Habitat enhancements

Work underway and planned through 2010 will enhance habitat on 38 floodplain acres. Increased seasonal flows and plantings in the side channel will, over time, mature into better aquatic habitat for spring Chinook salmon, western pond turtle, northern red-legged frog and more. 
By planting native streamside grasses, wildflowers, shrubs and trees, the improved floodplain habitat will not only filter sediment-laden floodwaters but also benefit a host of species, such as butterflies, foxes, migratory birds (e.g., yellow warbler) and grass-nesting birds (e.g., western meadowlark, Oregon’s state bird).  

Specific objectives

There are four restoration objectives for our work on these 38 acres in the South Meadow floodplain. Click here to view the site plan. 

Objective #1: Increase the frequency and duration of side channel flows to improve aquatic habitat on 4.5 acres.
Currently, river water enters the inlet to the ¾-mile-long side channel about 2 days per year on average. By contrast, the lower ¼-mile of the side channel is watered year-round. 
In Summer 2009, we will lower (by excavation) a second existing inlet, increasing the volume and frequency of flows into the side channel to an average of 25 days per year.  Two short side channel segments will also be lowered to facilitate flows. We will then sow and plant native seed and shrubs in the excavated areas.
Benefits: More frequent flows will restore a key ecological process in floodplains. Increased flows will transport gravel,  logs, and maintain the channel over time to provide important off-channel fish habitat, and improve water quality. 

Objective #2: Restore prairie and create turtle nesting habitat using excavated soils on 10 acres.
Mt. Pisgah hosts the largest successfully reproducing population of Western pond turtles in the Willamette basin. However, less than one percent of historic pond turtle populations remain in the Willamette watershed (Holland, 1994). 
Soil removed from the side channel will be used on a 10-acre area where we will convert exotic perennial pasture grass to upland prairie.  Adjacent to the side channel, we will create upland turtle nesting habitat and seasonal “vernal” pools.
Benefits: Native grasses and wildflowers will provide host plants for butterflies, forage for migratory birds, and meadow habitat for grass-nesting birds. Turtles could nest on south facing, grassy uplands, adjacent to backwater.

Objective #3: Control invasive weeds to improve habitat quality for key fish and wildlife species on 8 acres.
We work to improve habitat in accord with recommendation of the Oregon Conservation Strategy, a statewide plan published in 2006 by the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (see www.bufordpark.org/planning.)  Invasive weed control continues across the entire 200-acre site, but intensive effort is targeting the ¾-mile-long side channel corridor. After weeds are controlled, we will sow native seed from our nursery. We will also plant native wildflowers salvaged by volunteers from areas of excavation.
Benefits: This objective helps restore a diversity of native “ecotypes” and protects earlier investments in native plantings, while improving habitat for key species, such as the western pond turtle, great blue heron, and northern red-legged frog. 

Objective #4: Plant native grasses and wildflowers under native trees and shrubs on 16 acres.
Between 1999 and 2002, we planted trees and shrubs on 30 acres to restore riparian forest.  However, the exotic pasture grass, such as tall fescue and meadow foxtail, dominated the understory on these floodplain “terraces.” Studies on other sites show these exotics species stunt native tree growth, and mowing to suppress weeds is required.
Using several methods, including propane heat treatments, we are removing the exotic grasses. In Spring 2009, we seeded the treatment areas with native wildflowers and grasses. 
Benefits: The restored understory wildflowers will not only be far more beautiful, it will increase the diversity of plant and wildlife habitat and reduce our maintenance costs.
Together, these four objectives are designed to restore ecological processes and habitat diversity to benefit a variety of aquatic and terrestrial species.  The planned trail system will improve access and interpretation on the site.  
During excavation planned for late summer 2009, the South Meadow will be temporarily closed. We appreciate your patience during these brief closures, as we labor to enhance habitats and trails for all of us to enjoy.

South Meadow trail improvements

We’re raising funds for the interpretive floodplain forest trail network (see The Rookery, Spring 2008).   The design includes two footbridges over side channels, a wetland overlook, and wildlife viewing blind. We will begin building these elements as funds are secured. The trail network will incorporate an existing service road and “natural” mowed paths through the floodplain prairie and recently planted forests. The trail is intended to provide different experiences of Mt. Pisgah’s diverse habitats, while also educating about floodplain habitats.
If you are interested in assisting with or donating to this trail project, email Ronnel Curry or call 541-344-8350.

Restored South Meadow Floodplains Benefit Fish & Wildlife Water Quality

Friends of Buford Park & Mt. Pisgah stewards 250 floodplain acres, including enhancing over 70 acres of diverse habitats with more than 70 different species of native plants. We restored flows into side channels and created backwaters that benefit fish, turtles and other aquatic species.

Above, receding floodwaters on November 20, 1996 revealed multiple side channels on the South Meadow. The side channel in the center of the floodplain was the main stem in the 1850s. 

Phase I (2003) also excavated and planted this channel segment (above) to connect two side channels on the site, increase complexity and lengthen the channel.

A winter steelhead (above) seeks refuge or spawning habitat in a stream on Buford Park, upstream from the South Meadow side channel complex.

Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife biologists (above) monitor aquatic species in the newly restored backwater habitat.