This was our first ever volunteer habitat restoration project, held on Earth Day 2000. We didn't know what to expect in terms of turnout, but were delighted to have more than 80 volunteers turn out, including King County Executive Ron Sims to revegetate a reach of the North Fork of Hylebos Creek.

Prior to this work, the city of Federal Way site had removed an old stream culvert and road that were flooding and damaging salmon habitat, restored a 100-foot reach and  replaced a failed log weir that was blocking salmon passage.

Volunteers began arriving at 9 a.m. and were welcomed by King County Executive Ron Sims, who eloquently described the importance of Earth Day and volunteer habitat restoration work.

Then, our army of volunteers got busy planting over 590 Western red cedar, Nootka rose, vine maple, and other native plants.

Vegetation planted that day continues to grow lushly as demonstrated by this 2006 photo of Restoration Coordinator Hillary Kleeb standing next to one of the cedars we planted.

Future restoration work is being planned downstream of this area. Contact Hillary for more information.