Two groups of volunteers lent a hand in November with a willow restoration project at Whychus Canyon Preserve. The project was two-fold and involved a creative use of plants we already had on hand!

 

First, volunteers harvested willow branches from established plants at Willow Springs Preserve. Willow tissue contains a natural root-promoting hormone that makes it excel at growing new roots. Harvesting a limited number of branches doesn't harm the plant.

 

Then, another group of volunteers planted these willow cuttings along the banks of Whychus Creek. In three to four weeks, the new willow stems will begin to form roots and by spring they will be ready to grow leaves and flourish!

 

Thanks to our awesome volunteer crew, these willows will help stabilize Whychus Creek's banks and provide habitat for fish and wildlife.

 

In three to four weeks, these new willow stems will begin to form roots. Photo: Land Trust.	Happy to be helping make Whychus Creek a healthier place! Photo: Land Trust.

Learn more:

• About Whychus Canyon Preserve
• About the Whychus Canyon Preserve Creek Restoration project
• Whychus Canyon Preserve Restoration Before and After