SPRINGFIELD – Willamalane Park and Recreation District is in the final stages of replanting 35 acres of blight-resistant filbert trees at Dorris Ranch.
“This multi-phase project started in 2016,” said Eric Adams, Willamalane Planning, Parks, and Facilities Director. “We became aware of the (Eastern Filbert Blight) fungus around 2014. It got established in the soil and is impossible to get rid of. It’s in all the orchards throughout the valley.”
Phase I of the new tree project is in its third year, beginning in 2022.
“The trees are doing well this winter,” Adams said. “It takes 4-5 years to have a harvestable crop.”
Dorris Ranch will maintain its listing on the National Register of Historic Places as the nation’s oldest commercial filbert orchard.
“We have an agreement with the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office,” Adams said. “Part of that agreement is that we maintain the ranch and keep it flourishing and viable for the future.”
Dorris Ranch, a 268-acre park just south of downtown Springfield, offers various attractions. It features several historical structures that date back to the early settler days. There’s a rock quarry with the many orchards, excellent bird-watching spots, and trails for those who like to jog or walk. For track and field fans, there’s the Fast Forest, where 755 trees were planted to honor the 755 American athletes who have cracked the 4:30 barrier in the mile since 2022. Each tree has a tag with the runner’s name, time, and accomplishment date.
“We appreciate the public’s patience,” Adams said. “The grounds are vulnerable to damage, with dogs running through; the soil is very soft right now, so be very careful walking through the orchards.”
Oregon produces 99% of the filberts — or hazelnuts — in the U.S., most of which come from the Willamette Valley. Initially planted in 1903, Dorris Ranch is the largest producer in the Valley.
Southern Oregon’s fertile soil and mild climate — similar to a Mediterranean climate — make it perfect for growing hazelnuts.
Adams said the next step is doing whatever it takes to get back to normal.
“We want to continue caring for the orchards throughout this next phase,” Adams said. “Keep watering for the next 3-5 years, do regular pruning, and hopefully have an easy harvest and get back the proceeds from the pre-blight infections to get back to where we were before that.”
