Dorris Ranch orchard removal takes root

SPRINGFIELD – This week, Willamalane Park and Recreation District began the next phase of its tree replacement project at Dorris Ranch to protect the historic Filbert orchards from Eastern Filbert Blight, a fungus that has spread through nearly all mature trees. Though Willamalane has applied various treatments over the years, replacing affected trees with blight-resistant varieties is the only viable long-term solution to preserve the orchards.