Participate in local work parties to enhance salmon conservation

The Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) will be hosting two work parties this month to support salmon habitat conservation at California and Terrell creeks.

For the California Creek restoration, NSEA will partner with the Whatcom Land Trust, Whatcom Conservation District (WCD) and Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management District (BBWARM) to remove invasive blackberry and Scotch broom from the site and to plant native vegetation. On Saturday, November 16, participants can meet at 1055 H Street, where they can park and take a shuttle to the site.

For the Terrell Creek restoration, NSEA will partner with WCD and BBWARM to restore a forest for salmon. On Saturday, November 23, participants can park at the former Birch Bay Bible Community Church site at 7039 Jackson Road.

Both events will run from 9 a.m. until noon.

NSEA, a fishery enhancement group, partners with property owners to lead its work parties. NSEA project manager Darrell Gray said they have been working with BP, which owns a portion of Terrell Creek, since 2003. BP donates $25,000 every year to support the restoration efforts. Work parties are held at the site every spring and fall. The past two work parties brought in 125 volunteers, who planted a total of 920 plants.

Last year, NSEA held its first work party at the California Creek site, working with the property owner, Whatcom Land Trust. Volunteers have previously helped plant 210 of the 1,110 plants at the site.

Gray said that NSEA tries to monitor both sites for a minimum of three years. Their goal is to reach “85 percent survival” of planted native vegetation.

NSEA stewardship program coordinator Noah Hanks said the planting of native vegetation, such as willows that survive near water, helps decrease the erosion of sediment in streams. The shade from trees also reduces the temperature of streams, ensuring cool, oxygen-filled water for juvenile salmon to mature.

“We’re adding to the salmon ecosystem by adding native plants, which can be used to filter any pollution that comes into the water,” Hanks said.

He said volunteers of all ages and abilities are welcome to attend the upcoming work parties. Tools, gloves, coffee and snacks will be provided. Participants are encouraged to wear closed-toed shoes, pants they don’t mind getting dirty and a jacket. Volunteers under 18 must bring a youth liability release form, and minors under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information about the work parties, contact NSEA at 360/715-0283 or info@n-sea.org.