Habitat Restoration at Squak Valley with Conservation NW (guest speaker)

Squak Valley Park Join us at Squak Valley as we are joined by a guest speaker from Conservation NW who will briefly talk about human and wildlife co-existence. We will also work on removing Himalayan blackberry in efforts to support healthy riparian habitat for salmon and other animals. Moderate Open to all ages. Participants under 13 years old must be accompanied by an adult. For safety, volunteers are required to wear: Long pants made of sturdy material Sturdy, close-toed shoes Gloves (provided) In addition, we recommend that participants bring: Warm layers, especially during the fall, winter, and spring Rain gear Snacks for breaks Long sleeved shirt At least one full water bottle Small daypack for food, extra layers, etc… Google link: maps.app.goo.gl/H7wV7ZC64dtmRz9v8 From I-90, take exit 17. Go south on Front Street (coming from Seattle turn right – coming from North Bend turn left) . Continue on Front Street through downtown for about 1.8 miles. Front Street will then turn into Issaquah Hobart Road. Continue on Issaquah Hobart Road for another 0.4 miles. The main parking lot will be in the Squak Valley Park – South lot (across from the church) . The main access into the park will be a couple hundred yards north at a small lot that contains a small access road down into the site. Nestled between Squak and Tiger Mountain, Squak Valley Park North encompasses approximately 11 undeveloped acres of former farmland along Issaquah Creek, serving as a vital wildlife corridor through the Issaquah Alps. The City of Issaquah is working to enhance stream, riparian and wetland habitats throughout the park. In 2010, they breached the Great Depression-era levee along Issaquah Creek in several locations in the park to reestablish a healthy floodplain ecosystem and reduce downstream flooding. Greenway Trust volunteers helped plant over 6,000 native trees and shrubs throughout the park in order to restore native vegetation and significantly streamside habitat for salmon and other wildlife. But more work remains – we will be focusing on clearing blackberry and other invasive species from around our newly planted trees and shrubs to give these native plants a better chance at survival. Urban Communities