More than 300 species of wildlife, pollinators, and plants rely on oaks.
And so do people! In the East Cascades, Oregon white oak is a keystone species that is resilient to fire and grazing, supports culturally important species, and provides critical habitat to migratory and overwintering birds. Oaks give life! 
Oaks support more forms of life and more fascinating interactions than any other tree genus in North America.
- Dr. Doug Tallamy, Entomologist
Take a tour of our Why Oaks poster. To dig deeper, click the Why Oaks button on top.
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Resilience to Fire
Oaks have thick bark and waxy leaves that resist burning, and often sprout back after being burned.
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Safe Homes for Wildlife
Oak cavities and bark provide safe homes for wildlife. Acorns provide the richest plant protein in the woods.
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Orange Sun
Sun exposure and rainfall dramatically impact what grows where in the East Cascades.
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Vibrant Biodiversity
A steep decline in rainfall over lively terrain creates a tapestry of unique habitats, generating biodiversity and climate resilience!
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Habitat for Pollinators
Flowering plants and grasses grow under the oaks. They feed pollinators and house insects — the base of a food chain.
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Important Foods and Medicines
Foods and medicines grow and live near the oaks — including deer, elk, roots, and berries.
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Building community and ecological resilience
Indigenous lifeways in this region reflect an ancestral knowledge and aboriginal connection to oak woodlands. It is a multi-generational endeavor that elevates important knowledge since time immemorial. ECOP partners are dedicated to deepening relationships between tribal and nontribal partners as we build community and ecological resilience.
Our partnership
The East Cascades Oak Partnership (ECOP) is a group of people who know and love the Columbia River Gorge and the East Cascades. Our partnership is comprised of over 25 tribes, state and federal agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and more than 350 individuals who care about oaks – that includes you!
At a time when our landscape is under threat from development, high severity fire, and a changing climate, we are collaborating to leverage resources, share knowledge, and implement conservation strategies to protect and care for these vulnerable habitats. Learn more about the partnership.
The simplest thing you can do is get outside amongst the oaks and observe. Get to know them! You can also help spread the word about oaks, donate your time or resources to conservation, and collaborate on conservation actions. Learn more about how you can help!
Focused Investment Partnership
Thanks to the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board’s collaborative Focused Investment Partnership (FIP) program, the East Cascades Oak Partnership is catalyzing restoration in oak habitats across our landscape. With the award of over $7 million in July 2022, we are grateful for the many opportunities this program supports. Columbia Land Trust is proud to serve as the fiscal and administrative sponsor of the FIP, stewarding our partnership’s success. A special thanks to Pacific Birds whose guidance and small grants program helped conceive of, launch, and sustain the partnership over the last decade.
Learn more about FIP funded projects in our story map!
