Two Land Trusts, Three Preserves and a New Stewardship Legacy
By Molly Morison
In January, equipped with rubber boots and nets, staff and volunteers from Southern Oregon Land Conservancy (SOLC) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) waded together into vernal pools and into a new future for stewardship at Agate Desert Preserve. The sunny morning was filled with discoveries (we found vernal pool shrimp that are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act!), delights (the first spring wildflowers) and shared connections between people and nature.
The group exclaimed over a myriad of aquatic organisms swimming in the seasonal pools dotting the preserve, admired abundant native bunchgrasses and perennial forbs restored by TNC’s application of prescribed fire and native seeding, and bemoaned their universal struggles with controlling invasive weeds.
Oak woodlands at Whetstone Savanna Preserve
Volunteer surveying for fairy shrimp at Agate Desert Preserve
This special place and two more nearby, Whetstone Savanna Preserve and Rogue Plains Preserve, were recently transferred from TNC ownership to SOLC after decades of protection and restoration work. For TNC, this passing of boots, nets and land supports the longstanding conservation partnership between these two land trusts and frees up resources for new priority work. For SOLC, these preserves add conservation and engagement value to their Agate Desert-Middle Rogue Focus Area.
“Oregon’s land trusts play a critical role in our state’s future,” says Derek Johnson, director of protection and stewardship for The Nature Conservancy in Oregon. “After many years of partnership with Southern Oregon Land Conservancy throughout southwest Oregon, we are proud to place the long-term care of Agate Desert, Whetstone Savanna and Rogue River Plains Preserves in their capable hands.”
All three preserves are located on a gravelly outwash plain on the Rogue Valley floor, not far from the Rogue River, and protect the most northern extent of high quality, unusual, mounded prairie-vernal pool habitat. Among the preserves, in addition to the threatened vernal pool fairy shrimp, live two federally endangered plants: lemon yellow Cook’s desert parsley and showy white large-flowered meadowfoam. Other rare and common wildflowers create waves of bright colors throughout the spring and summer.
Wildflowers at the Agate Desert Preserve
The 144-acre Whetstone Savanna Preserve is unique in its protection of groves of ancient Oregon white oaks. More than 80 species of birds use this site for nesting and foraging, making it a local birding hotspot. Researchers studying oak-fungi relationships have discovered brand new species of truffles here.
A mile downstream from SOLC’s Rogue River Preserve, the Rogue Plains Preserve is a conservation easement property that secures an intact 125-acre expanse of vernal pools and prairie with eye-catching views of the Table Rocks and Mt. McLoughlin.
Agate Desert-Middle Rogue Focus Area and Conserved Lands Map
“We welcome the opportunity to work with TNC to ensure the continued conservation and stewardship of these notable properties,” says Steve Wise, SOLC executive director. “The TNC preserves complement our current properties and they fortify our commitment to protect vernal pools, oak woodlands, native grasslands and special species.”
SOLC’s conservation plan focuses on six areas including the Agate Desert-Middle Rogue where we have already conserved more than 700 acres. Adding these preserves to SOLC’s growing portfolio of owned lands gives us new opportunities to expand access for the entire community and to build new education and volunteer stewardship opportunities that connect people with these special places.
For more information on this and all of SOLC’s conservation Focus Areas and conserved lands, visit the Where We Work section of our website.
Molly Morison is the Preserve Manager for The Nature Conservancy’s SW Oregon field office. She is also a board member of SOLC. When not busy caring for TNC’s conserved lands and coordinating volunteers, she produces vibrant wines from her 4-acre certified biodynamic vineyard in Talent, Upper Five Vineyard and Winery.
