This project is made possible through the generous support of the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District, the Lake Oswego Habitat Enhancement Program, the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board Small Grant, and the Woodside Circle Homeowners Association.
The Woodside Circle & Oswego Canal Oak Woodland Restoration project is located west of the Oswego Canal, north of Bryant Woods Park, adjacent to the Woodside Circle HOA natural area in Lake Oswego. This site lies within a regionally significant habitat corridor connecting the Tualatin River and Oswego Lake, providing a critical opportunity to enhance ecological connectivity, restore native oak woodland, and improve watershed health in an urban setting.
The restoration strategy focuses on removing invasive species, especially in the understory, which have altered hydrology, reduced canopy cover, and increased wildfire risk. Following invasive removal, we implement strategic native plantings to recreate the structure and composition of a healthy oak woodland, while improving habitat for oak-reliant wildlife.
Project goals
The project aims to improve water quality, enhance wildlife habitat, increase native plant cover, support climate resilience, and engage community members in hands-on stewardship of local oak woodland ecosystems.
This project is made possible through a strong collaboration of community and organizational partners, including the Rotary Club, community volunteers, Woodside Circle HOA residents, the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD), Lake Corps, and HOA representatives. Together, these partners provide the labor, expertise, and local support needed to restore and maintain healthy oak woodland habitat along the Oswego Canal.
Restoration work focuses on three main activities. First, invasive species removal targets dense infestations that have diminished biodiversity and degraded woodland habitat. Second, native planting and revegetation restores both the understory and canopy composition using native species such as Oregon white oak, Serviceberry, and Oregon ash. Finally, wildlife habitat enhancement expands habitat for oak-reliant species, including the Acorn Woodpecker, Slender-billed White-breasted Nuthatch, and Western Gray Squirrel.
Through these activities, the project expects to restore 8 acres of oak woodland habitat, install 3,000 native plants, enhance canopy diversity and understory composition, improve habitat for oak-reliant species identified as Strategy Species in the Oregon Conservation Strategy, and engage community volunteers in hands-on habitat restoration.