Being protected as a natural area wasn't an ending point for the 14-acre White Oak Savanna in West Linn; it was a new beginning. So it's fitting that, last week, nearly 200 young people helped plant native plants donated by West Linn residents and harvested three young oak seedlings to receive tender loving care.
The White Oak Savanna, which was purchased in part with a Metro Nature in Neighborhoods grant, preserves valuable wildlife habitat as well as spectacular views for commuters traveling Interstate 205. It is one of a dozen grant projects that have received support from Metro's voter-approved 2006 natural areas bond measure.
Protecting the White Oak Savanna has brought together a wide array of partners, including local businesses, neighbors and the nonprofit group Neighbors for a Livable West Linn. Land was purchased with funds from Metro, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and the City of West Linn. Supporters are raising money to protect an additional 6 acres of significant wildlife habitat at the site.
Last Thursday, students from West Linn High School and Willamette Primary School bundled up in rain jackets to help give 186 native plants a new home at the savanna. They also dug up three oak seedlings, which will receive specialized care for the next year at the federal Bureau of Land Management's Horning Native Plant Center in Colton. When the oaks are bigger and stronger, they'll be planted at oak restoration sites – including, for one lucky oak, a homecoming at the White Oak Savanna.