Calapooia Watershed Council
$27,664  Willamette Valley Ecoregion  Addresses drought

The CWC is partnering with the City of Albany and community volunteers to restore 8.5 acres of lakeshore habitat to a functional oak prairie at East Thornton Lake Natural Area. The project will incorporate both habitat restoration and community engagement to raise awareness of native oak prairie habitats, as well as Oregon’s two native turtle species; the Western Pond and Western Painted Turtles. The habitat restoration includes planting scattered Oregon White Oak and seeding a mix of native grasses and forbs. This restored natural area will be drought tolerant and provide wildlife benefits for numerous species of declining grassland birds, pollinating insects, and reptiles. The local community will be invited to assist with habitat restoration work, including weed removal, native plantings, and turtle nesting enhancements. Two educational signs and one pet waste station will also be installed to further awareness and appreciation of Oregon’s native habitats and wildlife species.