The Ohop Creek restoration project is continuing in full force, and to celebrate, the Nisqually Land Trust hosted a groundbreaking event this past Saturday. With support from the Nisqually Indian Tribe and South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group, the event exhibited past restoration projects, and the new site.
The new restoration phase is located at the Burwash Farm in the lower part of Ohop Valley. Steve Burwash has been living and farming in the valley for 4 generations! As he gets ready to move to another phase of his life, he decided to preserve the Burwash legacy through conservation. Thanks to the support of the Burwash family, this restoration project is underway. All 4 generations were even present during the groundbreaking event!
Because construction started earlier than anticipated, celebration attendees were able to see the progress that’s already been made. Although there is still much to be done, portions of the new creek bed are completed. The plan is to complete all the construction this summer!
Steve Burwash has been living and farming in the Ohop Valley for generations. He is now preserving his family legacy through conservation. Photo credit: Emmett O’ConnellJeanette Dorner, of the Puget Sound Partnership, recognized the importance that restoration projects like the one in Ohop Valley have on the overall health of Puget Sound. Photo credit: Emmett O’ConnellThe youngest generation of the Burwash family throws dirt out of the soon-to-be meandering creek bed. Photo credit: Emmett O’ConnellSteve Pruitt is a long time local resident and member of the NRC’s Citizens Advisory Committee. He has experienced first hand the amazing work that can be accomplished when people become connected to the land on which they live. Photo credit: Emmett O’ConnellAlthough construction has already begun, Saturday’s groundbreaking event was the perfect way to celebrate the enormous effort underway. Photo credit: Emmett O’ConnellThe blue streamers mark the soon-to-be Ohop creek bed. It’s meandering shape will provide habitat for fish by altering temperatures and stream flows. Photo credit: Emmett O’Connell
