Please join the Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE) and Oregon State University (OSU) for volunteer opportunities at Jackson Meadow in the McDonald-Dunn Research Forest!
This part of the McDonald-Dunn Forest features remnant prairie and oak habitats that have suffered from woody encroachment and invasive species. In 2022, OSU’s College of Forestry completed a timber harvest at Jackson Meadow to release Oregon white oaks from conifer competition and initiate an oak-prairie restoration project. IAE is working with OSU to conduct this multi-year endeavor, which is currently in the phase of removing invasive vegetation.
Three high-priority invasive species found at the site include Italian arum (Arum italicum), spurge laurel (Daphne laureola), and Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius). Without targeted efforts, these species could expand across the newly opened meadows and oak woodlands.
During these events, volunteers will help dig and pull Italian arum, spurge laurel, and Scotch broom using shovels, soil knives, and weed wrenches. Your efforts will help prepare the site for native seeding and planting, directly contributing to the success of this restoration project.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Event details:
- When: Friday, February 21 between 9 am – 2 pm.
- Where: Jackson Meadow in the McDonald-Dunn Research Forest. Access through the gate at the end of NW Jackson Creek Dr. here (44.614024, -123.287344). You will be directed where to park upon arrival. Please respect the neighbors by driving slowly along NW Jackson Creek Dr.
- Bring: Water, lunch, waterproof rain gear. Please note that you are likely to get muddy. IAE will have work gloves, but some folks like to bring their own. We will have any necessary tools.
- Accessibility notes: We will be digging/pulling weeds for an extended period. This will require bending, crouching, and lifting potentially up to 40 lbs. We will also be walking over uneven, muddy terrain with tripping hazards. Please note there are no formal restroom facilities on site.
- Registration: Please RSVP to the event by emailing Evan Lasley ([email protected]). All volunteers (or parent/guardian if the volunteer is a youth) must fill out IAE’s volunteer release form. Questions can be directed to Paul Reed ([email protected]).
