The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Why It’s Important

The northern Willamette Valley's first protected area for the endangered Fender's blue butterfly, Yamhill Oaks provides a rare glimpse into Oregon’s once extensive native habitats. In addition to spectacular oak woodland and prairie remnants, the preserve includes 1.5 miles of stream habitats important to fish and wildlife in the headwaters of Deer Creek, a tributary to the Yamhill River.

The entire Willamette Valley was once dominated by prairie and oak savanna, but today less than 2% of those habitats remain. Ecologists have identified the preserve as containing some of the best tracts of those types. The Oregon Conservation Strategy includes the site as a conservation opportunity area.

Location

West of McMinnville, in rural Yamhill County

Size

630 acres

Plants at the Preserve

At least 27 at-risk species depend on habitats found at the preserve, including threatened Kincaid’s lupine, host plant for Fender's blue butterfly larvae.

Animals at the Preserve

Healthy populations of the endangered Fender's blue butterfly are found on the preserve, and Oregon white oaks provide food and cover for over 200 species of wildlife including western meadowlark, Oregon’s state bird.

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing

Conservancy ecologists and volunteers are conducting biological inventories and developing a management plan. Restoration activities include controlling invasives, thinning encroaching trees and planting grasses and wildflowers, including Kincaid's lupine and other butterfly-friendly species.

The Nature Conservancy is an active member of the Yamhill Partnership for Land & Water and will be leading a strategic planning effort focused on building capacity, public awareness and long-term funding for restoration and conservation in Yamhill County.

Things To Do

Plan Your Visit

Directions

Discussion

Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.

Add Your Comments

Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

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