Learn more about Peck's milkvetch - Tumalo's rare plant species
Morton Peck
Peck's milkvetch was named for Morton Peck, one of Oregon's most famous botanists.
It is listed as a rare and threatened plant with a global population of only 360,000 specimens; one-third of these plants grow in about 10 square miles around Tumalo.
This hardy plant has an important role in improving our nutrient-poor, pumice-rich acidic soils: it can take nitrogen directly from the air and add it to the soil and so supports the growth of other plants.
The population on the Bull Flat wildlife area is important not only because it is rare but also because it has been extensively studied over several decades by scientists from Oregon State University, the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Central Oregon Community College and by students from Cascade Middle School.
Transect Planting
In 2014-15 OSU scientists carried out extensive experimental plantings on Bull Flat and were successful in establishing many new plants. Unfortunately in April and May this year dirt bikes were ridden across the scientific sites.
Help save the Bull Flat wildlife area by signing the petition to request the Governor to enforce the legal protections to this beautiful place.