James & Patricia's Oasis, Oregon

20 years ago James and Patricia purchased land that had been logged multiple time, and built a house to raise a family, and watch the forest regrow. James loves trains and this area had a logging operation in the early 1900's that included railroads, donkey engines and logging camps in the area. In the 1980's several 10 to 20 acre parcels were sold to people who wanted a piece of the country life. James and Patricia now live on one of those parcels and look forward to the next generation enjoying the country life. 

When James and Patricia bought the property, the previous owner had cut down most of the trees and would mow most of the land. The land was allowed to recover with alder being the first forest which replenished the soil. In a few areas scotch broom (invasive plants) took hold. Not wanting to use toxic chemicals that could leach into the water supply getting rid of scotch broom was a challenge but now there is large meadow with baby Christmas trees growing (marked by the red flags). In many other places douglas fir has planted itself along with new cedar trees. There is beautiful undergrowth that includes thimble berry, Oregon grape, candy stripe and many other wild plants. There is red huckleberry growing in various places and makes a great snack when they are ripe.

Speaking of wild, there is a lot wildlife here. Several species of birds live here including family of humming birds. Sometimes you will see grouse, geese, ducks, swallows, red tail hawks, even a glimpse of a bald eagle. There are wild bunnies, gardener snakes, frogs, salamanders. If you go along the trails you might see signs of deer or coyote. 

There are currently 2 horses and a llama that are living in the back half of the property. Sometimes Larry the llama comes out for a visit. He is shy on not really domesticated but like all llama's curious. There are chickens that live near the garage and garden (that's why dogs must be on leash).