A Brief History
GROWISER is a nonprofit foundation established in 1993. Its IRS approved 501(c)(3) identification number is 93-1115800.
The organization has three primary objectives.
1) To establish and maintain a 182-acre native plant preserve.
2) To research restoration techniques, including the field establishment /seed production of native species, and the control of introduced plants. The preserve is also to serve as a germplasm source of plants native to the Blue Mountains, and to make seed of those species available to commercial producers. GROWISER has reestablished harvestable quantities of seven species of native grasses, resulting in the commercial seed production of four of those species. Techniques for the establishment of Cypripedium montanum, mountain lady’s slipper, from seed, have been developed.
3) To provide ecological education opportunities.
Hundreds of educational tours, for students of all ages, have been provided.
Contacts:
If you would like a tour, or information:
Andy Huber, 541-962-3543 (days/Oct-May), 541-534-2155 (June-Sept), otherwise 541-962-1512
ahuber@eou.edu
Laurie Allen, 541-534-2155
allenla@eou.edu
Field Station address:
GROWISER
69512 Pumpkin Ridge Road
Summerville, OR 97876
growiser@bmi.net
541-534-2155
Directions to GROWISER / Grande Ronde Overlook
Wildflower Institute Serving Ecological Restoration
From La Grande, Oregon, I-84
Go east on Hwy. 82 to Island City
At the light in Island City turn left, following Hwy. 82
Continue 12 miles to Imbler
When leaving Imbler, as Hwy. 82 curves right, exit 82 at the sign to Summerville
Go straight north on Brooks Rd., ending at Courtney Ln.
Turn right (east) and go 1 mile to Hug Rd.
Turn left (north) on Hug Rd. (gravel), ending at Pumpkin Ridge Rd.
Turn right (north) on Pumpkin Ridge Rd., and go ¾ mile to GROWISER
The sign, on left, is the entrance to the field station
Entrance for tours: follow Pumpkin Ridge Rd. 0.2 mi. north, enter first gravel lane on left, park near gate
From the north, Hwy. 204 (the Tollgate Highway)
3 miles west of Elgin, turn south on Summerville Rd.
Go exactly 1 mi. to Bean-Coffin Lane
Turn left (only way), go 2 mi. east to Pumpkin Ridge Road
Turn right, go 0.25 mi. to GROWISER entrance
Relax, you made it!
Our purpose is to live, one with the flowers. With them, so tranquil, so beautiful, entirely giving.
www.growiser.org