Wildwood Nature Preserve

Located on 98 acres in Newberg, Oregon, Wildwood is a haven for rescued farm animals and also serves as a protected, cherished place for wildlife and nature. At Wildwood we know many native plants of Oregon are losing critical habitat needed for survival due to encroaching development, deforestation and agricultural demands. Since a large part of our sanctuary is made up of grassy meadows, woodlands, meandering streams and wetlands that contain many native plants and wildlife alike, we are committed to protecting, restoring and preserving these important areas for generations to come. Our goal is to live peacefully and in harmony with our environment and other living being whom we share this little slice of heaven with.

Wildwood has a large stand of Oregon White Oak — a valuable habitat for over 240 species of native wildlife. Thanks to a grant and expert support from the Yamhill Soil and Water Conservation District, we’re completing a three-year restoration project to nurture and preserve the native plants and trees on Wildwood’s property. This involves clearing non-native plants, reintroducing natives, and tending to some of the natural elements of thriving habitats. These elements include nursery logs, which simply are downed trees

left on the forest floor where they play a vital role as host to animals, insects, and plants. 

  Every day, we experience small and great gifts from nature:

• Wheat fields surround our sanctuary and provide food for our residents.
• Baby barn swallows call our cozy barn their home and provide safety until they’re ready to venture out into the world.
• Each spring, killdeer nest in our grasses and compost piles, where the baby birds can be seen skittering quickly across the grasses.
• Fluttering butterflies and moths dance among the beauty of the blossoming camas, wild iris, snowberries and lilies, an entire orchard of pears.
• Our surrounding forest, prairies and wetlands are home to salamander, frog, possum, owl, deer, bobcats, bald eagles, coyote and field mice.
• Among our beloved residents are the honey bees who are essential to maintaining plant life by pollinating plants and flowers as they feed on nectar. As a vegan sanctuary, we never harvest or disturb the honey, and instead leave it to serve its natural purpose: as a winter food source for the hardworking colony that created it.
• With all this great, rich soil, yes, we also have moles and gophers who we love here at the sanctuary. These subterranean creatures till the soil, making it possible for life-giving moisture and air to get down into the earth. If we ever need a bit of dirt for a gardening project, the soil from their mounds provide a ready mixed soil amendment. Often as not, you’ll probably be able to live in harmony with either of these creatures. Flower bulbs and worm-laden soils can be enclosed in sturdy, small-mesh wire baskets; this physical barrier will effectively limit where these animals can and can’t go.

All life is valued and precious here. As the expression goes: “Kill nothing but time.” We feel honored to share this space with so much magnificence who call our sanctuary their home. And this extraordinarily abundant ecosystem is the force behind our sanctuary name: “Wildwood.”

Nature Hikes

Come explore the nature at Wildwood Farm Sanctuary by attending one of our guided tours through Wildwood’s trails and natural areas. We’ll be exploring our forest and grasslands, looking for early native wildflowers, plant life, and other wildlife that call our sanctuary home. Learn more about the history of our farm/sanctuary and what we’re doing to preserve this special piece of heaven that so many animals and plant species call home. This is a moderate hike with some elevation gain, sturdy shoes or boots are recommended, expect muddy and possibly slippery trails.