Volunteer with NOSC on November 8th to plant native trees and shrubs to expand the riparian buffer at Snow Creek!

November 8th, 10am-2pm at Salmon Creek Wildlife Area

This winter we aim to extend the riparian buffer on the west side of Snow Creek which flows on the far side of the Salmon Creek Wildlife Area. Outside the 50 -foot current buffer, the floodplain is currently dominated by invasive Reed Canary Grass which provides little ecosystem services. Riparian buffers play crucial roles in controlling erosion, providing shade, filtering pollutants, slowing runoff, and are future sources of large woody debris. Dense plantings of native trees and shrubs has been quite effective at this site with shading out invasive species.

About the site:

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) Salmon Creek Wildlife Area is part of the broader 196-acre Discovery Bay Wildlife Area Unit which was acquired for stream, riparian, and estuarine restoration and protection. Snow Creek is one of two major salmon streams that flow into Discovery Bay, providing crucial habitat for ESA-listed Hood Canal Summer Chum and steelhead. Extensive salmon monitoring via WDFW over the past 20 years shows rebounding chum populations after habitat restoration, riparian buffer planting, and numerous estuary and nearshore projects. Learn more about NOSC’s estuary and nearshore restoration HERE.

Please bring:

• Lunch
• Water
• Layers for our late fall weather
• Sturdy shoes

We will have work glove and all needed tools/equipment. We will also have some heavy-duty rain gear available to borrow.

Getting There: Google Maps

• From Clallam County – take 101 east to Discovery Bay. Just past the old Disco Bay Outdoor Gear Exchange, turn right on W Uncas Road.  Travel about 1/4 mile, and look for the NOSC sign at a pullout on your left.
• From Port Townsend/Hwy 20 – take Hwy 20 south to 101. Turn right on Hwy 101 then take a left on W Uncas Road just before the old Dico Bay Outdoor Gear Exchange. Travel about 1/4 mile, and look for the NOSC sign at a pullout on your left.
• From 104/101 interchange – take 101 west towards Port Angeles, continue into Discovery Bay and take a left on W Uncas Road (the north end) just before the old Dico Bay Outdoor Gear Exchange. Travel about 1/4 mile, and look for the NOSC sign at a pullout on your left.

This project is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and- invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.

Photo by NOSC