Fall Planting @ Billy's Pond (Yakima)

2220 East Viola Avenue,Yakima WA 98901

05 November, 2022

Description

Location: Yakima Wastewater Treatment Plant - map. Site Overview: The original Billy’s Pond restoration project was initiated to support salmon recovery by creating floodplain habitat and improving floodplain function. It was implemented in the fall and winter of 2013 and spring of 2014. Project partners include the City of Yakima, the Department of Ecology, and the Salmon Recovery Funding Board. Volunteer Task: Planting 600 sagebrush within areas of the floodplain. Floodplain seeding took well in most areas; however, larger areas where the seed did not establish are occupied each season by annual weeds. To reduce weed abundance and invasion into planted grasses, sagebrush is being planted into "colonization islands" throughout the restoration site. Sagebrush and other dry-loving species are a typical component of riparian habitat mosaics, where higher points are gravel bars created through large flood events are too well-drained and dry for typical mesic riparian species. We will be planting a subspecies of sagebrush that grows in floodplains, Basin big sage (Artemisia tridentata var. tridentata) that can become up to 9 ft tall. Tools, gloves, snacks, and warm beverages will be provided! For more information, contact Landon Shaffer. Email: [email protected] Phone: (509) 310-9324 Interested in learning more about Mid-Columbia Fisheries? Check out our website.