It takes more than ice storms, flooding creeks, and chilly temperatures to keep us out of the field!
Despite December weather challenges, Riverkeeper, Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, and Project YESS (Youth Employability Support Services) partnered on a restoration project at Horsetail Creek. Project YESS is a workforce training program through Mt. Hood Community College that assists youth in gaining valuable career experience and guidance. Our hardy crew braved the December weather and planted 700 native willow trees that will provide shade and support habitat for salmon in the newly restored Horsetail Floodplain.
The Horsetail Creek Project improves the connectivity between the Columbia River and the Horsetail floodplain in the Columbia River Gorge. It is one of the last off channel habitats for salmon to rest and feed before moving through the Portland area where habitat greatly diminishes. Coho, steelhead, and Chinook, as well as red-legged frogs, great blue heron and other wildlife currently use the site. This project restores native forest, increases critical habitat, and improves water quality. The trees our crew planted will provide shade and help to cool water temperatures in the warmer summer months. Our hard-working crew was excited to learn about salmon life histories and the critical necessity of cold water for salmon survival. And as students in Environmental Science and Natural Resources, their participation in this project may help the students to guide the academic and career pathways.
