This past May and June, botany surveys were conducted at the Deschutes Land Trust’s Priday Ranch near Madras. The surveys revealed that Priday Ranch has more diversity of native plants than previously thought! There are also several healthy populations of bitterroot, which is a culturally significant plant for some Indigenous communities in Oregon.
Based on initial surveys done when Priday Ranch was protected, five areas known for having less disturbance and high plant diversity were selected to survey. Surveyors collected a general list of all plant species identified, and specific lists of rare plants and invasive plants. The Land Trust also requested a list of potentially culturally significant plants. Surveys were conducted in early summer because more plants are flowering at that time, which makes them easier to identify. Some early- and late-season blooming plants might have been missed, so we hope to conduct future surveys at different times of year.
The botany surveys were funded through a grant from the Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts in order to learn more about the plants on conserved lands. Many land trusts, including Deschutes Land Trust, have some idea of the plant species on protected lands, but few have a comprehensive list. Botany surveys allow land trusts and the scientific community to track changes in plant populations over time and help plan restoration projects.
Four of the five surveyed areas did experience some impact from the July 2025 Cram Fire, with differing ranges of burn severity. However, we are already seeing recovery in these areas, specifically with the return of native bunchgrasses!
Grant-funded research like botany surveys offer valuable information that helps us better protect and care for the lands and waters of our region. The information gathered in these botany surveys will help inform future planning for the care of Priday Ranch, such as weed management and protection of areas with culturally significant plants.
Learn more: