Land of Oz article link

Did you see the article in the Monday, January 11th NW Herald about TLC's purchase of a 60 acres we are calling the Land of Oz?

This is only the third time TLC has purchased land -- we only buy land when it is on the county natural areas inventory, and either too small or isolated to be purchased by the Conservation District. Otherwise, we leave the land-buying to them, and focus on work with private landowners.

Let's face it, land is expensive, the District has the money, and they are really good at acquisition. On the other hand, because of Linda Balek, TLC excels at working with private landowners to help them leave their legacies of land for future generations.

But, that brings us back to the Land of Oz. We purchased 60 acres of (mostly) wetland for $270,000, and will undertake restoration in the coming years. There is a lot of reed canary grass growing out there, BUT, there are also these amazing pockets of natural sedge meadow that have no reed canary. The pockets are dominated by blue joint grass, sedges, wetland forbs, and all the things one would expect to find in a natural sedge meadow.

The goal of TLC's restoration will be to connect the dots -- to expand the extent of the high quality pockets to the point where they dominate the site.

We decided to name the site the Land of Oz after the long-time owner, Nat Ozmon. But, the name fits for other reasons as well. Like Baum's Land of Oz, this place would only be found by accident, as when the Wizard's balloon blew off course and in to the Emerald City. It is otherwise inaccessible, and hidden from view due to topography. The Land of Oz lies at the bottom of a basin, and does not have direct frontage on any road.

Our local Land of Oz is also a place of wonder - a place where surprises lie around each bend.

We haven't seen any munchkins yet! Or cowardly lions. But I bet there are plenty of frogs & salamanders! We'll find out in the Spring - I hope you'll join us.