Learn About Our Beavercreek Farm Transition
From the summer of 2026 through 2028, you will see major changes on our property.
A Farm With a Purpose
Our vision for the Beavercreek property is to create a working demonstration farm. Each part of the land will show how soil and water conservation practices can support both agriculture and wildlife habitat, allowing them to thrive side by side.
Current Activities
We invite artists to celebrate and interpret our old barn before its planned removal this fall. Artists from all media are welcome during this event. Artist days will be held at the Beavercreek Demonstration Farm, May 29th-30th, 2026. For more Information.
Pardon the Mess
From the summer of 2026 through 2028, you will see major changes on our property. There will be heavy equipment, tree removal, and work to reshape the stream. At first, this may look disruptive. However, each change is part of a careful, long-term plan to improve the land, protect the watershed, and support the farming community.
Restoring Our Stream
The stream on this property was changed many years ago into a straight channel with a “V”-shaped bed. This design causes soil to erode and wash downstream during heavy rain. There is also a 10-foot drop that prevents fish from moving upstream. We are restoring the stream to work as it does in nature by slowing the flow of water, filtering runoff, and keeping moisture in the soil during dry months, when both farmers and wildlife need it most.
A Working Farm That Works for You
Our farm will demonstrate proven conservation methods, such as no-till seeding, cover crops, and pollinator hedgerows. These practices protect soil, lower costs, and improve long-term farm success. If these methods work here, they can work on your land too.
Honoring the Past, Investing in the Future
The old barn has meant a great deal to the community and poses safety issues. However, fixing it would cost a large amount of taxpayer money and still would not make it usable. We will need to bring the barn down. Instead, those funds are being used to support District programs like the Equipment Rental Program, which helps local landowners access conservation equipment they can use on their land.
Native Plants, Thriving Land
Trees and plants do more than provide shade. They help shape the health of the land around them. We are replacing the invasive Norway maples along the driveway with native big leaf maples. We have also planted native hedgerows to reduce noise, limit pesticide drift, and support the pollinators that farmers rely on.
Protecting Oak Legacy
Oregon white oak has declined to less than 7% of its historic habitat in the Willamette Valley, and 96% of what remains is on private land. Landowners hold the key to its survival. Oak trees are drought tolerant, reduce fire risk, and thrive on land that isn’t suited to farming. We are already restoring oak habitat at our Beavercreek property, and we can help you do the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the barn coming down?
Renovating the barn would cost a large amount of taxpayer money and still would not meet our needs. Keeping it would be a public safety risk. We believe these funds are better used for projects that directly benefit the community. The barn has been important to this community, and we want to honor it. We will host public art days, a barn art exhibit, and create a permanent mural that shows the barn.
What is happening to the wood from the barn?
We are still working out the details. Some of the wood may be saved by the deconstruction company, but we are also looking at ways to keep some of it. We will share more information once these plans are final.
Why are you removing trees?
The trees lining the driveway are invasive Norway Maples. They compete aggressively for water and crowd out native plants. We’re replacing them with native Big Leaf Maples and native understory shrubs that support insects, birds, and wildlife and require less long-term maintenance.
Will the stream work affect neighboring properties?
No. The work is taking place entirely on our property. By slowing the water and reducing the speed of the stream, we are helping to reduce erosion and runoff that could affect land in a positive way downstream.
How long will the construction last?
Work will happen in phases:
- Barn deconstruction—two weeks in the late summer of 2026
- Driveway tree removal and replacement—Fall 2026 – Spring 2027
- Stream restoration— Summer 2027 – Summer 2028
Why does it look so messy?
Conservation work is not always neat while it is happening. However, every change on this property is planned and has long-term benefits for the soil, water quality, and local farmers. We appreciate your patience during the construction phases.
Who is paying for this?
This project is funded by taxpayer dollars. We believe it is one of the best investments we can make for this community. We are creating a long-term resource that shows realistic conservation practices for landowners, farmers, and residents across Clackamas County.
How does this benefit me as a landowner or farmer?
Every practice demonstrated at the Beavercreek property, from stream restoration to no-till seeding and wildlife coexistence, is something you can explore for your own operations. Our staff are here to help you decide what works best for your property and your goals.