Environmental Stewardship at Creekside Commons

Creekside Commons’ members are contributing to the future of Coho salmon.

On Sept. 10th and 11th, 2005, members worked with biologist Warren Fleenor (Streamline Environmental) to enhance "Tributary 9," a small seasonal stream that runs through a park adjacent to the property. We placed stones and logs along the stream bank to improve the habitat and provide shelter for the salmon fry.

This project was not required as part of the development and was a voluntary contribution paid for by our group. Enhancing fish habitat and the environment are part of our values and vision for our community. The enhancement of Tributary 9 is one of the first concrete actions towards achieving our goals.

Creekside members get down and dirty in Tributary 9. From left to right: Jane Montgomery, Len DeLozier and Oliver Montgomery.

Members, materials and machines are assembled as the consultants go over the strategy for the day. Tributary 9 was once a natural stream channel, however it was "ditched" to accomodate nearby development and the natural vegetation adjacent to the streambed was severely disturbed.

Under the guidance of local biologist Warren Fleenor, the group has taken on the task of returning the stream to a more natural state - a state that will provide a vast improvement in the quality of habitat for the coho salmon fry and cutthroat trout resident in this system.

A key part of this strategy is the introduction of boulders and large wooden debris into the channel. This creates a more complex hydrology and greater cover for the small fish. In order for the logs to remain in place they are drilled and cabled to anchors.

Boulders are another important addition, making the high flow currents more complex and serving to anchor some of the other structures.

Here is an example of a meticulously designed and artfully constructed structure that will enhance the fish habitat in the years ahead.

A set of such structures laid out in a careful array will serve to go a long way toward bringing Tributary 9 back to it's former natural state.

Our crew of volunteers in high spirits.

Phase II: the revegetation of Tributary 9 was successfully undertaken on October 23.

Again the members of Creekside Commons turned out on the site to "walk the talk" of environmental stewardship. Approximately 75 sitka spruce and western red cedar sapling were planted along the banks of the recently reclaimed tributary to Piercy Creek.

Local biologist Warren Fleenor briefing the group on the planting strategy for the day. Red cedar and sitka spruce, were selected for their suitability to the site's soil/moisture regime, and the characteristics of large mature size, year round foliage, and indigenous origin.

Placing coniferous trees amongst the deciduous species, will provide year round cover and ultimately larger more durable organic debris along the streambed. These qualities will ensure a complex hydrology and a self-sustaining natural ecology for generations to come.

Our planting crew. This completes the stream enhancement as planned for Tributary 9, but it certainly won't be the last time our members will have shovels in their hands! Plans for our project include the construction of a wetland, and community and private gardens.