Institute for Applied Ecology
$38,291  Willamette Valley 

The Streaked Horned Lark (hereafter lark) is an Oregon Conservation Strategy sensitive species and listed as Threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Their rangewide population is estimated to be fewer than 2,000 individuals, with the majority of extant populations in the southern Willamette Valley – the location of our project site. Larks require a large, open landscape of low-statured herbaceous vegetation (for foraging) with patches of sparsely vegetated ground (for nesting). Agricultural practices and prairie succession in the absence of natural or cultural fire reduce available habitat for larks. The federal listing and associated recovery plan describe habitat restoration guidelines to benefit larks. Our previous OCRF project assessed the efficacy of these practices and found limitations that will be addressed with this proposed project. We found that vernal pools and swales can provide nesting habitat for larks but are entirely dependent on seasonal weather patterns (i.e., how long the pools stay wet and limit available habitat). Based on lessons learned from that OCRF project, we developed (and refined following discussions with ODFW biologists) a protocol for restoring longer-term nesting habitat patches. Here, we propose to create experimental patches at Herbert Farm and Natural Area and monitor the efficacy of this practice to provide nesting habitat for larks. The Herbert Farm and Natural Area is a popular public recreation site and one of the most reliable places to see and/or hear streaked horned larks. Our project will increase opportunities for the public to experience this Conservation Strategy species.