Boardman Grasslands

Why You Should Visit    
Boardman Grasslands is unparalleled for the extent, quality and diversity of its native grassland and shrubland habitats. The grasslands harbor Oregon's largest viable population of the Washington ground squirrel, listed as endangered under the Oregon Endangered Species Act.

Location
South of the Columbia River, in north central Oregon

Size
22,642 acres

How to Prepare for Your Visit
For more information, please see our Preserve Visitation Guidelines.

Directions
If you would like to visit Boardman Grasslands, please call our Portland office at (503) 802-8100, or send an email to oregon@tnc.org .

What to See: Plants
The preserve harbors at least seven globally rare grassland habitat types characterized by needle-and-thread grass, bluebunch wheatgrass, downey wheatgrass, Sandberg's bluegrass, bitterbrush and sage.

What to See: Animals
The rich habitat diversity supports an array of wildlife species recognized as sensitive or vulnerable in Oregon, including the Washington ground squirrel -- listed in Oregon as an endangered species -- white-tailed jackrabbit, burrowing owl, ferruginous hawk, Swainson's hawk, loggerhead shrike, long-billed curlew, grasshopper sparrow, sage sparrow and northern sagebrush lizard.

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site  
Ecologists have long viewed the native grasslands found on federal and state lands southwest of the town of Boardman as the most extensive of their type in Oregon. Since 1978, the Navy's 4,750-acre Boardman Research Natural Area has been the site of extensive studies on native prairie wildlife and grassland restoration strategies. In the 90's, environmental advocacy groups challenged the expansion of irrigated farmlands, concerned about the loss of water for Columbia River salmon and conversion of native habitats.

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
In May 2001, the Conservancy accepted a management sublease that runs until 2040, the remaining term of the original lease. The farm agreed to pay the Conservancy for management, research and restoration costs.  Conservancy ecologists have conducted biological inventories and mapped the habitats, weed incursions and natural features of the conservation area. In partnership with Threemile Canyon Farms and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, they will develop a long-term management plan. Working with state agencies, elected officials and conservation groups, the farm and the Conservancy are pursuing options to purchase the entire site from the state, including the conservation area.