Sound Stewards Bruce Clifton (left) and Fred Giorgi welcome volunteers to the shore.

   Boy do we love our bird-watching in the Pacific Northwest!  And with such a wealth of bird species, it is a fantastic place to indulge in this pleasurable pastime.  On Saturday, June 30, some lucky volunteers gathered at GSA Marsh along the Duwamish to remove invasive plant species overtaking native vegetation.  But what they weren’t expecting was the chance to see some of the Northwest’s most exciting bird species hanging out along the river.  They were met by the likes of Great Blue Heron, Osprey, Canada Geese, and Flickers.  These sightings provide the chance for volunteers to do some good work while witnessing the majesty of large, wild birds. 

   At GSA Marsh along the Duwamish, industry and green spaces exist side-by-side, and maintaining the balance between these two interests is an important job.  Four volunteers showed up that day to join members of People for Puget sound and Sound Stewards, and together they removed 30 cubic feet of invasive Himalayan Blackberry.  Also, they removed 20 cubic feet of trash from along the shoreline.  Their work allows native plant species to regain footing from the Himalayan Blackberry, since native species provide food and habitat for these birds and also for salmon.  Native plant species along the banks of the Duwamish and other rivers provide shade, which keeps the water cool, and cause terrestrial insects to fall into the water, which comprise a significant portion of the juvenile Chinook Salmon diet.  Many salmon species use the Duwamish river to migrate between salty oceans and freshwater breeding grounds. 

   The Pacific Northwest’s own Duwamish River flows through both urban and industrial areas of King County, through South Seattle and into Elliot Bay.  The river’s final six miles were straightened in the first half of last century and are now listed as a Federal Superfund Cleanup site. Although it has been polluted by industry and overburdened storm-sewer drains, it still supports much of the above-mentioned wildlife.  But tackling the problems posed by such situations needn’t be daunting or tedious.  When asked if she enjoyed herself, Eliza Ghitis of People for Puget Sound enthusiastically responded “Yes!”  See what difference just a few people can make?  The Puget Sound tips its hat to you, volunteers!

(Event info and picture courtesy of Eliza Ghitis, People for Puget Sound) 

A Few Photos of this Event