Wetland Restoration

Restoration Is Fun And Educational

Preparing The Willows For Planting

Our committment to restoration takes many forms.  In January 2009 the Southwest Oregon Resource Conservation and Development Council recognized the ranch with the Watershed Friendly Steward Award, for working to "help protect and enhance our watershed through good management practices."  In addition to sustainable farming and wholistic forest management, Willow-Witt Ranch engages in on-going restoration projects that help the community get involved.  This May, classes from Griffin Creek will join us for restoration activities in our protected wetlands.

 In May 2007, students from Rogue Valley middleschools planted willow trees along streambanks originating on the ranch in an effort to counteract the effects of well over a century of cattle grazing.  The two day event was successful as already about 90% of the small cuttings have sprouted leaves and begun their work of improving the water quality here and downstream.  By placing the trees close to the water's edge, students provide shade for the streams, thereby lowering the water temperature and improving habitat for fish in Walker and Bear Creeks.  Also, the growing willow roots will stabilize the banks, limiting erosion and sediment in the water.  Last but not least, the trees themselves are ideal habitat for birds and mammals that live in and enjoy the wetland ecosystems. 

The USDA's Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program cost-shared the task of fencing out cattle from the roughly 75 acres of wetlands, as well as cutting and planting the trees.  Oregon State University's Small Farms-Extension Program also facilitated the planting with tools and expertise.  Click this link to view an article about the event entitled "Students Lend A Hand In Restoration" from the Ashland Daily Tidings.

In 2008, Willow-Witt Ranch brought up a group of students again to monitor restoration progress since the last year and put a bunch more willows in the water.  The new willow bundles served to immediately slow down the water as it traveled downstream, and eventually took root to help stabilize the streambanks.  For pictures of stages in our student-assisted restoration projects, check out the photo gallery page at left.   

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