Anyone who appreciates wildlife is invited to help restore the Potato Patch Meadow Complex in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest on Saturday, April 7.

Volunteers will remove smaller conifer trees and saplings that are encroaching on grassland habitat and reducing quality habitat for Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer and upland game birds. Creating slash piles will also encourage grouse nesting habitat and improve meadow habitat.

“We held a volunteer day in February, and even though it was pouring rain, we had an incredibly enthusiastic group of 20 people show up and restore just under four acres,” said Bree Furfey, ODFW wildlife biologist. “Volunteers from the Curry Citizens for Public Land Access, Future Farmers of America, and Oregon Hunters Association pre-sampled the meadow, cleared a road, and created slash piles for grouse habitat.”

People with experience and training using chainsaws or people who can bring hand tools such as loppers and weed whackers are encouraged to attend.

Meet at the Silver Creek Bridge at 9 a.m. on the north side of the Rogue River (the south end of Lobster Creek Bridge) in the national forest. Check a map of the meeting location, which is a 20 minute drive from Gold Beach.

Lunch is provided. Contact Bree Furfey with any questions at brehan.c.furfey@state.or.us or 541-247-7605 ext. 227.