Just over a year ago we shared the exciting news that the Land Trust had protected a new property north of Madras called Priday Ranch. Priday Ranch is a rugged property that protects ten miles of Trout Creek, Antelope Creek, and Ward Creek, along with incredible canyons and native grasslands that are home to numerous wildlife species. We’ve spent the last year getting to know this incredible place and beginning to plan for its future, and wanted to share an update on some of our recent efforts. Here are some highlights:

Juniper thinning: Like many parts of Central Oregon, juniper trees grow at Priday Ranch in a greater abundance than they would have historically. The Land Trust is planning on thinning some of the junipers this winter and spring to help reduce fire danger and improve habitat for wildlife.

Field restoration: We are currently working on converting 20 acres of agricultural fields back to native habitat. This summer we started a low-intensity restoration project to help remove weeds and bring back native plant communities. First, we plowed the fields and targeted portions with herbicide. Then this winter, we'll sow native grass seed. Our hope is that the native plants will soon outcompete the weeds and this will be a step towards full restoration of the Trout Creek valley floor.


Weed management: Weed management is always necessary and even critical to the health of our protected lands! Staff have been busy getting to know all the invasive weeds that are found on the property and learning how to manage them in the most ecologically sound way possible.

Watching wildlife thrive: Priday Ranch is quite active with local wildlife. The Trout Creek corridor is a huge draw for resident and migratory birds. Deer and elk are seen regularly, and beavers are active year-round moving their dams and lodges as the water levels in Trout and Antelope Creeks fluctuate. It’s been inspiring to see so many critters out there!

Volunteering: Whenever we acquire a new property we always rely on our amazing volunteer community to help us with a wide variety of projects. Many thanks to all those volunteers who have helped with some of our first bird and plant surveys. We are also looking forward to our first Priday Ranch work party this fall where volunteers will be helping us clean up Antelope Creek.

Public tours: After a COVID-19 hiatus, the Land Trust was very pleased to once again resume our Walks + Hikes in May. We’ve scheduled several Priday Ranch tours and are looking forward to continuing to share the property with our community. Stay tuned for more tours next year!

Learn more:

• About Priday Ranch.
• Take a virtual tour of Priday Ranch