Wet Prairie
Wet prairies were once a common habitat in the floodplain of the Willamette River. These habitats occur on poorly drained clay soils or shallow soils above bedrock. Seasonal flooding creates anaerobic wetland soil characteristics (hydric). Many wet prairies were also historically maintained by late summer fires initiated by the Native Americans. Wet prairies are dominated by herbaceous plants, with some native grass species.
Flora
Grasses/Sedges:
Tufted hairgrass | Meadow barley |
One-sided sedge | Denseleaf sedge |
Forbs
Camas | Oregon sunshine |
Elegant downingia | Coyote-thistle |
Fauna
Canada goose | Northern harrier |
Wilson s snipe | American grass bug |
Short-eared owl | Gray fox |