INTRODUCING OAK CREEK PRESERVE
EXPLORE INSIDE
A once in a generation opportunity A big hayfield at the foot of an oak covered hill. A couple of meandering creeklets in a soggy field in the winter, stacks of haybales in late summer common enough for the Willamette Valley. But take a look at the map below and you’ll see why this property on Oak Creek Drive has been on the wish-list of local conservation and outdoor recreation groups for decades. To the west, over 1200 acres of protected land with 16 miles of public trails in the Bald Hill complex. To the north and east, Oregon State University’s College of Agriculture property runs all the way to McDonald Forest and Martin Luther King Jr. Park. Right in the middle lies the missing link for connecting thousands of acres of habitat and hundreds of miles of trail - a place of wild possibilities and connections that we are calling Oak Creek Preserve. Today, we have an agreement with the landowner to buy this keystone property for the community, a once in a generation opportunity for conservation and recreation.
Greenbelt Land Trust was founded with a vision of connected parks, natural areas, and trails to make our community stronger and healthier and more connected with the natural world. We are truly blessed to live in a place with convenient access to the outdoors and a commitment to preserving the environment. We got here with the vision and support of people like you. Big things start with big visions, and we are continued on page 2
FALL 2022 HEART OF THE VALLEY CAMPAIGN PROTECTED FOREVER! SOAP CREEK OAKS
Introducing Oak Creek Preserve continued from page 1
dreaming big in that hayfield on Oak Creek Drive. Our plans for Oak Creek Preserve include universally accessible trails, space for school groups to visit for outdoor education, and a trail connection that can run all the way from the Bald Hill complex to McDonald Forest and MLK park. We have incredible trails and natural areas in our community because of your support, and we need you now more than ever, to help us purchase Oak Creek Preserve and build on the Greenbelt vision for the future.
Oak Creek Preserve of the future. Rendering by Darby Pierce.
HEART OF THE VALLEY CAMPAIGN THINKING BIG. CREATING CONSERVATION CORRIDORS. CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY. Greenbelt Land Trust has launched The Heart of the Valley Campaign to raise $7 million for the future of our Valley home. With your help we can protect Oak Creek Preserve and double the lands protected across the Valley, increasing the pace and scale of conservation just when we need it the most.
THE CHALLENGE
Climate change, the increasing risk of wildfire, and a population set to double in the next twenty years. These are the challenges we face in the Willamette Valley. There is precious little time to act boldly for a more resilient future.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Our campaign goal is based on careful strategic business planning over the past five years and will enable us to protect and steward Oak Creek Preserve and leave a legacy of resilient lands and waters for all. It’s even more clear today: we need to do more to conserve land and water in the valley. We need to do more to combat climate change, improve our air and water quality, and keep the heart of the valley strong.
THE FUTURE
Support the Heart of the Valley Campaign
Make a Donation or Pledge Online: greenbeltlandtrust.org Visit or Call Us! 101 SW Western Blvd., Suite 111, Corvallis 97333 or (541) 752.9609 Board Member Russa Kittredge
Board Members Jen Brown and David Zahler
Right now we have an opportunity like never before. 33 years ago a bold vision of connecting trails and open spaces was launched. Today our community has the chance to make good on this promise of connectivity ... for people, for wildlife, our planet and our future.
Jessica McDonald Executive Director
A LABOR OF LOVE Wildlife haven in the Soap Creek Valley is protected forever Janet Ohmann and Joe Crockett watched the slope across the Soap Creek Valley from their home for years. A forest ecologist, Janet suspected the property held a significant number of Oregon white oak trees, and that many of them were suffering from crowding by faster growing Douglas firs. When the property went on the market in 2006, an initial exploration confirmed her suspicions. Not long after, they purchased the property and embarked on a restoration project that is ongoing to this day, and we are delighted to share that this property has now been protected through a conservation easement with Greenbelt Land Trust.
Janet and Joe on Soap Creek Oaks
“We have transitioned from owners to caretakers. And we now have Greenbelt to carry on our vision of the property. We feel fortunate to have an organization like Greenbelt right here in Corvallis. It brings peace of mind, knowing that a level of protection is in place in perpetuity.” Janet and Joe, Caretakers Cougar caught on trail cam on Soap Creek Oaks (photo by Jonny Armstrong)
The picturesque Soap Creek Valley connects two Willamette Valley ecotones – forested hills and the grassland valley floor – and is an important corridor for wildlife species moving up and down the valley. What looked like just another fir-covered slope revealed extensive oak habitat and a perennial spring that would reveal even more of the land’s significance. Restoration work began with thinning of smaller firs, and trees that were competing with the oaks. Ongoing battles with invasive weeds, clean-up after several ice storms, and years of blood, sweat, and tears have all been a part of the process. As Janet describes it, “Success in any restoration task is never 100% but rather measured in small, incremental improvements as you slowly ‘steer the ship’ in the desired direction.” In addition to learning a lot about restoration, Janet and Joe also began to learn about the wildlife community they
share the property with. And judging by what they’ve learned, the ship is right on target. Exploring the use of trail cameras led to a collaboration with Jonny Armstrong, a local wildlife biologist and “camera-trap” expert who captured stunning photos of cougars and other species visiting the perennial spring. Acorn woodpeckers have begun nesting in the oaks, and a small band of elk cows returns every spring. The positive response to restoration is also evident as oak trees show renewed growth, and native plants re-colonize restored areas. Joe and Janet’s commitment to the property led them to explore ways to ensure its permanent protection after they were gone. They began discussions with Greenbelt in 2011, a process which was completed this October with a conservation easement protecting “Soap Creek Oaks” forever.
Above: Conservation Director Claire Fox, Janet and Joe lead a property tour. Below: Restored oak habitat provides sanctuary for native wildlife and plants.
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Greenbelt Land Trust PO Box 1721 I Corvallis, OR 97339
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SHARE YOUR LOVE FOR THE VALLEY Greenbelt Land Trust is taking on the most ambitious work in its history. We need you! Greenbelt Land Trust greenbeltlandtrust.org Tax ID: 94-3113836
DONATE
This may be the greatest conservation moment of our lives. Your gift of cash or stock is the key to success.
PLEDGE
Your pledge of up to five years’ support will be invaluable to The Heart of the Valley Campaign.
LEAVE A LEGACY Naming Greenbelt in your estate plans or will ensures the protection and stewardship of the Willamette Valley for generations to come.