The Skagit Conservation District conducted two plantings on separate, non-contiguous sites. The Site 1 planting aims to restore about 13 acres of riparian vegetation along Friday Creek and a tributary to Friday Creek on a private property in Alger, Washington. Approximately 4,200 trees were planted. Main tree species include Sitka spruce, western redcedar, shore pine, cascara and red alder. The Site 2 planting aims to restore about 2.98 acres of riparian buffer along the Samish River in Sedro Woolley, WA. Approximately 2,400 seedlings were planted. The wetland area of the site was planted with hooker willow and red osier dogwood. The upland area was planted with a mix of conifer and hardwoods, consisting mostly of western redcedar, Sitka spruce, shore pine and cascara.

The Creek on the property, Friday Creek, has been impacted by elevated water temperatures and is listed on the Washington Department of Ecology’s 303d list of impaired waters. The planting project is part of an overall effort to restore riparian habitat along the Creek as it is important habitat for coho, chum, steelhead and cutthroat trout according to Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Priority Habitats and Species map. Additionally, the Samish River provides important habitat for chinook, coho, chum, steelhead and cutthroat trout according to Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Priority Habitats and Species map.

In addition to providing shade to Friday Creek and the Samish River thereby improving water quality, the plantings will improve biodiversity and benefit wildlife. These plantings will remove and store carbon dioxide as they grow and mature, helping to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. Healthy plantings help to restore natural processes in the Samish River and Friday Creek, which may translate to better conditions for salmonids; this in turn helps to maintain tribal treaty rights and productive fisheries.

More information coming soon.

More information coming soon.