viticultural Area became apparent early in the to again have difficulty finding the name in the Willamette Valley. Getting the Alcohol process, Havlin said. Take something as sim- print. and Tobacco Tax Trade Bureau to recog- ple as establishing a name. “Finding the right “I sent the lady nine different things,” Jnize that, though, was no easy proposition. name was problematic,” Merlier said. Havlin said. “She said none of those are good But, after seven years, a lot of dotted “I’s” enough. Then she called me back on Monday and crossed “T’s”, an initial rejection and a lot “Waiting and making and said, ‘I got on my government computer. of patience, Havlin and other vineyard owners sure everything was They are a little stronger than yours, and I and winemakers in the newly designated Van on track was the found it. The name is good. You can go with Duzer Corridor American Viticultural Area hardest part.” it.’ have gained their due. “This woman was so helpful,” Havlin said. “Waiting and making sure everything was Florent Merlier “She really went to bat for us. And so, we got Winemaker at Van Duzer Vineyards on track was the hardest part,” said Florent the name.” Merlier, the winemaker at Van Duzer Vine- Proving that Van Duzer Corridor grapes yards. “We were eager to get that approved as The corridor’s informal AVA committee, were different from others in the Willamette early as we could, and we fairly quickly real- which Havlin chaired, originally chose the Valley was the next step. For that, the group ized that everything takes a little bit longer.” name Perrydale Hills. According to AVA took temperature readings at the airports in Van Duzer and Havlin Vineyards are two of rules, however, a name must have historical Salem and McMinnville and compared them nine brands that make up the Van Duzer Cor- significance and only through printed ref- to temperature readings at a weather station ridor AVA. The corridor is the seventh sub-AVA erence can that be established. Finding the near Adante Vineyard, which is about one of the larger Willamette Valley AVA and the name Perrydale Hills in print proved difficult mile from Havlin’s property, northwest of nineteenth AVA in Oregon. and, ultimately, the committee was unable to Dallas. Other wineries in the roughly 36-square do so. “I had four years of numbers to show,” mile Van Duzer Corridor AVA include Firesteed “I had 18 affidavits from county people and Havlin said. Wines, Left Coast Cellars, Andante Vineyard, other government people,” Havlin said. “The Because of winds that funnel from the Ore- Chateau Bianca Winery, Namaste, Johan old guys at the museum on Highway 99 told gon Coast through the Van Duzer Corridor, the Vineyards and Holmes Gap. The AVA forms a me that is the name of this area. Folks said triangle bordered by Oregon Highway 22 and it has always been called the Perrydale Hills. See PAGE 8

6 | Cultivating | Summer 2019 The tools you need to succeed. From PAGE 6 corridor’s degree days are roughly 10 percent behind other areas of the Willamette Valley, according to the readings. “They get winds in the Eola Hills, too,” Havlin said of the adjacent AVA, “but by the time the winds get there, they are all dis- persed.” According to data that Merlier has uncov- ered, the wind speed at Van Duzer Vineyards is roughly double the average wind speed in the Willamette Valley. “You come here in the summer and the spring, and you will see that in the early after- noon, we start getting the wind,” Merlier said. “Usually by two, three o’clock in the after- noon, that really nice wind kicks in.” In addition to lowering the temperature, the winds dry out grapes, which lowers disease pressure. And, as temperature drops, grapes react by thickening skins. “I can’t tell you how many different wine- makers have come out here and said, ‘Your skins are so thick,’” Havlin said. “And that is a cool thing, because in wine grapes, that is where your color and your flavor is. Conse- quently, our wines are darker and they have more flavonoids.” In recent years, which have been relatively hot, Van Duzer Corridor grapes have had a little less sugar accumulation and a little less acid degradation than grapes in the rest of the valley, Merlier said. “That allows us as winemakers to extend maturation on the vine and create the perfect Photos by Mitch Lies Jeff Havlin of Havlin Vineyard, top, and Florent Merlier, winemaker at Van Duzer Vineyards, say wine grapes ripeness for colors and tannins,” Merlier said. grown in the newly established Van Duzer Corridor AVA have different characteristics than others in the The wind’s buffering effect also contributes Willamette Valley. to more consistency, year in and year out, Merlier said. “The average amount of degree days that online promotions, including posting an on- “For me, this area is one of the few areas we are getting now versus what we were get- line map of Van Duzer Corridor tasting rooms, within the Willamette Valley where I think we ting 30 years ago is drastically different,” he in the near future. can produce wine that is extremely balanced said, “and I think there is kind of an opening “I think it is up to us to market the area and from vintage to vintage,” Merlier said. “I think for a warmer varietal in this area. That said, create an interest in the AVA,” Merlier said. the proximity of the Van Duzer Corridor and we aren’t going to be growing Cabernet sauvi- “That may mean producing truthful wines that the buffering we get is set up like turning gnon in the next 25 years, but I think there is represent and reflect the quality that we are down some of the extremes that you might get. an opening for some Cabernet franc, for exam- producing, and also explaining to consumers “I want wine that is fruit forward, that has ple, and also for some Syrah. why we are so different and why this area is so bright expression, and I think I get that from “Obviously, it is not going to be like Rhone unique and so special for wine production.” fruit that comes from this AVA, and especially Valley Syrah, but I think it is going to be a Merlier said it may take six months before from these vineyards right here (at the Van representation of what this area can produce,” the new AVA logo starts showing up on labels. Duzer site),” he said. Merlier said. When that occurs, wine connoisseurs will have Several varietals perform well in the corri- With only nine wineries in the AVA, the Van a little better idea of the quality and unique dor, Merlier said, including, , Char- Duzer Corridor is one of the smallest AVAs in characteristics of the wine behind the label, donnay and, most notably, . With Oregon, a fact that could inhibit efforts to pro- and Van Duzer Corridor wineries will finally climate change, the corridor could see warmer mote it. Several of the corridor’s wineries are have their due. varietals in the future, he said. pooling resources, however, and hope to begin

8 | Cultivating | Summer 2019

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DISTRICT MANAGER | Polk Soil And Water Conservation District

1. What is a resource wetlands to help filter nutrients and of fire danger. Please remember that rural Q: management plan? pesticides (if associated with agriculture). fire departments have longer response Have you ever tried to visualize A new biennium of grant funding from times, limited water hydrants, and how you would like your land to OWEB for small resource management unpaved roads to travel to try and help beA: used or how it should look? A resource projects up to $15,000 will begin in June you. A great website to visit to learn about management plan is the first step to 2019. We are also working on two new wildfire prevention around your home and funding pools for 2020 with the NRCS successful land and natural resource buildings is: www.firewise.org. management. The District or our partners that will address soil health in orchards, can help you define what you want and specifically newly established hazelnuts; what the resources on your property and to continue the forest health project are capable of. We can assist you in funding pool, but with some new twists. How can I tell what kind of soil developing forestry, range, farm, wildlife, All funding sources are competitive and Q: I have? and wetland management plans, amongst must be applied for and then ranked A soil test is essential for others. Stop by and make an appointment for eligibility. Please inquire. There are determining soil type and also funding programs available for with one of our resource specialists. fertilityA: on your property. Figuring out underserved constituents. Historically underserved programs with the NRCS your soil type can help you prevent include: Beginning Farmer/Rancher unnecessary erosion, its ability to filter or Are there types of funding (operating less than 10 consecutive years), retain water, to choose the right kinds of Q: available to help me implement Veterans, Socially Disadvantaged (African plants for your soil, it’s depth to bedrock, my management plan? American, American Indian, Alaskan etc. It is a requisite to good natural The information the District Native, Asian, Hispanic, and Pacific resource management. A free on-line A: collects from our Local Working Islander), and Limited Resource Farmer/ document called the NRCS Web Soil Group meeting every January helps us Rancher (farm sales less than $176,800 Survey can teach you generally about the define the natural resource interests and family below poverty level). properties of the soil on your land and can and needs of our constituents. We try be found at: websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov to provide funding for those needs and If you would like a formal soil test, visit interests through partnering with the How can I prepare my home our website at: https://www.polkswcd. Natural Resource Conservation Service against wildfire danger? (NRCS), applying for grants through the Q: com/soil-fertilizers-and-soil-testing- Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board An often-overlooked information.html for a list of resources. (OWEB), Oregon Water Resources management plan is that for Department (OWRD), non-profit protectingA: your rural home or buildings groups, and other public and private from wildfire danger. Each year more sources. Currently we have some funding people move into or utilize previously Submit Your Questions To: for forest health projects including oak uninhabited forested or rural areas. In Polk woodland restoration, and for creating county we often have hot, dry, summer KARINSTUTZMAN vegetative10 | Cultivating buffers along| Summer waterways 2019 and weather which greatly increases the risk [email protected] I’m a full time local agent ready to help you with your Real Estate needs. We carry Garden Compost, Garden Committed, Energetic Service blended mixes, Compost blended soil for Sandra Paoli your lawns, Several sizes of Round Rock 503.580.0160 We Accept: for your lawn decor needs. We carry 2 Broker Licensed in the State of Oregon different Dry River Bed mixes of Round Rock and Crushed Rock for Driveways. Call to schedule a delivery U-haulers welcome. Call for directions www.paoliproperties.com 180 Main Street East, Monmouth Samuel Puente LAWN MAINTENANCE GOOD IS GOOD One Time or Year Round Service DESIGN BUSINESS 503-510-5410 Mowing • Tractor Services • Edging • Pruning Gutter Cleaning • Tree & Fruit Tree Trimming Bark Dust • Roof Cleaning & Pressure Washing Publications | Marketing Materials | Graphic Design Free Estimates Monmouth, OR 97361 Contact us for a free quote: 503.393.1774

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Koelreuteria paniculata Lagerstroemia Photos by Neil Bell | OSU Extension Bell Neil by Photos Trees for Summer Bloom in the Garden

By Neil Bell with abandon, so some strategy to corral the Angelica Tree OSU Extension Community Horticulturist spread of the root system might be advisable before planting. Aralia elata he list of annuals, perennials and This deciduous shrub or tree is native to even shrubs that can color the sum- Silk Tree China, far eastern Russia, Korea and Japan. mer garden is very long in each case, Albizia julibrissin Mature specimens may grow to be 45’, though so with a good complement of plant they are typically much shorter. This is an- Tchoices from these groups, it’s easy to assure This deciduous tree is native from Iran other suckering shrub/tree whose suckering bloom in the garden all summer long. And through central China. It grows quickly to 20- requires management, ideally by controlling although your choices of spring blooming trees 30’ and develops a spreading crown. It is curi- the spread of the root system. The stems are is similarly plentiful, if you are seeking a tree ous in that it is one of the last trees to leaf out upright and spiny and leaves are large and that will provide bloom in July through early in the spring, so do not be alarmed if it lags compound, giving the plant an unusual look. September, the list is quite a bit shorter. Never- behind all the other plants in your yard in The flowers are borne in broad, flat terminal theless, there are some attractive trees that will spring. The leaves are large and composed of clusters at shoot tips in mid-summer. This fulfill this role and complement the rest of the many leaflets, giving the tree a fine-textured plant is highly attractive to pollinators like garden. The list below provides a bit more detail appearance unlike anything else. The fragrant honeybees and can frequently be buzzing au- on some of these trees and their characteristics. flowers are borne in abundance and appear dibly with their activity. like pin cushions. They drop from the tree Glorybower individually as they finish blooming, so be Crepe Myrtle Clerodendrom trichotomum prepared to rake or mow them up. There are Lagerstroemia spp. several cultivars available, including ‘Summer Although not really widely planted, this Chocolate’ which has dark red leaves that These deciduous trees or shrubs are native deciduous shrub or small tree is native to turn reddish-bronze or brown. to China and Korea. Many hybrids among the Eastern China and Japan and is instantly principal species have been bred which are recognizable, even from a distance, by its Goldenrain Tree resistant to disease and also bloom well in broad dark green leaves (which are pungent Koelreuteria paniculata the Willamette Valley. These plants have very when crushed and reputed to smell like pea- attractive peeling bark, which is a major orna- nut butter) and most importantly, the fragrant This deciduous tree is native to China, mental attribute. The characteristic for which white flowers, which appear in August. The Japan and Korea and grows to 35’ tall with a they are best known, though, is the clusters scent of the flowers can carry a considerable rounded crown. The flowers are yellow and of flowers at the shoot tips in late summer distance on warm summer days. The flowers borne in clusters up to 15” in mid-summer, and fall. There are a number of very showy eventually produce blue fruit surrounded covering the canopy of the tree. There is an hybrids which are available. These include, by a red calyx. One thing to consider if you upright form of the species called ‘Fastigiata’ among others, ‘Arapaho’, ‘Dynamite’, ‘Hopi’, are thinking of this tree is that it does sucker available. ‘Natchez’ and ‘Tuscarora’.

Cultivating Sustainable Communities | 13 Well Going

By Chrissy Lucas of depression in water table aquifers. This not felt on the surface can still affect the OSU Extension Groundwater Education localized lowering of the water table can be aquifer. significant when pumping is excessive. In Sometimes limited water or issues with hile changes in an aquifer can addition, if the cones of depression for two water coming from your well can be tied to result in a well producing less or more wells overlap, well interference can the pumps we use to pull water from the water than in the past, many occur. aquifer. people overlook the possibil- In some regions, the amount of water in Wity of a pump or well construction problem. the aquifer is limited due to geology making Clogging This page will help you determine which of the groundwater resource especially vulner- these may be the cause of your problem. able to depletion. There are several areas • Wells and well components require Water tables often fluctuate naturally in Polk County that have been identified as periodic maintenance to ensure efficiency. from season to season. In general, the shal- limited water areas. This designated effects Pumps should be adequately screened. In lower the well, the greater the risk of water new development of land for housing and addition, sometimes pumps can become levels falling in response to dry conditions. other land use. clogged from small bits of debris that have This is because many shallow wells are Since wells draw water from aquifers entered the bore hole over time. Contact drawing water from surface (water table) below the earth’s surface (in some cases, your well or pump contractor to discuss aquifers that are recharged primarily through many hundreds of feet below the surface), pump maintenance. precipitation. If you are unsure if you have a the amount and accessibility of this water shallow well, check your well log or contact can be altered by geologic events including Malfunction your watermaster for assistance. earthquakes, volcanoes, and mudslides. In Another potential change in the aquifer diagnosing limited water problems, consider • While pumps can last for many years, is if overpumping is occurring. The level the possible effects from recent geologic they sometimes need to be serviced or re- of water in an aquifer can fall if water is activity. The activity may not be considered placed. If you think your pump is not func- being pumped at a rate that exceeds natu- a “large” event, but something smaller and tioning properly, contact your well or pump ral replenishment. Pumping creates a cone contractor.

14 | Cultivating | Summer 2019 Photos by Samara Doole, Markus Spiske, and Mrjn Photography | Unsplash and Mrjn Photography Spiske, Doole, Markus Samara by Photos

Pump Placement water movement (wire wrap screens are usu- of water pressure may also indicate well in- ally preferable to slotted screens). efficiencies or problems with your pressure • Pumping a well will cause a cone of de- • Bacterial deposits (e.g. iron bacteria) tank. pression to form in unconfined aquifers. • If you know your well is shallow and • Talk to neighbors who may be drawing • If the water level within the cone of you have had water supply problems in the water from the same aquifer. The more in- depression drops below the depth of your past, you might consider deepening your formation you have about the water level in pump you will be temporarily unable to well. If at all possible, contact the original your aquifer, the better prepared you and reach water. Decreased water demand will contractor who constructed your well. your neighbors will be for ensuring that your allow the water level to rise again if the If your well is unable to meet your domes- water needs are met. aquifer is not already depleted. tic water needs you will need to consider • Protect your pump. If you have not al- • In some cases your pump can be low- either deepening the existing well or drilling ready done so, you can install an automatic ered to increase access to aquifer water. a new well. DO NOT attempt to deepen your low-flow shutoff switch (“pump saver”) that Consult with a well or pump contractor to well or construct a new well without the will protect your pump in the event of a dry determine if this is an option. help of a licensed well contractor. DO NOT well. This shutoff can be easily installed in Sometimes limited water can be a result pour water from another source into your the control box for your well pump and typi- of issues with the well itself, all wells may be well. Your well is connected to an aquifer cally costs under $150. put in to the same construction standards, and is not a storage device. • Additional water storage devices. Stor- but wear differently over time. age devices such as above ground holding • Decreased well efficiency can sometimes NEVER EXPERIENCED WATER tanks and underground cisterns may provide be associated with the following: needed water while allowing more time for • Deposits in the well bore hold (this can ISSUES? MAKE SURE TO MONITOR! the aquifer to recharge during the dry peri- occur naturally and over time the deposits • Note changes in water pressure. Re- ods. need to be cleaned out). duced water pressure may be a forewarn- Adapted from http://wellwater.oregon- • A well that was never fully developed ing of a lowered water table and aquifer state.edu/limited-water • Inappropriate screening to allow for free depletion. However, keep in mind that loss

Cultivating Sustainable Communities | 15 chools out; summer’s here. For most kids that means a fun carefree summer of sleep- ing in, video games, skate boarding and playing with family and friends. But if you’re in 4-H, it’s one of the bus- Siest times of year. We’ve got kids going every direction: attending a weeklong stay at Oregon State University for Summer Conference, youth experience campus life, living in the dorms, eating in the cafeteria and taking classes in college classrooms. We’ve got younger members participating at 4-H camp at the 4-H Center in West Salem. The end of June, our shooting sports members will take part in their state tournament, working towards a national trip to Grand Island, Nebraska, for next year. Don’t miss our Polk County Fair, August 8th, 9th and 10th at the Polk County Fair- By Susan Busler grounds in Rickreall. We’ll have over 350 Summer’s a Busy OSU Extension 4-H 4-H members exhibiting over 2,200 proj- Youth Development ects. They’ll be judged by qualified judges from across the state on their efforts and Time for 4-Her’s receive ribbons, trophies, and cash prizes for all their hard work.

Don’t miss our Polk County Fair, August 8th, 9th and 10th at the Polk County Fairgrounds in Contributed Rickreall. Photos | Oregon State University Members gain a wide array of basic living skills that will prepare them well for Summertime is the busiest what lies ahead as an adult. They learn time of year responsibility through caring for their for 4-H youth animals; they learn time management as participants. Youth they work on getting their entries and proj- participate ects completed on time. They gain skills in camp, tournaments, in teamwork, leadership and tenacity as conference they work together as a club vying for their and fair. club herdsmanship (barn housekeeping) awards. Above all they’ll learn sportsman- ship – how to be a grateful winner as well as graceful loser. Their public speaking skills will serve them well in adulthood. With all these busy events and a whole lot more throughout the summer, most of our 4-Her’s look forward to school starting so they can get a chance to rest from their busy summer. If you want to share your talents as a leader or get your school-age child (K-12) involved in 4-H, our new 4-H program year begins on October 1st. Come on in to the Polk County Extension Office, 289 East Ellendale, Suite 301, to find out all the op- portunities available in 4-H. You can also go on line to our Extension webpage to see all the projects offered in 4-H. Complete a member-interest survey and we’ll work to find a club for you. Watch our webpage as well as Facebook page for our 4-H STEP (Short-Term Educational Programs) classes.

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WEST SALEM FARMERS’ MARKET Cross-sector collaborations foster success!

By Tonya Johnson and OSU Extension Service. Due to strong healthy living in our area. The market is OSU Extension Family Community Health cross-sector collaboration and local business open to everyone in the community, pro- sponsorships, the market opened July 5, moting diversity and acceptance among all orn out of an idea to increase access 2018 and ran weekly for 13 weeks averaging supporters. The market hosts a variety of to fresh fruits and vegetables in the 22 stalls per week. Neighbors, passersby, vendors highlighting items grown or hand- Edgewater District, the West Salem vendors, sponsors, and partners shared how made in the Willamette Valley, including Farmers Market is back for a second much they enjoyed the market. Not only did Pharaoh’s Farm and Stella B Naturals from Bseason of food, fun and festivities. the market increase access to fresh fruits and Polk County. There are also information Edgewater is home to Northwest Human vegetables, it built community! booths promoting community resources, Services (NWHS), a federally qualified health With the support of partners and spon- and OSU Extension Service will offer food center whereby 66 percent of clients live at sors, the market returned for its second demonstrations, Food Hero recipes, and tips or below the 200 percent poverty level, and season on May 2nd. It will continue to to safely preserve the bounty! 44 percent live in a food desert. Recognizing take place every Thursday from 9:30-1:30 Please join us once again at the West that poverty and food insecurity lead to poor pm through September 12th. The Market is Salem Farmers Market - Thursdays May 2 - health outcomes, NWHS desired to work up- located in the greenway along Edgewater September 12 from 9:30-1:30pm. Don’t forget stream to increase access to fruits and vege- Street, between Gerth and Kingwood Streets to stop by on June 13 to enjoy a special event tables at or near the health center. in Salem – directly across the street from activity for all ages – one not to be missed! In March 2018, partners gathered togeth- Northwest Human Services. Special events We look forward to seeing you there! er with NWHS to explore the feasibility of are planned for the second Thursday of each Need additional info? Find details and bringing a farmers’ market to the Edgewater month. upcoming events at www.facebook.com/ District. Partners included a neighbor- In this second year, partners hope to edgewaterpartership or at https://www. hood-building group called Edgewater Part- continue to bring the Edgewater community salemcommunitymarkets.com/thursday-mar- ners, NWHS, Salem Community Markets, together to support local vendors, to build ket.html City of Salem, Salem Leadership Foundation, relationships and vibrancy, and to support

18 | Cultivating | Summer 2019 Salad Las hojas Greens verdes Provide para Vitamin K ensalada By Carly Kristofik OSU Extension SNAP-ed

Photo by Nadine Primeau | Unsplash

as hojas verdes para ensalada son una fuente excelente de FoodHero.org vitamina K, lo que ayuda detener el sangrado Cuando compre hojas verdes para ensalada busque hojas alad greens are an excellent source of vitamin K, which L frescas y que no se están marchitando o echando a perder. helps stop bleeding. When shopping for salad greens look Compre una cantidad que pueda utilizar dentro de una semana for leaves that are fresh and show no signs of wilting or aproximadamente. Cabezas enteras de lechuga podrían costar menos S spoiling. Buy an amount that you can use within about que los paquetes de hojas verdes listas para comer y kits de ensal- a week. Whole heads of lettuce might cost less than containers of adas. Busque en un mercado de agricultores o un puesto de granja ready-to-eat greens and salad kits. Check a farmers’ market or farm para una variedad de hojas verdes frescas en temporada. stand for a variety of local fresh greens in season. Cuando los niños ayudan a preparar los bocadillos, son más pro- When kids help make healthy food, they are more likely to try it. pensos a probarlos. Show kids how to: Enséñeles a los niños a:

• Swish greens in a bowl of water to remove dirt. • Revolver las hojas en un recipiente con agua para quitar la tierra. • Peel or cut fruit or veggies. • Pelar o cortar las frutas o las verduras. • Measure and stir ingredients for salad dressings. • Medir y revolver los ingredientes para un aderezo para ensaladas. Try making this Food Hero’s Spring Green Salad and Food He- Trate de hacer la Ensalada de Primavera y el Aderezo Ranchero ro’s Ranch Dressing at home with your kids. For more Salad Greens de Héroe de Alimentos en casa con sus niños. Para más recetas con recipes visit FoodHero.org. hojas verdes visite FoodHero.org/es.

Cultivating Healthy Youth & Families | 19 Photo by Erica Chernoh More than 50 olive growers and potential olive growers joined OSU for a meeting about the current state of olive production in Oregon. Olea Olive Research Project

OSU Olea Olive informal conversations about the current state The Olea Project looks forward to hosting of olive production in Oregon. similar events in the future. We have been Research Project Host At the meeting, the Olea Project gave up- busy with several research trials and it was Grower Meeting dates on research progress and fielded ques- exciting to share the initial findings with tions from growers and anyone interested in interested parties. If you are interested in By Erica Chernoh growing olives. The meeting was a chance learning more about the project, please visit OSU Extension Small Farms for growers, both new and existing, to learn our website at blogs.oregonstate.edu/olives. more about opportunities to participate in n April 19th 2019, the Oregon State Uni- collaborative research and to give feedback versity Olea Olive Research Project and to the Olea Project. A panel discussion was the Mid-Willamette Valley Small Farms held with three growers, Paul Durant, Myron OProgram hosted the first annual Oregon Olive Redford, and Tom Vail, who are currently Growers Meeting for new and potential olive producing olives in Oregon. They shared growers in Oregon. The gathering, which took their experiences, including the challenges, place at the Marion County Extension Office in of growing olives in Oregon, and answered Salem, was an opportunity for olive growers, questions from the audience of prospective industry partners, and OSU Extension to have new growers.

20 | Cultivating | Summer 2019 Interior, Exterior, Home or Business Pressure Washing. No on site water needed!

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EVERYTHING IS DESIGNED. FEW THINGS ARE DESIGNED WELL.

Publications Graphic Design Marketing Materials Contact us for a free quote: eaglemedialab.com Vineyard Owner ‘All In’ for Endangered Butterfly By Mitch Lies Cultivating Editor

olk County wine grape grower Havlin went through a similar process lupines before reemerging the following Jeff Havlin thought he knew in 2017, this time shortening the duration spring to again feed on fresh lupine leaf- what he was getting into in 2016 the plants were in pots, only to watch lets, eventually reemerging as a butterfly when he agreed to provide hab- them die again. to restart the cycle. itat for Fender’s blue butterfly. “My contact at the Institute for Ap- Havlin was informed that his property All of his skills gained through plied Ecology told me the weather wasn’t could provide a well-positioned breed- PMaster Gardener training and grape conducive that year and that nobody got ing ground for the butterfly by a Fish growing, however, were tested. anything,” Havlin said. and Wildlife Service biologist, who was Growing Kincaid’s lupine, the pre- So, Havlin repeated his efforts in 2018. on Havlin’s vineyard to talk about pre- ferred host for the endangered butterfly, “I’ll be darned if we didn’t get a nice serving the oak savannah that rims his it turns out, is much harder than he little stand,” he said. “They lived all property. imagined. Even getting the seed was dif- summer, and I guess we’ll see now if Far from being discouraged by the dif- ficult, but Havlin eventually found seed they live through another year.” ficulties he’s encountered in establishing through the Institute for Applied Ecology, Fender’s blue butterfly was thought Kincaid’s lupine, Havlin said his interests an organization out of Corvallis. to be extinct from 1937 until it was redis- in preserving the butterfly have only in- “I figured like other seeds in the pea covered in the Willamette Valley in 1989. creased since he started on the project. family that you rough up the seed coat, According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife “I’m all in,” he said. “I know I’m going then cold treat them, plant them and Service, it currently occupies 32 sites in to make it work. I don’t care it if takes they will grow,” he said. Yamhill, Polk, Benton and Lane counties. me until I fall over. I have the land, I Havlin and his wife, Ling, placed Much like milkweed is for the mon- have the plants, and it is kind of like that the roughed-up seeds in a refrigerator arch butterfly, Kincaid’s lupine is critical movie: If you grow it, they will come.” between two sheets of paper towels, got to the survival of Fender’s blue butterfly. If any doubt persists about his resolve, them to sprout, planted them in pots, The butterfly lays its eggs on the lupine; note that Havin recently changed his watered them up, only to watch the the lupine’s nectar provides food for its vineyard’s name. Havlin Vineyards is plants die by year’s end. larvae; larvae overwinter at the base of now Fender’s Rest.

22 | Cultivating | Summer 2019 Photo by The Nature Conservancy

Cultivating Natural Resource Conservation | 23 Efforts Continue to Eradicate Water Primrose

Photos by Jackson Morgan | ODA Example of Ludwigia mats and loss of habitat; Ludwigia close up

many of our currently listed endangered plants is home to over 600 acres of federally protected Actively Treating Invasive and animals. Fortunately, Oregon isn’t currently wetlands that provide ample habitat to over Species in Polk County faced with an infestation similar to that being 200 species of birds and waterfowl, the intro- experienced in areas such as the Great Lakes duction of this species represents a substantial By Jackson Morgan region regarding Asian Carp, or in the Southern threat to suitable habitat. Although unsure of Associate Farm Specialist U.S. with Burmese Pythons and Kudzu, but we how it arrived at the refuge, the working the- Polk SWCD do have our share of invasive species that we ory is that an aquarium containing Ludwigia are actively fighting against. Hexapetala as a decorative plant, was dumped ith the current level of global inter- The Polk Soil and Water Conservation Dis- into Morgan Lake, which helps to feed Baskett connectivity, the introduction of In- trict is currently in its second year of funding Slough proper and its associated wetlands. vasive plants and animals that cause for the treatment of one of those species, In several months, when the water levels millions of dollars’ worth of damage, recede within Baskett Slough NWR, contractors Wand cost millions more to begin to control, is to Many of the damages and staff with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser- be expected. The most commonly referenced associated with invasive vice will begin chemical treatment of all known research on the topic (Pimental et. Al. 2005) species are easy to patches of Ludwigia. Between 2017 and 2018, states that invasive species cost the United quantify, but the these treatments resulted in a 30 percent reduc- States upwards of $120 billion in damages each ecological damages are tion in Ludwigia presence. Given the efficacy year; Whether tucked away in a pallet coming hard to put a price on. of these treatments, and the intensive man- internationally, hidden in firewood, or inten- agement possible within the wetlands, those tionally brought in as pets or for landscaping Ludwigia Hexapetala, more commonly known associated with the project are optimistic about purposes, human activity has been responsible as water primrose or Uruguay water primrose. controlling and eradicating the species in the for the introduction of many of these species. Ludwigia is an aquatic plant initially brought near future. While no stranger to other parts of Many of the damages associated with into Oregon for “pondscaping” purposes that the state including the main stem of the Willa- invasive species are easy to quantify (loss of forms dense mats in waterways, out compet- mette river, the infestation of Baskett Slough is product value, increased management/eradi- ing native vegetation, and reducing available the only known presence of Ludwigia within cation costs, etc.) but the ecological damages oxygen for native fish. A native to South and Polk County, if you suspect otherwise, or aren’t are hard to put a price on. Invasive plants and Central America, Ludwigia Hexapetala was first quite sure about what you’re seeing in your wa- animals threaten devastation of our natural identified at the Baskett Slough National Wild- terways, don’t hesitate to give me a call, and I’ll areas, our native species and unfortunately, life Refuge in the fall of 2016. As Baskett Slough do my best to get to the bottom of it!

24 | Cultivating | Summer 2019 Medusahead Poses Multiple Risks To Western Landscapes

Photo by Matt Lavin | Flickr Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae).

By Karin Stutzman Medusahead’s competitive approach is drill in new preferred forage or use a lawn Polk SWCD District Manager such that once it has matured and produced aerator and hand toss desired perennial spe- seed, it dies and creates a thick thatch layer cies into the holes. edusahead (Taeniatherum ca- that doesn’t breakdown easily. The seeds There are a variety of methods one can put-medusae), an invasive annual are well adapted to growing up through this use to control medusahead populations early grass species, is now being found thatch, but many desirable forage grasses on, including prescribed burning, mowing in the Willamette Valley, right here and forbs cannot. A thick layer of highly and tilling in the fall, heavy grazing at the Min Polk County. Why should you worry? If combustible fine fuels can develop if un- right time of year, using an herbicide that you own or manage naturalized open space, checked, just waiting for a fire to catch hold has been approved for use in Oregon, such pastureland, vineyards, oak woodlands or of it and create the perfect threat to you, as imazapic, or using an integrated approach oak savannah, please read this article. your crops, livestock, wildlife, and buildings of these methods. If you would like more Medusahead, among other invasive located on your property. Not only does the information on controlling invasive annual annual grass species, has been changing risk for wildfire increase, but the spread of grasses, the District has a variety of resourc- the western landscape of the Great Basin, this invasive annual grass, reduces quality es for you to read on our website at: https:// including states such as Utah, Nevada, Cali- forage for cattle and other livestock because www.polkswcd.com/invasive-species-watch. fornia, and Oregon, since 1887. It has slowly of its high silica content and short growing html made its way into the Willamette Valley. window. It also outcompetes flower produc- This highly competitive grass germinates in ing forbs thereby reducing pollinator habitat. late-summer and winter, develops its roots It is cost prohibitive for most land man- This article was adapted from these publi- over winter and begins to grow in late win- agers to have to restore, replant, and reseed cations: 1. DiTomaso, Kyser, McDougald, et al. ter, long before desirable perennials start to large areas. Once established the annual Medusahead Control. University of California grow in the springtime. They use up valu- grass seeds can remain established in seed Cooperative Extension. 2. Bayer CropScience LP, able moisture and nutrients at a time when banks in the soil for many years. If you Environmental Science Division. Esplanade 200 most perennial grasses are still “sleeping” so can catch the spread of medusahead early SC Herbicide, Stewardship Guide for Release or that by the time they are ready to wake up enough and reduce the seed bank, already Restoration of Desirable Vegetation in Natural and grow, there isn’t much energy for them established perennial grass and forbs may Areas. Version 6-6-2018. to utilize. have time to repopulate the area. Or you can Habitat Improvement Fund Helps Build Habitat in Eola Ridge Park

Project Building Habitat in Eola Ridge Park By Glen Gibson Watershed Council Member

Improving Habitat at Eola Ridge Park.

he Salem Electric Habitat Im- encourages gardening with native plants Park users and neighbors should notice provement Fund (HIP) has pro- that require less water and no chemicals to increased use of this park by hummingbirds, vided funding for the purchase of thrive. butterflies, dragonflies, honeybees and other native seed and plants for the new For the new Eola Ridge Park pollinator pollinators. Tpollinator garden at Eola Ridge Park. The garden, Marion County Community Service A big THANK YOU to all partners includ- Glenn and Gibson Creeks Watershed Coun- ing Salem Electric HIP donors, City of Salem cil (GGCWSC) is partnering with the City of We especially care about Parks Operations, Marion County Corrections Salem to increase pollinator habitat in Salem pollinators because we and neighbors of Eola Ridge Park for making Parks. This is an important environmental are dependent on them this project possible. issue due to recently documented sharp de- to pollinate our food, fiber Salem Electric members wishing to con- clines in all insects. We especially care about and flower crops. tribute to the HIP may do so at the Salem pollinators because we are dependent on Electric website www.salemelectric.com/ them to pollinate our food, fiber and flower crews prepared the garden soil and plant- members/habitat-improvement-program crops. ed native plants to provide habitat for polli- All donations to this program go directly The insect decline is thought to be related nators. The pollinator garden will be a beau- to habitat improvement projects in West to pesticide use so the watershed council tiful addition to Eola Ridge Park. Eola Ridge Salem watersheds.

26 | Cultivating | Summer 2019 Photo by Kyle Glenn | Unsplash

The pollinator garden will be a beautiful addition to Eola Ridge Park. Eola Ridge Park users and neighbors should notice increased use of this park by hummingbirds, butterflies, dragonflies, honeybees and other pollinators.

Cultivating Natural Resource Conservation | 27 Oaks from earlier wet savannas stand in modern grass seed field.

History Still Seen in Today’s Landscape

28 Photo| Cultivating by Adam | Adobe Stock | Summer 2019 Photos by Brad Withrow-Robinson Brad by Photos

This erratic rock was one of several used as pillars This piece of grey granite was another supporting an old barn in North Albany. unusual rock under the barn.

Big events of the past can still be seen in the landscape and vegetation today

By Brad Withrow-Robinson Forestry & Natural Resources Extension Agent, Benton, Linn and Polk Counties

was recently on a tour where tal ice sheet moved down along the mountains southern valley floor is dominated by heavy, we looked at how growing con- near today’s Idaho/Montana boarder. There it poorly drained clay , reflected historically ditions, productivity and plant blocked the Clark Fork River with a massive by the vast wet prairies and savannas (also communities all change across wall of ice, which formed Glacial Missoula promoted by frequent fires). It is reflected the landscape according to ele- Lake. The lake was almost 3,000 square miles today in the dominance of crops which are vation, soils, rainfall, aspect and and up to 2,000 feet deep, and held as much tolerant of wet ground, such as grass seed. other factors. These are often in- water as both lakes Erie and Ontario do today. Of our trees, oak and ash like these soils, but cluded in the term “site produc- Eventually the lake built up to a point when conifers struggle. tivity”. These factors give important insights to the dam failed catastrophically, sending a So what does our rock at Erratic Rock Ithe ability of a site to support different types of huge surge of water rushing across the land- State Natural Site have to do with this? Well, plants, and also how well they will grow there. scape of eastern Washington. It raged towards along with all the soil swept from Eastern This capacity to produce biomass, or support the ocean, scouring out Washington’s coulees Washington, the Missoula floodwaters carried tree growth is often expressed in the important and channeled scablands, battered the Co- icebergs, remnants of its glacial imprisonment forestry concept of site class as described in lumbia Gorge (where it flowed nearly 1,000 in Montana. Embedded in the icebergs were this article. feet deep), and spread out into the Willamette, rocks from Canada and Montana. After being We traveled from near the crest of the forming a large lake. This happened not once, swept into the valley, the icebergs ran aground Coast Range back to the Valley floor to watch but repeatedly, perhaps dozens of times over near the edge of the lake, and eventually changes in site class and vegetation. Our final centuries. dropped their payload as they melted, often stop was a rock sitting on a small hill beside a These violently roiling waters carried dirt a hundred feet or more above today’s valley vineyard in Yamhill County, looking out across and debris scoured from Washington and the floor. The number and distribution of these the Willamette Valley. Gorge into the Willamette valley. This heavy glacial erratic rocks helps illustrate the extent It is a large rock (about 90 tons), unrelated sediment load settled out as the water slowed of the floods, which reached up to near 400 to any of the bedrock of the hill. This rock and flowed up the Valley towards present day feet above sea level today. That means Eugene helps tell a story of events during the last ice Eugene, dropping layers of soil on the valley would have been lakeside real estate during age that shaped the Willamette valley and its floor now 100 feet deep or more. Larger, heavi- the floods 12,000 years ago, and Corvallis and historic vegetation. It influences the present, er particles settled first in the lower valley. Albany would have been under a couple hun- largely agricultural, vegetation as well. Finer clay particles stayed suspended and dred feet of water. Wow. Near the end of last ice age (between 10,000 were carried farther up the valley. This is re- That puts the April 2019 floods into per- and 15,000 years ago), a finger of the continen- flected in the soils of the Valley. The mid and spective, doesn’t it?

Cultivating Natural Resource Conservation | 29 THE UNDERSTORY OF OAK HABITAT MANAGEMENT

Photo by NRCS Plant Material Center Corvallis Native Forbs flowering within a test plot.

By Marc Bell for native insects which in turn both pollinate 5-10 pounds per acre, it is important to choose Resource Conservationist other species and are a high protein food the right mixes and application rates! Polk SWCD source for a variety of resident oak habitat The results of the study showed that appli- bird species in the critical spring transition cations of herbicide and mechanical mowing he Natural Resource Conservation from juvenile to adult, as well as fuel for mi- of sites repeatedly over the first year after re- Service (NRCS) and the Polk SWCD gration later in the fall season. lease are critical to preventing a re-infestation have encouraged landowners and The NRCS Plant Material Center in Corvallis of blackberry and non-native velvetgrass, tall funded programs and projects to conducted two multiyear studies in Yamhill fescue, bromes and oxeye daisy. Areas with no Tenhance and restore Oak savanna and wood- and Polk county on abandoned orchard and follow up weed control or seed were essential- lands for many years. The most critical step in pasture lands, as well as unmanaged oak ly native-free within a short period of time. No Oak restoration involves reducing competition stands, to research oak release mixes of native seed control plots were dominated by non-na- to ensure heathy oak trees for years to come. flowers and grass seed so land managers can tive grasses, blackberry and scotch broom. Fir, maple and other tree species can quickly Seeding native mixes of 35 percent grass outgrow the long lived and slow growing species and 65 percent forbs at 5 and 7.5 lb/ oaks, shading them out and reducing the ac (30 and 50 seeds/ft2) faired equally as well oak’s ability to survive, much less grow read- competing with weed species but adjusting to ily. These programs continue to help private 10 lb/ac total (70 seed/ft2) made a significant landowners release their ailing oaks but what difference, weed coverage was reduced to 21 comes after that? percent from the near 70 percent weed species Even “dense” oak woodlands are not of the other two treatments. The most tena- meant to have a closed canopy; after a release cious and readily germinating natives found is done, significant additional solar energy were California oatgrass, Roemer’s fescue, reaches the forest floor, warming the soil, yarrow, rosy seablush, selfheal, and meadow spurring additional germination and vege- checkermallow. Armed with this knowledge tative growth in the understory. To no one’s private land managers can ensure their native surprise, this means a large number of weed seed budget goes as far as it can by including and exotic or agricultural grasses can grow these species as a large portion of their mix. significantly, especially since releasing the find the most effective mixes to prevent the Low level seeding trails resulted in natives oaks likely has disturbed the soil and left bare spread of invasive species into recently re- finding small purchase among the weeds, but ground patches. A released oak stand without leased oak stands. These studies are critically by densely seeding natives, land managers native grasses or flowering species is only half important not only for the ecological benefit were able to see significant native species of the equation for oak habitat enhancement. but also because of the economic costs. With dominance with some weeds present. The An understory filled with native species is tailored native seed mixes of native plants data from this study and others that can not only more diverse than sites dominated available commercially, landowners can ex- help land managers ensure their efforts and by one, two or three invasive species but also pect prices of some mixes upwards of $130 budgets go as far as possible are available by provides resources critical oaks habitat wild- and $160 per pound of seed for premium contacting the NRCS Plant Material Center in life. Native flowering species in particular play mixes with up to 15 species of natives in them. Corvallis, the Polk SWCD or NRCS staff in Dal- a critical role of providing nectar resources As native seed is suggested to be spread at las for more information.

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