During two events in November, the Lewis County Stream Team partnered with the Chehalis River Basin Land Trust to organize and gather volunteers to plant native trees and shrubs along the Chehalis River Discovery Trail in Centralia, according to a news release from the Lewis Conservation District (LCD).
Students from Onalaska, Boistfort and Evaline schools all helped plant trees, along with Rachel Stendahl, regional science coordinator for Education Service District 113, according to LCD Outreach and Education Coordinator Kenna Fosnacht.
“The students enjoyed learning about the history and importance of restoration at the Discovery Trail. Groups were led on a guided nature walk to learn about plant identification and observe the riparian buffer along the river,” Fosnacht said. “The students were excited to take part in planting trees that they can come visit for years to come.”
Volunteers planted approximately 250 native trees and shrubs along the Chehalis River, Fosnacht added, with the aim of improving water quality and creating new wildlife habitat. Protectors were also installed around the young trees to protect them from hungry deer.
“Stream Team thanks Office of Chehalis Basin, Lewis Conservation District and the TransAlta Centralia Coal Transition Board for support,” Fosnacht said. “We also thank all the amazing Stream Team volunteers who dedicate their time to improving our local environment.”
The Lewis County Stream Team is supported by the Lewis Conservation District and aims to engage with county residents to promote education and conservation. It is funded through the Office of Chehalis Basin.
Along with tree planting events, the Stream Team partners with local schools, agencies and citizen volunteers to organize invasive plant removal events, educational workshops, guided nature walks and more with the goal of strengthening public interest in the region’s environment.
For more information and to find out how to get involved with the Lewis County Stream Team, email Fosnacht at kenna.fosnacht@lewiscdwa.com.
