Restoration work: Oregon white oak restoration work is in process along the Ponderosa Loop Trail and Old Wagon Trail.  In these areas, some trees have been flagged to identify species, trunk size, and habitat components.  This information is important to preservation of the Oregon white oak trees.  Please leave the flagging in place.  For more information, drop by the Interpretive Center.

Animal crossings: Animals of various sizes all use the Nature Park along with us.  If you’re lucky enough to see them then they probably crossed in front of you on the trail.  Some may be smaller and harder to see and may be beneath your feet.  Watch your step while you enjoy the park.

Protect habitat: Please help to make this a success by staying on the trail. Remember, plants grow by the inch and die by the foot!

No pets in the Nature Park: As most of our park patrons know, pets are not allowed at the Nature Park.  If you are looking for good parks to walk your pet, drop by the interpretive center and pick up our brochure with good suggestions of places to walk your pets. 

If you observe unfavorable conditions, such as muddy sections of trails or downed trees on any trail in the Park, please notify a Nature Park staff member so we can resolve the problem promptly.

FLORA – Winter

Plants of winter: The leaves have fallen off many of the deciduous trees and shrubs throughout the park. Oregon grape and salal are natives that keep their leaves during the winter.  As temperatures get colder, look for the reddish tint on the Oregon grape leaves.

FAUNA - Winter

Birds: Hooded mergansers and wood ducks have been spotted out on Big Pond.  To get a closer look at waterfowl, please visit the new Big Pond overlook located off the Big Fir Trail. 

Mammals: Deer sightings have been reported by many park patrons on the main paths.  Keep your eyes peeled for the allusive bucks with their antlers fully developed. 

Amphibians: Rough skinned newts have been active crossing various trails in the Nature Park.  Watch your step as you make your way down the path. 

Please don’t feed the wildlife: Feeding human food to wildlife can be harmful to them in various ways. Please don't feed the ducks or any other wildlife that you may come upon.  Artificially feeding wildlife can train the animals to be aggressive and lose their natural fear of humans, both of which often leads to the death of the animals.  Please report any feeding of wildlife to the Nature Park Interpretive Center.

Please report any wildlife concerns to the Nature Park staff.

HABITATS

Restoring Oak Woodlands: Oak woodlands and savannas used to be a major component of the Willamette Valley landscape, but now they are among the most endangered ecological communities in the Pacific Northwest.  In the last 150 years, agricultural and urban development has reduced these important habitats.  Now the Natural Resources Department of Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District has designed and are implementing this Oak Plan to protect and restore Oregon white oak habitat within our parks.  The goal of restoring the oaks is to remove competitive tree species so that more sunlight is able to reach the oaks to help them flourish.  If you have further questions about restoring oak wetlands please contact our Natural Resources Specialist .

Get involved: If you are interested in getting involved in habitat restoration, check out our volunteer web page for more information on these projects.  Contact our volunteer coordinator Melissa Marcum if you are interested in volunteering.  

Watch for us while you are walking the trails. We are here to assist visitors and answer nature questions. 

Ranger Scott Hinderman
Ranger Kelly Rose Perry