Large trees are being collected for use in the Camp Polk Meadow Preserve Whychus Creek restoration. Photo: Staff.

Approximately 270 trees were recently stockpiled at Camp Polk Meadow Preserve. The full size trees (complete with root wads!) were salvaged from sites around the region and are spread out in bundles along the course of the new Whychus Creek stream channel. 

These trees will be used during the new channel construction to help with bank stability and to provide hiding cover for the fish that will ultimately inhabit the restored stream. They'll also be scattered about the meadow and mixed in with more than 150,000 native plants that will be planted over the next couple of years. Should the creek flood, the trees will help hold sediment in place and slow down streamflow, helping the new plants establish themselves.