Calendar

Tour our new ground for growing native plants for seed production at OSU’s Vegetable Research Farm with IAE Restoration Ecologist Ian Silvernail, and discuss how this fits into conservation efforts in Oregon. We will discuss horticultural challenges associated with growing native prairie species for seed and see the plants we have currently in production.  This tour is for anyone with an interest in growing native species.

Meet promptly at 5 at the NE corner of Hwy 34 and Electric Road just east of the Willamette River.  The farm field is located about 2 minutes from that intersection, and we will caravan together to our destination.

Email Ian Silvernail at ian@appliedeco.org with questions or to RSVP.

Join IAE’s Executive Director Tom Kaye to learn about the importance and value of prairies, their losses, and the Institute for Applied Ecology’s work to restore them. This slide presentation will be at the Main Meeting Room at the Corvallis Public Library. No RSVP is needed, and light refreshments will be served. This event is part of the Natural Areas Celebration Week organized by the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition.

Kick off your Mother’s Day by celebrating Mother Earth – come see the beautiful golden paintbrush population in bloom (Castilleja levisecta), and hear about the successes of native plant reintroductions in general and golden paintbrush in particular. Learn about the Institute for Applied Ecology’s internship program for early-career ecologists.
We will meet at the Woodpecker Loop Trailhead, Finley National Wildlife Refuge south of Corvallis, Oregon, promptly at 10 am. Kid friendly; sorry, no dogs. For information or to RSVP, email michelw@appliedeco.org.

Please join the Institute for Applied Ecology, Alliance for Recreation and Natural Areas, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians and the U.S. Forest Service on May 18th at the Marys Peak summit for our annual conifer sapling pull. This is a great opportunity to see one of Oregon’s most spectacular sites, meet new friends and help preserve a truly unique ecosystem. Mid-elevation prairies are continually threatened by conifer encroachment and invasive non-native species. Removing these species is critical for the preservation and maintenance of this special place.

This is a rain or shine event, so dress accordingly.

• When: May 18th from 10:00am – 2:00pm
• Where: Marys Peak summit parking lot
• Work to be completed: We will be removing conifer saplings and weeds from the Marys Peak summit prairie and surrounding meadows

Please remember to wear appropriate clothes (multiple layers, rain gear, etc.) and shoes (boots, rain boots, etc.). Marys Peak weather conditions may be considerably different then Corvallis weather conditions, so plan accordingly. Bring plenty of water and snacks.

No special skills are required for this work. Event hosts will help identify plants that are going to be removed. Hand tools and gloves will be provided (but you may want to bring your own gloves to ensure you have some that fit). We will be walking to the summit and through the meadows, so there will be some incline and potentially rough terrain.

Please RSVP to Andrew Esterson at andrew@appliedeco.org by May 17th. It is important to RSVP so we can bring sufficient tools for the day.

• Come help area youth learn and care about ecology!
• A Separate Volunteer Training for these volunteer days on March 16 is suggested, but not required.
• You may volunteer for one or all of the Field Days.

Second Field Day Bald Hill Farm:

May 21, 22, 23 Ecology Lessons for Garfield and Lincoln students:

1. Aquatic Insects
2. Terrestrial
3. Stream quality testing
4. Post card art – do poems and drawings – we will send their cards to students in Mexico.

NOTE:

Announcing the 2019 Invasive Species Cook-off Fundraiser at Harris Bridge Vineyard!  Details TBA, but save the date to be sure to attend this fun, celebratory event supporting native species restoration and education.