On September 19th, the Mid-Willamette STREAM~N Team met at the banks of Pringle Creek in Bush Pasture Park and went to work. The team removed approximately 690 square feet of invasive vegetation such as Himalayan blackberry and ragwort along the riparian area of the creek.
Before and after photos at Pringle Creek
This event marks the start of an exciting multi-year restoration project led by the team’s youth members, who are helping shape every step, from planning and organizing to planting and long-term care.
Over the next two years, the site will be transformed with native shrubs and trees in partnership with the City of Salem, the Oregon Department of Forestry, and Elderberry Wisdom Farm. After planting, the team will continue to monitor, care for, and steward the site, helping it grow into a healthier and more vibrant natural space for years to come.
Eliana, Otis, and Mali cheerful after a long morning of work!
Map of the restoration area at Bush’s Pasture Park in Salem
The project is designed to complement ongoing efforts from local partners to restore more than 2.35 acres of riparian habitat along Pringle Creek. The team hopes that this work, together with the efforts of other local organizations, will help create a lush, biodiverse creekside habitat that supports local urban wildlife and strengthens the health of the surrounding ecosystem.