Conservation for All!
Our mission is to conserve native species and habitats through
restoration, research and education. Our vision is a world where all people and wildlands are healthy and interact positively, biological diversity flourishes, and environmental challenges are met with a social commitment to solving problems with scientific principles.
To join us in our work,
"Tough times never last, but tough people do." - Robert H. Schuller
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Tidal wetland restoration in Tillamook |
The Southern Flow Corridor project in Tillamook County is one of Oregon’s largest tidal wetland restoration projects, with 443 acres of tidal marsh and swamp restored in 2016. Since 2013, the Estuary Technical Group has teamed with Oregon State University, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, the University of Oregon, and the Tillamook Estuaries Partnership to monitor pre-restoration conditions and post-restoration recovery of ecosystems at this amazing site. The team is currently finishing its final report, and we've highlighted some results below. Look for the full report on the ETG reports page soon!
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Changing the fabric of our landscape - from behind bars |
“2020: There was a time most people would associate that number with having perfect vision. But lately it just symbolizes a trying year. It is difficult to find much hope at times like these. Now more than ever, people everywhere need a temporary escape – to have a few un-chaotic moments to take a deep breath and reflect. For a few hours a day, the Sagebrush in Prisons project provides me with those moments. Working with the program allows me to feel as if I have done something for the world that’s meaningful. These are my small steps to lead to larger ones in an effort leave the world better than I found it.”
-Mr. Davidson, Adult in Custody, Northern Nevada Correctional Center Read More
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Plot frames and pin flags:
Stories from the field
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By Nadav Mouallem, IAE Crew Leader
It was eight o'clock in the morning in early April, 2017, and Boris, our affectionately-named blue Subaru Outback, was packed to the brim: tapes, plot frames, pin flags, groceries, camping gear, and personal luggage. We were heading south to Roseburg, Oregon, to outplant Kincaid’s lupine (Lupinus oreganus). After double and triple checking that we had everything, we packed ourselves into Boris. We were all so excited, and it was my first day in the field. Meaghan, Lucy, Abby, Denise, and myself – assembled as a field crew for the first time. It was only my second day on the job as an IAE Native Plant Society of Oregon Conservation Research Intern. Little did I know, that day was more than my first day in the field: it was the start of an unforgettable and inspirational season, one filled with new friends, new sites, and most of all, a journey that would cement my love for ecological work. Read More
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Staff Spotlight: Research Ecologist Denise Giles |
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Field work is difficult in a "normal" year, but conducting field work during a pandemic increases the level of difficulty exponentially. The Conservation Research Program was able to complete all of our projects this season due to the hard work of our staff, and would especially like to recognize Denise Giles. Denise stepped up and filled in for our reduction in seasonal staff. She not only used her years of project knowledge to help crews, but spent a lot of time in the field helping ensure that the crews were able to complete projects. She managed this increased field time on top of parenting duties, often having her son Cameron volunteer out in the field to help out! Read More
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Please watch our jobs page - we will be posting advertisements for 2021 seasonal and regular positions in Oregon, Idaho and California later this week. Thank you!
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You are a dedicated supporter of bird, wildlife and pollinator habitats. In this challenging year, your support helps us stay safe with PPE and other Covid-19 needs to get out there and plant more native plants, create more habitat and improve our education offerings. We are hoping to reach $7000 from our greatest supporters - you. Please donate today, and show your support for the silent ecosystems that need your help. Donate today!
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Southwest butterfly report: Sacramento Mountains checkerspot |
The Sacramento Mountains checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas anicia cloudcrofti) declined to record low numbers in 2020, and experts predict that without intervention, this species could become extinct as early as 2021. The butterfly occurs within a 6-mile radius around Cloudcroft, New Mexico, in open meadows of mixed-conifer forests (8-9000 feet elevation). IAE Southwest has teamed up with Lincoln National Forest, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Backyard Farms LLC to initiate emergency recovery actions. Habitat degradation, including losses of the required larval host plant, New Mexico penstemon (Penstemon neomexicanus) and nectar resources is a primary concern. This fall we assisted with seed collection of resource plants and a planting design. We are working to raise $4000 to grow the nursery stock needed to plant into protected checkerspot butterfly recovery areas. Want to help? Click here.
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Northwest butterfly report:
Fender's blue
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How did the endangered Fender's blue butterfly (Icaricia icarioides fenderi), endemic to Oregon’s Willamette Valley, fare in 2020? We’re happy to report most of the species’ populations could be monitored this year, within COVID-19 safety protocols. Based on the data, we estimate that the total population size of Fender’s blue in 2020 was well over 18,600 butterflies. While this estimate is lower than the boom year of 2019, it is far above the recent population minimum in 2017-18, and therefore it is good news! We are grateful to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department for their support of annual monitoring efforts.
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The Institute for Applied Ecology is grateful for a generous bequest from Alice Smith through her estate. Alice was a lifelong supporter of plant and habitat conservation in Oregon. As a botanist for the US Forest Service Sweet Home Ranger District she worked hard to protect plants on public lands. Alice passed away earlier this year. She is sorely missed but her life is celebrated. We are very grateful for the legacy she leaves behind. Photo by Krista Farris. |
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IAE Board of Directors:
Ken Bierly, President; Cary Stephens, Vice President; Laurie Halsey, Treasurer; Deborah Clark, Secretary; Jason Bradford, Anne Bradley, Mak Estill, Brandy Humphreys, Debbie Johnson, Shinji Kawai, Carol Savonen, Sunia Yang
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