We’ve developed an increasingly sustainable relationship with the land, using goats as the basis of a dairy operation that maintains continuity with the ranch’s agricultural history. Our holistically managed forest is a thriving educational model of forest diversity, fire resilience and sustainable harvest management. Our efforts also include regeneration of approximately 80 acres of wetland. We proudly steward this unique ecosystem, working daily to enhance the health of our land, water and air while providing wholesome food, products and experiences for our community.
Holistic Forest Management
Diversity in forests helps prevent catastrophic loss due to species-specific disease. For this reason, dead/dying white fir have been harvested and replanted with ponderosa, sugar pine, Douglas fir, and incense cedar, reassembling the diversity of the native forest.
The history of ‘high grade’ commercial logging required forest restoration to stabilize erosion and reinstate the delicate balance of diversity required for forest health. Since the 1990’s, forest restoration and replanting have been a priority on the Ranch.
After 40+ years, our plantings are filling in and contributing to the overall health of the forest. Dead snags near wetland meadows are left standing to provide habitat for birds and other species.
As a certified member of the American Tree Farm System, Willow-Witt Ranch manages the forest in accordance with scientific forest management practices to protect soil, water, and wildlife values. In this way, our forests can remain a renewable resource for the future, while providing essential habitat for the diverse plants and animals who also call these mountains home. We were proud to be Jackson County’s 2007 Tree Farmers of the Year for the long term stewardship and educational practices on the ranch.
Wetland Restoration
Oregon State University Extension Service facilitated the native willow planting with tools and expertise to assist elementary school students using the wetlands as a living classroom. The new willows served to immediately slow the water as it traveled downstream. They eventually rooted to help stabilize the stream banks. Since 2007, students from elementary through graduate school have come on Spring Break to participate in restoration of our protected wetlands.
In January 2009, the Southwest Oregon Resource Conservation and Development Council recognized Willow-Witt Ranch with a Watershed Friendly Steward Award for helping “protect and enhance our watershed through good management practices”.
In addition to sustainable farming and holistic forest management, we continue restoration projects that help the community get involved. Through our non-profit organization, The Crest, you can volunteer to help with restoration efforts. and schools/teachers can get students involved through The Crest Outdoor School program.
The meadows now thrive with seeded grasses and the streams meander slowly across the wetlands. The deep gullies have filled in with cat tails and rushes, and the water table has risen.
A sign of our restoration success is the return of Sandhill Cranes, Golden Eagles, Northern Harriers, and Great Grey Owls to our restoration areas. The spring-fed pond built in the 1950s is now home to Western Pond Turtles, a threatened species who discovered the continuous flow of clean water and walked their way to a new home. We now have a reproducing population of this special animal.
