Oregon Farm Becomes Wetland Oasis for Wildlife

In southern Oregon, Karl Wenner transformed 70 acres of his 400-acre barley farm near Klamath Falls into a wetland in 2021. This initiative, undertaken with conservation partners, created an unexpected refuge for wildlife while addressing agricultural water pollution.

The engineered wetland features shallow water areas and channels, allowing water to flow slowly. Vegetation and sediments capture nutrients and suspended materials, reducing phosphorus runoff into Upper Klamath Lake. The remaining farmland continues to operate, showcasing a successful integration of agriculture and conservation.

Wildlife quickly populated the wetland, attracting tens of thousands of ducks, geese, and swans, with over 140 bird species recorded. Otters, beavers, and muskrats also inhabit the area. Plant biodiversity has doubled, according to bee-based monitoring, which also identified native and invasive species.

The project is crucial for endangered Lost River and shortnose suckers. Young suckers, including these species, were introduced into farm ponds. In May 2025, researchers found 50 healthy, adult-sized suckers, offering hope for species struggling with low juvenile survival.

This success demonstrates how working agricultural land can provide rearing habitat for young suckers, addressing a critical recruitment problem in the Klamath Basin. The wetland's natural filtration system substantially reduced phosphorus levels in outflowing water.

Other landowners in the region have shown interest in replicating this model, which combines agricultural viability with significant ecological benefits. Lakeside Farms collaborated with federal and local conservation groups, fostering cooperation in a region historically marked by disputes over water and land use.