The Willamette Valley was once dominated by prairies with a rich diversity of grasses and wildflowers. This ecosystem requires regular disturbance – historically provided by native people through regular intentional burning – to maintain these native species, prevent forest encroachment and reduce wildfire risks to the surrounding communities.
In the picture, Natural Resource Specialist Cameron Bishop shows off an area near Fern Ridge Reservoir west of Eugene, Ore., that was treated with prescribed fire last fall and now is bursting with camas and other plants.