Sense of Place: New Attention on Oregon White Oaks & Why They Matter

Event Description:

Oregon white oak trees seem abundant, almost weedy in the gorge. They are the least showy of our native hardwoods and often look as though they are falling apart. So why in 2020 did a diverse group of stakeholders, band together for a closer look at these native trees? Why are oaks being called a lifeboat? A safe-zone for species trying to survive the subtle (and not so subtle) changes that are accompanying our changing climate?And how might new efforts to conserve and restore oak woodlands in the Gorge impact our landscapes, people, and even economy? Join Lindsay Cornelius, Manager of the East Cascades Oak Partnership, to learn why oaks make such excellent neighbors in a place prone to drought, fires, heat, and wind. And explore how these sometimes decrepit-looking trees are actually supporting vibrant life – more so than any other tree species in the Gorge.

Speaker Bio:

Lindsay Cornelius has been observing and managing oak habitats in the Columbia River Gorge and East Cascades for more than 20 years as a natural area manager for Columbia Land Trust and most recently as the manager of the East Cascades Oak Partnership.  She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Western Washington University but the applied learning she’s done over the last two decades restoring, enhancing, and making mistakes in oak woodlands has earned her a PhD in curiosity.