Marion Soil and Water Conservation District’s Little Habitat Kit
This year’s Little Habitat Kit is available for community sites. The kit includes three each of ten species of native plants that are commonly found in Willamette Valley oak and prairie habitats. These habitats covered approximately 2 million acres of our area prior to major land-use changes brought about by colonization. However, it is estimated that only 10% of oak habitat and 2% of prairie habitat remain. The plants were selected to meet multiple requirements of the Little Habitat Project certification at level I, Acorn. They are all suited to full-sun to part-sun locations, with some tolerating more shade. Most plants thrive in a dry to moist locations. Learn more about each species on our Plant Database.
If there are more requests than available kits, applicants will be prioritized based on the following criteria:
- Sites that are new to the Little Habitat Project (i.e., not previously enrolled or certified) with the intention to become certified.
- Project readiness (site prepared & maintenance plan).
To apply for a kit, please review the eligibility requirements and complete the kit request form.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Site must be a community-oriented space located in Marion County (e.g., a school, library, community/senior center, church, foster home, community garden, housing complex, retirement community, fire house, grange, Boys and Girls Club, etc.).
- Project must be shovel-ready (e.g., grass removed, weed control implemented).
- Ability to pick up the kit in Stayton on October 30, 2026.
- Provide a 1-year update (answer a 3-question survey and provide a photo).
If you do not meet all the requirements for the Little Habitat Kit, please contact Kristen McAlpine at 503-949-9212 or kristen.mcalpine@marionswcd.net for more information.
Request Form Open: June 15 – August 23, 2026
Help us spread the word!
Know a community organization, school, business, faith group, or neighborhood space that could benefit from a Little Habitat Project Community Kit? Download and print our informational flyer to share with others and help expand native habitat throughout Marion County.
For any questions, please contact kristen.mcalpine@marionswcd.net.