Wetland Prairie History & Ecology
Once an abundant ecosystem within the Willamette Valley, native wetland prairies have declined dramatically in extent since the mid-1800s due to a variety of factors including agricultural conversion, urbanization, drainage, and colonization by invasive and woody vegetation.
Click images below to learn about what makes this threatened ecosystem unique.
An understanding of reference conditions, and the land management practices that formed them, are crucial for effective restoration projects.
Ecological considerations, species composition, and wildlife habitat improvement, are key tenants of most restoration plans.
Hydrology, topography, and geology are some of the chief determining factors in wetland species composition and ecology.