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May 01

[ARCHIVED] A (Working) Day at the Beach!

The original item was published from May 1, 2023 4:34 PM to May 1, 2023 4:38 PM

Washington Conservation Corps helmet on the shoreline of Henderson Bay, Gig Harbor.
Henderson Bay in Gig Harbor

Is a day working at the beach really work? Yes, but it sure is a special place to work. At the end of March, our Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crew spent a few days working on the shoreline of Henderson Bay. This was a change of pace for the crew, who generally focuses on Pierce Conservation District’s (PCD) projects addressing freshwater issues that affect fish habitat. But marine shorelines are important for fish too! Both Puget Sound Chinook and their prey – little fish species at the bottom of the food chain – rely on healthy Puget Sound beaches for things like migration or reproduction.

A young burrowing Bay Ghost Shrimp made a rare above-ground appearance during the crew’s beach walk.
A young burrowing Bay Ghost Shrimp made a rare above-ground appearance during the crew’s beach walk.
During ivy removal, an Ensatina salamander emerged to say hello.
During ivy removal, an Ensatina salamander emerged to say hello.

PCD’s Shore Friendly Pierce program engages waterfront homeowners in shoreline stewardship to help support healthy fish habitat on their beaches and in the water. As with freshwater, supporting high-quality, healthy, native vegetation near marine shorelines is important for fish habitat.

At Henderson Bay, the WCC crew removed approximately 3300 square feet of English ivy and Holly. This prep work will be followed by native plantings and other habitat enhancement at this site.

After finishing the day’s work, the crew took a walk with PCD’s Shorelines Program Manager, Mary Krauszer, to explore a low-ish tide in Henderson Bay.

Three WCC crew members improving the marine riparian zone on Henderson Bay.
WCC crew members improving the marine riparian zone on Henderson Bay.
WCC members pose on the beach of Henderson Bay in Gig Harbor.
WCC members pose on the beach.
The crew spotted this purple shaggy sea slug in the intertidal, likely in the Aeolidia genus.
The crew spotted this purple shaggy sea slug in the intertidal, likely in the Aeolidia genus.