CORVALLIS, Ore. — The Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticulture at Oregon State University has been recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation, thanks to years of intentional, sustainable land stewardship.
The center — known as OCCUH — serves as an Oregon State learning laboratory for sustainable horticulture practices. Located on 6.5 acres at the southwestern edge of the Corvallis campus, the site has steadily moved toward a model of environmental responsibility.
“We’re committed,” said Al Shay, OCCUH manager and senior instructor in the OSU Department of Horticulture. “This is not just about the wildlife — it’s about education. There’s enough talk about sustainability; let’s start doing something. What we do does have an impact. If each person did something, it would make a difference.”
Every decision at OCCUH centers around sustainability. Plants are chosen thoughtfully, and everything generated onsite stays onsite. Shay emphasizes that in the face of climate change, reducing waste and eliminating unnecessary outputs are essential steps the public can take to help the planet.
“Not wasting anything just makes sense,” Shay said.
Hands-on learning and demonstration gardens
Visitors to Oak Creek will find a wide range of demonstrations that showcase sustainable techniques and wildlife-friendly gardening. Features include:
- An herbaceous border planted with pollinator-friendly flowers
- Crops grown with minimal or no irrigation
- A hedgerow planted for wildlife habitat
- A green tower and an insect hotel
- Displays of various bee hive styles
- A green roof currently in development
One of the center’s most ambitious efforts has been restoring Oak Creek itself. Shay and his students have worked for years to remove invasive species and plant native vegetation along the waterway, which forms the southern border of the site. Their progress may be supporting up to eight species of fish that now use Oak Creek as winter refuge from the Willamette River.
A place for wildlife to thrive
Wildlife has returned in remarkable numbers. A red-tailed hawk and gray fox are regular residents. A doe and her fawns visit each year. A beaver lives in Oak Creek, and skunks, raccoons and dozens of bird species frequent the area. A large hedgerow — made up of ninebark, seaberry, Oregon grape, native roses, sumac, spruce, ornamental grape, hops, honeysuckle and fruit trees — creates shelter and nesting areas for birds and small mammals.
Shay acknowledges that while most people don’t want raccoons or foxes in their yards, everyone can start by supporting birds.
“Feeders are fine,” he said. “But planting bird-friendly plants, supplying water and creating areas of shelter will really increase your chances of attracting birds to your garden.”
For Shay, the work is personal.
“Creating wildlife habitat gets you energized,” he said. “It’s like going to a rally. This is my rally. Even if people come and pay attention only for a minute, it gets them thinking.”
Visit the center
Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticulture is located at 844 SW 35th St., Corvallis. It is open to the public from dawn to dusk. If the gate is closed, visitors are welcome to walk around it.
Previously titled OSU’s Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticulture earns recognition from national wildlife organization
