POLK SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
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Our Properties

protect & preserve PRIVATE LAND for future generations

A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a qualified “holder” that allows a landowner to limit the type of uses on their property while retaining private ownership of the land. If you or your organization are interested in visiting either of our conservation easements, please contact our Outreach Coordinator, Morgan Neil at [email protected].
Learn More: Conservation Easements 101
View: The Trust for Public Land
View: Stewardship Calculator and Handbook

Smithfield Oaks


Polk SWCD acquired this 188-acre property with a perpetual conservation easement in the fall of 2019.  It consists of oak-covered hillsides in the Baskett-Butte area rising gradually above an intermittent branch of Crowley Creek, a tributary of Rickreall Creek. These hillsides, containing nearly pure oak stands of varying density and are dotted with upland prairie openings, host a large and growing population of federally endangered Fender's blue butterfly and its host plant, Kincaid's lupine.
​
Below these oak hillsides are several fields in the process of returning to active use (a mix of grazing and grass seed production) after several decades in the USDA Conservation Reserve Program.
​

cornerstone


Polk SWCD acquired Cornerstone in 2016. As part of a long-term vision, these 87 acres will continue to hold onto, and expand, the grassland and oak savanna with portions of Oak woodland with a transition to mixed woodland and conifer forest in the southern portion of the property. To achieve these long-term goals, the existing woodlot will be harvested and replanted as grassland and oak habitat types, developed and managed to match and complement the existing oak areas. Significant efforts will be required to establish a native grass understory in this area to prevent the expansion of invasive vegetation populations. Additional areas restored to native prairie will improve Cornerstone’s ability to house additional sensitive bird species, increase native forb species populations and forage quality for oak associated birds, mammals, and invertebrates, as well as wet meadow and riparian species who frequent or reside in nearby areas. 
Polk SWCD logo

POLK SOIL & WATER
CONSERVATION DISTRICT

YOUR LOCAL SOURCE OF CONSERVATION INFORMATION AND ​EDUCATION IN POLK COUNTY, OREGON SINCE 1966

Contact us

580 MAIN STREET,  SUITE A,
DALLAS OR, 97338
​
PHONE: 503-623-9680
OFFICE HOURS: MON.-FRI., 8:00am - 4:30pm
[email protected]
Staff Email & Extensions

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The Polk Soil & Water Conservation District complies with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and prohibits discrimination in all its programs, services, activities, and materials on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, genetic information, veteran’s status, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. 
  • Home
  • Our District
    • What drives us
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors >
      • Join the Board
      • Upcoming Board Meetings
      • Minutes
      • Committees
    • Our Properties
    • This Land
    • Polk SWCD History
    • Operational Documents
  • Our Work
    • Technical Assistance
    • Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) Grant Programs
    • Agriculture Water Quality Program
    • Successful Projects
    • 2023-2024 Annual Report
    • Disaster Assistance
  • Get Involved
    • Upcoming Events
    • Hedgerow Tour - Hopville Willamette Farm
    • Bird Walk at Cornerstone
    • 2025 Collaborative Conservation Community meeting
    • Join the Board
    • Tool Loan Program
    • Volunteer
    • Community Science
    • 2023 Conservation Award Recipients
    • Make a Donation
  • Stay Informed
    • Resources >
      • Tool Loan Program
      • Producers >
        • Agriculture Water Quality Program
        • SOIL CONSERVATION
        • Livestock
        • Organic Operations
      • Wildfire Ready
      • Forestry >
        • Conifer Focused Forestry
        • Oak Woodland Management
      • Invasive Species >
        • Emerald Ash Borer
        • Mid-Willamette CWMA
        • A-List Priority Weeds
        • The "B" Rated Weeds
        • Aquatic Animal Invaders
        • Reed Canary Grass info
        • Medusahead
      • Wildlife >
        • Fender's Blue Butterfly
        • Pollinators
      • Water Conservation
      • Native Plants
      • Traditional Ecological Knowledge
      • Rural Living Handbook
      • Resources for Youth
    • Cultivating Publication >
      • Cultivating Archive
    • Conservation Spotlight Podcast
    • Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    • News & Announcements
    • Virtual Events Library
    • Our Partners