Some of the final steps to restore a halfmile section of South Prairie Creek for improved salmon habitat are underway! This project is the culmination of more than 15 years of work to first acquire the property from its previous owners, Bert and Carolyn Inglin who ran their familyowned dairy here for many decades. That was followed by some initial planting of the riparian and floodplain areas, accomplished in large part by citizen volunteers. Then a project development team, led by the South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group, was formed in 2013 to work through multiple iterations of modeling, engineering and design, grant applications, and procurement of permits. And now, construction!

After years of work, this project took flight at the end of winter. The first order of business has been demolition of the former dairy structures and out-buildings. These buildings, visible from SR-162, have been landmarks in the South Prairie Creek valley for years. Their absence is one of the most tangible parts of the project that the average passerby will notice.

Over the next few months, an old side channel will be excavated through the north floodplain. Various types of large wood structures will be installed in the streambanks and on the floodplain. Channel-spanning structures will be placed in the mainstem to collect smaller rocks and gravel for improved salmon habitat. Several dozen acres will be planted to provide long-term benefits such as shade, habitat, and soil stability.
  
We look forward to bringing you a full recap of the project as it progresses. And starting this Fall, we expect to have many opportunities for interested parties to help with the plantings and see this project up close.