Satsop River Highway 12 invasive plant removal and habitat connectivity volunteer day

Invasive plant removal volunteer day to support wildlife passage under Highway 12 in southwest Washington

Friday, November 19

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Join Conservation Northwest staff and partners as we meet at the Satsop River bridge to finish removing blackberries and knotweed from a key wildlife crossing structure and riparian corridor. We are also helping to restore agricultural land for the community through our partnership with engaged landowners.

Supporting wildlife movement under Highway 12 advances regional connectivity and supports our Cascades to Olympics program.

There are ten volunteer slots available for the day, so please register by emailing bstewart@conservationnw.org.

Once you’ve registered, detailed instructions and directions will be sent.

This event will focus on freeing remaining trees and shrubs from invasive blackberry and knotweed. We will also prepare the area for brush hogging and planting as part of the next phase of the project.

Wildlife including bears, fishers, cougars and amphibians are on the move between the Olympic Peninsula, Willapa Hills and Cascade Mountains. Riparian corridors like the Satsop River provide critical habitat connectivity through this fragmented landscape. Clearing brush here is part of collaborative plans to facilitate wildlife crossing under Highway 12 and other roadways in the area.

If interested, you will need to dress appropriately (long pants and sturdy footwear) and bring any trail cutting gear, loppers, sturdy pruners, gloves or really awesome Indiana Jones style hats that you might have. We will have some equipment on-site for use. Remember to bring a face mask to wear when you’re around other people, water, food, medications or any other necessary items. We’ll have a volunteer waiver form for you to sign.

FYI: This event might be cold and the weather will be unpredictable. However, Brian will still bring his irreverent and energetic disposition, so at the least you will be mildly or ironically entertained.

Please register by contacting Brian as soon as possible.

We hope to see you there!

This project and our work to support wildlife passage under Highway 12 is being done coordination with Washington State Department of Transportation and Weed Warriors through generous grants from:

James M. Lea Foundation

Tulalip Cares Fund

Thank you!

Stay tuned—more information about this wildlife passage project in Southwest Washington is coming soon. Visit our CASCADES TO OLYMPICS webpage for more background.