Cascade Head Currently Closed Due To COVID-19
Following Governor Brown's "Stay Home, Save Lives" Executive Order and wanting to help limit the spread of COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to close our preserves from 03/23/2020 until further notice. While getting outside for a walk, run or hike in an uncrowded area can help keep us both physically and mentally healthy during this trying time if social distancing guidelines are followed, it can be nearly impossible to stay the recommended six feet away from others on narrow trails. Due to large crowds in close proximity in parks and on trails, we are acting consistently with Oregon State Parks and closing our preserves to the public for the time being.
Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or visit us at nature.org/oregon for ways to engage with nature and stay connected with us from home.
How TNC Acquired This Site
In the early 1960s, volunteers organized an effort to protect Cascade Head from development. The Nature Conservancy bought it in 1966 from the owner of the Cascade Head Ranch development with funds raised in part by local volunteers and the Mazama’s hiking club. Because of its ecological significance, Cascade Head Preserve and surrounding national forest and other lands have won recognition as a National Scenic Research Area and a United Nations Biosphere Reserve.
What TNC Has Done/Is Doing
Thanks to your support, researchers are testing methods of maintaining and restoring grassland habitat.
Given that grasslands need periodic disturbance and the history of Tribal burning at the site, we are using controlled burning as a management tool to help achieve that goal. Following burns, we spread the seeds of native prairie plants, collected on-site, to help stimulate the growth of native plants over invasive non-native species. With the help of our partners, we plan to continue using fire management as a way to keep trees and shrubs from invading the grassland, as well as providing other benefits such as nutrient cycling, reducing thatch, and stimulating native prairie plants.
TNC ecologists also monitor the populations of rare plants throughout the year. In spring and summer, teams of volunteers remove invasive species such as Himalayan blackberry, help maintain trails, assist with research projects and teach visitors about the preserve. Join our volunteer team today!
Additionally, our scientists are also helping evaluate sites off Oregon's coast to better protect natural resources, including right off Cascade Head. The marine reserves will protect fish as they rear and grow; then the fish disperse into areas where they can be sustainably harvested.