In 2014-2015 UGI spearheaded OakQuest, a community science effort to develop the first-ever map of imperiled Oregon white oak for the Portland metropolitan region and the whole of the Regional Conservation Strategy plan area. Through OakQuest, UGI built a partnership of over 30 organizations under the banner of the The Intertwine Alliance Oak Prairie Work Group and marshalled the efforts of over 200 community science volunteers. In 2015-19, UGI worked with Metro to complete the oak distribution map for the Regional Conservation Strategy planning area.
What can you do to help conserve Oregon White Oaks?
- Plant a tree!
- If you planted or have an Oregon White Oak on your property, maintain the health of the tree by providing regular pruning, watering, and mulching.
- Consider naturescaping to provide more native habitat.
- Tell your friends, family, and neighbors why trees, especially Oregon White Oaks, are important!
Volunteer measuring Oak tree's DBH. Photo by Ted Labbe.