This winter a series of rain-on-snow events gave the Land Trust an opportunity to see how Ochoco Preserve’s new restoration area responded to the influx of water. As our neighbors know, water levels were high in February and March, causing significant flooding throughout the Crooked River region. What happened at Ochoco Preserve?

The Preserve saw high water levels as well, and we were able to watch the restored portions of the Crooked River, Ochoco Creek, and McKay Creek respond. As we had planned, water spread out as it entered the Preserve and encountered improved floodplain access, helping slow floodwaters and reduce its erosive power. Fly over the project during high flows via our video below!

In addition to helping the larger river system slow down and spread out during high flows, the restoration at Ochoco Preserve is helping to boost groundwater levels by providing permeable space for floodwater to infiltrate and recharge groundwater. This groundwater will be essential to helping all the new plants and seeds get established and flourish. We’ll continue to bolster this young vegetation in the coming months and years with dedicated weed management and additional plantings.

In short, the Ochoco Preserve restoration area is doing well and will be even more ready next spring for high water events!

Learn more:

• About the Ochoco Preserve Project.
• About phase two that was implemented in 2024.
• Watch all of our Ochoco Preserve Project videos.