Best land use - Ask Extension
Our family is trying to figure out the best way to use almost 40 acres in Pleasant Hill. How should we go about understanding what will thrive here a...
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Best land use #923964
Asked January 27, 2026, 2:56 PM EST
Our family is trying to figure out the best way to use almost 40 acres in Pleasant Hill. How should we go about understanding what will thrive here and how to take care of the land for future generations?
Most is field, some is wooded and blackberries around a seasonal creek.
Lane County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Sara,
What you decide to do with your land, whether it's crop production, livestock, habitat restoration, or other uses, will depend on your goals, your skills and abilities, and the physical resources of the property. Here are some publications that might be helpful in working through your options. Soil capability is a big determinant, so I will include some resources on testing soil.
- What Can I Do with My Small Farm: https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/ec1529/html
- An intro to whole farm systems design: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/business-economics/management/introduction-whole-farm-systems-design
- A Guide to Collecting Soil Samples for Farms and Gardens: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/ec-628-guide-collecting-soil-samples-farms-gardens
- Wildlife and habitat management: https://knowyourforest.org/Wildlife-habitat-management
- Riparian management resources: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/em-9617-riparian-management-resources-landowners
Take a look at these links and give us a call if you want to talk about your specific goals and how you might reach them.
Carrie Mack, Education Program Assistant
Small Farms | Forestry and Natural Resources
Oregon State University | Lane County Extension |<personal data hidden>
