Willamette Floodplain, Natural grassland area in Benton County, Oregon, US
The Willamette Floodplain is a bottomland grassland covering several hundred acres within the William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge south of Corvallis in Oregon. The area supports native plant communities and diverse wildlife typical of the valley's natural systems.
The site received National Natural Landmark status in 1987, recognizing it as an important example of native grassland that had remained largely undisturbed. This designation reflects the area's value as one of the few remaining representatives of the valley's original vegetation.
Researchers and ecologists study the floodplain's native plant communities and wildlife habitats to understand the valley's original environmental characteristics.
The site is accessible through the wildlife refuge, which provides several entry points and trails for exploring the grassland. Sturdy footwear is advisable as the ground conditions vary with the season, and paths can be muddy or uneven at times.
Several plant species found here appear on protection lists and are rare elsewhere in the region. These uncommon plants depend on the specific conditions of this grassland and are a key reason the area is protected.
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