The newly formed Willamette River Preservation Trust has received a 75-acre land donation near Barton, Oregon City, from Wetland Systems LLC, with the goal of preserving its rare wet prairie ecosystem. The trust, founded in 2024, focuses on protecting ecologically rich lands along rivers, creeks, and woodlands throughout the mid-Willamette Valley to the Portland suburbs.
According to Travis Williams of the trust, the organization’s mission includes conserving oak woodlands, upland forests, and wet prairies—habitats that are vital for maintaining clean water and supporting biodiversity. “This work results in healthy habitats that also help keep water clean,” Williams explained. “Some properties also work well for low-impact recreation such as hiking, bird watching, and paddling.”
The Barton property, part of a wetland mitigation banking system, was donated by Wetland Systems LLC. Mitigation banks, regulated by the Oregon Department of State Lands and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, allow developers who impact natural ecosystems to purchase “credits” from preserved or restored lands.
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Williams described the site as a rare wet-prairie habitat, which has significantly declined across the Willamette Basin due to development and agriculture. “The property supports an amazing array of wildflowers that have always thrived in this habitat,” he said. “From April through summer, the prairie bursts with color and is alive with pollinator species.”
The trust currently manages another property at Oak Meadows and intends to host public tours each spring during wildflower season to showcase the beauty and ecological importance of these lands. However, the Barton site will remain closed to the public for now to ensure the sensitive environment remains undisturbed.
The addition of this 75-acre property marks a significant step for the Willamette River Preservation Trust in its mission to safeguard Oregon’s natural heritage and restore habitats that are essential for wildlife, water quality, and future generations.
