Click the image to go to a video about restoration efforts at Graham Oaks Opening this weekend, Graham Oaks Nature Park is returning to its roots – literally. This 250-acre site was once a rich habitat where birds flocked, mammals prowled and camas lily bloomed. But until recently, the land had been cleared of its native habitat and replaced with hundreds of acres of agricultural crops.
White oak savannas were once the distinguishing feature of the Willamette Valley before pioneers and future generations of Oregonians removed them to make room for farming, industrial and residential development. Over time, the land at Graham Oaks was developed into agricultural land and the once-plentiful oaks began disappearing rapidly, leaving one solitary oak standing.
In 2001, Metro purchased Graham Oaks using funds from a voter-approved bond measure designed to protect natural areas across the Portland metropolitan area. Voters approved a second bond measure in 2006, including funds to develop three nature parks. One, Graham Oaks, received additional support from Wilsonville's "local share" portion of the bond measure and an Oregon State Parks and Recreation grant.
Six years after purchasing the property, Metro worked with partners, volunteers and contractors to replant 135 acres of wheat and clover with more than 100 million seeds of wildflowers and grasses. In winter 2008, Metro planted 150,000 trees and shrubs historically found in the Willamette Valley, including thousands of oaks. The new plantings are marked with plastic mesh or pale blue, solid tubes to discourage deer from browsing.
Over time, the young plants will recreate historic oak and pine woodland and savanna, and replenish wetlands and conifer forests. Species such as the Western bluebird, which rely on oaks and prairies, will benefit from changes to the park.
Graham Oaks Nature Park opens on Saturday, Sept. 18 – a legacy of the natural areas bond measures and all the people, wildlife and plants that came before.