H. A. Miller
Demonstration Nursery of
Wasco
Our vision for the nursery
is: a small corner in the heart of
Deeded to Wasco County SWCD in
1985 by Harry A. Miller, the 3.5 acre H. A. Miller Demonstration Nursery has a
number of practice demonstrations in place. It is located at the Boyd turnoff between Dufur
and
Current demonstrations include a three-row windbreak, level terrace, sediment basin, grass plots, well with timer-controlled drip irrigation system, hybrid cottonwood plot, low to no maintenance wildlife plot, a small restoration plant materials plot with Purple Osier willow and Red Osier Dogwood.
A number of challenges are faced each year at the nursery. Controlling knapweed and rodents always seem to be uphill stuggles. Windbreak tree roots are favorite snacks for gophers while mice enjoy fine dining on the hybrid cottonwood bark and cambium layers. This 'girdling' by mice has killed several of the young cottonwoods. Deer help eliminate pruning requirements on cottonwood limbs. The ubiquitous knapweed will never make our T/E plant list despite our best efforts. During 1997 we were alerted to possible carcinogenic properties of knapweed sap. A word to the wise - if you hand pull knapweed like we often do, make sure you wear gloves. ...and don't taste it. It's terribly bitter.
It's common to flush a few pheasants or grouse when walking around at the nursery. In 1997 we found a pheasant nest full of eggs. The photos below depict some of the demonstrations at the nursery.
Hybrid Poplar plot. 150 trees, 13
different varieties. Started from cuttings in 1994. Foreground grass plot is
sheep fescue, similar to native Idaho Fescue. Photo by
Low maintenance wildlife plot. 24x90 ft.
planted 1993. Uses 12 mil reinforced plastic fabric to control grass/weed
competition and to retain soil moisture. Technology / methods imported from
Washington Wildlife Department and successfully demonstrated as a step toward
boosting wildlife habitat planting survival rates in area watershed projects.
Field strip cropping system on distant hillside is on Dan Bolton farm. Photo by
(Click here to see picture)
Aerial View of Nursery: Click Here
