Oak Creek Preserve

When community volunteers first gathered in Corvallis to discuss the founding of a group to create a “Greenbelt” of parks, trails, open space, and natural habitat around the community, one of the first things they did was start drawing circles on maps.

Where were the important places that needed to be secured? What connections for people and nature could be forged for the future?

Some of the first circles that Greenbelt Land Trust protected in those early years were at  Bald Hill  and  Fitton Green  natural areas, two places that are now connected by 16 miles of trail in the  Bald Hill complex .

One of those circles drawn long ago was a hayfield with a small oak woodland across the street from the Bald Hill complex. Because it was also adjacent to Oregon State University property that connected to McDonald Forest, local conservation and recreation groups saw the property as a “missing link” that could connect trail networks and a significant amount of habitat.

Agricultural operations on the property came and went over the years, and Greenbelt kept an eye on that circle on the map. In 2023, decades of  patience and planning  came to fruition with the purchase of Oak Creek Preserve.

We have big plans for this keystone property for recreation and habitat connection, including universal access trails for people of all mobilities and space for school groups to visit for outdoor education. Our goal is for future trails to connect the Bald Hill complex to McDonald Forest and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

Habitat restoration work got underway in the fall of 2023 with the creation of several vernal pools in the lower and wetter portions of the property. These wetland habitats are important resting and feeding stops for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl as well as important breeding habitat for frogs and salamanders.

The acquisition of Oak Creek Preserve was made possible by the members and donors of Greenbelt Land Trust. Together, we are making the Greenbelt vision a reality: habitat for wildlife, access to the outdoors for all, and a healthier community for our children.

If you'd like to help restore and connect Oak Creek Preserve, please join us!

Access to Oak Creek Preserve is limited to Greenbelt Land Trust tours and events at this time. There is no public access. Stay up to date with current tours and events  HERE .