Understory Stewards

What We Offer

We offer ecologist-led restoration guidance tailored to landowners in Southwest Oregon who want to restore native herbaceous understory—in meadows, oak woodlands, and fire-adapted forests.

To ensure the greatest ecological benefit and wise use of limited seed and staff capacity, participation in Understory Stewards begins with a two-step Program Fit Assessment, followed by the option to select further services or packages.

Who It's For

Landowners in Jackson or Josephine County
Land recently thinned for fire risk or otherwise disturbed
People restoring oak woodland/savana?, meadow, or dry conifer forest understory
Gardeners looking to expand pollinator habitat with native plants

How It Works

Our process is designed to ensure that projects we support have the greatest possible ecological impact—and a strong chance of success.

Submit the Intake Form
Let us know your goals, location, and general site information.
Book Your Program Fit Assessment
We'll schedule a 30-minute call ($75), followed by a 1-hour site visit ($300).
Site Review & Fit Determination
Our ecologist will review your site’s characteristics and your goals to determine if it’s a strong match for native understory restoration.
Select Your Services
If accepted, you’ll be invited to choose from our menu of à la carte services or full project packages. Payment is due before service delivery.
Start Your Restoration
We’ll provide a restoration plan, seed access, and follow-up as outlined in your selected package.

Understory Stewards Trailer

What is the Understory Stewards Program?

Understory Stewards is a landowner-focused restoration assistance program offered by The Understory Initiative. We help you plan and implement native plant restoration in meadows, oak woodlands, and fire-adapted forest understories—especially on lands that have been thinned or treated for fuels reduction.

If you're ready to bring back native wildflowers and grasses, support pollinators, or simply steward your land with ecological care, we’re here to help.

**We do not provide technical assistance for riparian restoration, forest thinning, or livestock management. Our niche is guiding native herbaceous understory establishment.