The City of University Place and the Pierce Conservation Districts Stream Team are seeking volunteers to help plant nearly 900 trees and shrubs along Leach Creek on November 5 from 9 a.m. to noon. The work is part of an effort to restore salmon habitat that was disturbed during construction of a 30-foot wide salmon-friendly culvert under Bridgeport Way West. The culvert was installed to entice salmon to migrate and spawn further upstream therefore contributing to the continued survival of both coho and chum salmon that use the creek. The $1.323 million cost of the culvert replacement was paid in part by an $818,000 grant from the state. The remaining cost was shared by the cities of University Place and Lakewood.
Those interested in helping with the planting and stream restoration must call Pierce Stream Team coordinator Jayme Gordon at (253) 845-2973 to register. Parking and site access information will be given out at the time of registration. Tools and other planting equipment will be provided at the site along with light refreshments. Participants are advised to dress appropriately as the event will be held rain or shine. People of all ages are welcome.
Trees and shrubs to be planted consist of a mix of 15 native varieties including cedar, spruce and salmonberry. The cost of the plantings will be paid for by the Pierce Conservation District, which is funded through a conservation assessment of $5 per property per year.
For more information, please contact University Place Planning Manager David Swindale at (253) 460-2519 or Pierce Stream Team coordinator Jayme Gordon at (253) 845-2973.
The Stream Team is a coalition of volunteers whose goal is to improve the quality of streams in Pierce County for the benefit of fish, wildlife and people through public education and action projects.
