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Surface Water Management Representative Daniel Howe, Healthy Forest Coordinator Jay Tavarez-Brown and Molly Beeman Climate and Sustainability Manager led the June 12th Field Trip for League to view the Salmon Recovery Project underway at Picnic Point Park. Daniel spoke to the widening and preparing of the culvert under Puget Sound Blvd. Several mounds are placed strategically to allow "resting" spots for migrating salmon. Dan made the enormity of culvert work real by mentioning that they have identified 4000 in the County. He has the help of two occasional assistants. Even so, Evergreen Fair Grounds will soon have a highly visible project underway! 

Jay pointed out work done by volunteers on invasives such as ivy and bind weed. Many of the  trees around are non-natives and will be replaced as they die off naturally. She directed attention to some red currants planted to assist with erosion. She is pressing hard to create a volunteer group to steward the park. May brought volunteers from the Olympic Fly Fishing Club this time.  She has recruited 30 park stewards around the County so far.  September is scheduled for another volunteer effort and she hopes to find a committed team. 

Molly Beeman praised all the work being done under grants that she has obtained since 2022. The grants include not only the Parks but also the Stormwater section of Public Works. She says the consolidation of several County departments under Tom Tiegen has generated a high level of mutually beneficial team work.  At present, her office is concentrating on building a comprehensive sustainability plan.  Preliminary data came from an earlier survey, further public input will refine it at a new stage. 

A great kick off for the summer with a wonderful group! Lunch at Azteca was fun and filling.