As the calendar flips from December to January signaling the beginning of a new year, Harney County residents look out toward the snowpack on the Steens and Blue Mountains searching for hope and clues for late spring water and wet meadow verdancy. April and May water levels tell the story of what is going to happen in the plant world for the rest of the year. In late March or early April, Wet Meadow plants wake up from their winter dormancy, providing critical and choice grasses, rushes and sedges for both birds and cows.

Wet meadows have the amazing ability to thrive with flooding in the spring, and still survive drought conditions after mid-summer. By the end of June, wet meadow plants have reached peak growth. As summer progresses and water levels recede, plants maximize their growth, putting out seed heads. By late summer, plant growth has slowed down preparing for winter dormancy. Wildlife and wet meadow land managers are constantly adapting their management goals and strategies to this variability. Learn more about winter, spring, summer and fall in the Harney Basin.