BRIDGEPORT FARMS & GARDENS
Farmer-Owned Locally Grown Organic Since 1995
Wetlands Project
In 1995, the wetlands at Bridgeport Farms & Gardens started very small at only 1.5 acres. In 1999, Jerry Dhooghe purchased the 87-acre organic farm and began to expand the wetlands project to the 60 acres that it is today, developing ponds, levies, and controlled drainage. The Dhooghe's are committed to continuing organic growing, not just in the 27 acres of farmland, but in the wetlands as well. It is one of the features that makes their wetlands unique as a habitat restoration project.
Partnership with the US Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Oregon's Institute for Applied Ecology, Native Seed Network, have helped facilitate the development of the wetlands restoration project. A combination of year round ponds, seasonal, and vernal ponds attract wildlife such as Canada Geese, elk, several varieties of duck, Great Blue Heron, Sandpiper, Bald Eagle, Ospree and other Raptors, Western Blue Bird, Kildeer, Cedar Waxwing, a variety of finches and much more.
These wetlands have unique hydrology, with an atypically high water table, and are unusual not just for their plant variety, but for their organic husbandry. Most regional wetlands are located in lower river valleys and are maintained by the state. However, this is the only restoration project of its kind in the region whose landowners do the actual work in development and maintenance.
The project boasts rare and threatened plant species such as Nelson's Checker Mallow, and only organic methods are used in planting and propagating native seed, and in control of undesirable plant and animal species. In conjunction with that, this site also serves as the only organic native seed bank in the region.
Walking tours are available by arrangement only. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable hiking shoes, long pants, and seasonally appropriate outerwear, accessorized with a camera and/or binoculars. In late summer, hikers can take advantage of an optional U-Pick for two different varieties of blackberry. Set aside at least an hour for the standard 2+ mile tour - more if you're adding the blackberry picking. Well behaved children are welcome, but please leave pets at home.
The Dhooghe's are excited to offer this opportunity to raise awareness of some of Oregon's wonderful native and migratory wildlife.
Partnership with the US Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Oregon's Institute for Applied Ecology, Native Seed Network, have helped facilitate the development of the wetlands restoration project. A combination of year round ponds, seasonal, and vernal ponds attract wildlife such as Canada Geese, elk, several varieties of duck, Great Blue Heron, Sandpiper, Bald Eagle, Ospree and other Raptors, Western Blue Bird, Kildeer, Cedar Waxwing, a variety of finches and much more.
These wetlands have unique hydrology, with an atypically high water table, and are unusual not just for their plant variety, but for their organic husbandry. Most regional wetlands are located in lower river valleys and are maintained by the state. However, this is the only restoration project of its kind in the region whose landowners do the actual work in development and maintenance.
The project boasts rare and threatened plant species such as Nelson's Checker Mallow, and only organic methods are used in planting and propagating native seed, and in control of undesirable plant and animal species. In conjunction with that, this site also serves as the only organic native seed bank in the region.
Walking tours are available by arrangement only. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable hiking shoes, long pants, and seasonally appropriate outerwear, accessorized with a camera and/or binoculars. In late summer, hikers can take advantage of an optional U-Pick for two different varieties of blackberry. Set aside at least an hour for the standard 2+ mile tour - more if you're adding the blackberry picking. Well behaved children are welcome, but please leave pets at home.
The Dhooghe's are excited to offer this opportunity to raise awareness of some of Oregon's wonderful native and migratory wildlife.
Bridgeport Farms & Gardens is located at the NW corner of Kings Valley Hwy (Hwy 223) and Bridgeport Rd/Monmouth Hwy just 7 miles south of Dallas and west of Monmouth.
(From Monmouth, go west & follow signs for Falls City. At Hwy 223, continue west through intersection. Store is @ 300 ft. up on the right.)
(From Monmouth, go west & follow signs for Falls City. At Hwy 223, continue west through intersection. Store is @ 300 ft. up on the right.)
503-623-6522
