Our Work
The Understory Initiative advances ecosystem restoration through strategic campaigns. Together with the Vesper Meadow Education Program, these efforts reflect our commitment to science-based restoration, community partnership, and environmental education.
Oak Woodland, Meadow, and Vernal Pool Recovery
We restore oak woodlands, meadows, and vernal pools through long-term stewardship that strengthens native plant and pollinator communities, improves soil and water health, reduces invasive species, and supports Indigenous co-stewardship to foster resilient ecosystems.
Coastal Habitat Restoration
Coastal ecosystems are dynamic landscapes that provide essential habitat for wildlife and help communities adapt to changing environmental conditions. We work with partners to restore native plant communities, reduce invasive species, and support climate-adaptive restoration that strengthens biodiversity and advances collaborative stewardship.
Rare & Sensitive Species Stewardship
Rare and sensitive species are vital to healthy ecosystems, yet many face increasing pressures from habitat loss, invasive species, and other human impacts. We work to support resilient populations, improve the conditions these species need to thrive, and build shared knowledge that strengthens our connection to the places we call home.
Restoration Capacity Building
Successful restoration depends on strong systems and strong partnerships. We work to build restoration capacity by supporting every stage of the native seed supply chain from collection to deployment while expanding opportunities for local producers, strengthening regional partnerships, and creating more resilient, collaborative restoration networks.
Fire-Affected Landscape Recovery
Healthy recovery after wildfire begins with thoughtful restoration. Our work supports fire-affected landscapes through the use of regionally adapted native seed, diverse restoration approaches, and proactive planning that helps ecosystems recover while reducing future wildfire risk in a changing climate.
Vesper Meadow Education Program
The Vesper Meadow Education Program inspires land stewardship through hands-on, place-based education at the edge of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. By connecting students, educators, Indigenous communities, scientists, and the public with ecological restoration, science, and the arts, the program fosters curiosity and a lasting connection to Southern Oregon's landscapes.
Current Program Highlights
Rare Plant Monitoring Network
Partnering with federal agencies and community volunteers to find, monitor, and conserve rare plants throughout Oregon.
Klamath Siskiyou Oak Network
Partnering with Klamath Siskiyou Oak Network to restore plant diversity in the Upper Rogue Oak Initiative project area.
Rogue Native Plant Partnership
Facilitating a robust native plant materials economy for the Rogue Basin since 2016.
Native Seed Crops @ OSU Extension & Sampson Creek Preserve
Growing native plants for seed, and providing educational opportunities in native plant cultivation for OSU Master Gardeners.
Umpqua Native Plant Partnership
A new partnership to build a robust native plant materials economy for the Umpqua Basin.
Southern oregon monarch & pollinator initiative
Providing site visits and technical assistance to landowners interested in restoring or creating pollinating insect habitat on their land.
Past Programs
CASCADE SISKIYOU NATIONAL MONUMENT MEADOW RESTORATION
Partnering with the BLM to conduct long-term research into organic methods of invasive plant management in oak savannah habitats.
Solar Energy Pollinators & Restoration Initiative
Exploring innovative, efficient ways of establishing pollinator habitat on unused farmland beneath solar panel arrays.