Joy Gold and Nikki Johnson, McLane Estuary Restoration Site Volunteers

Seven acres of salt marsh, mudflat and upland in the transition area between the McLane estuary and the broader expanse of Mud Bay were protected by a conservation easement in 1997. The site is adjacent to Allison Springs (a water source for the City of Olympia) at the southern end of Eld Inlet and within shouting distance of Highway 101. The salt marsh and mudflat habitat is critical for juvenile salmon and a wide diversity of birds.

Volunteers (some using donated machinery) removed 192 feet of tire bulkhead armoring the salt marsh shore and planted two acres of upland vegetation. Crews installed biodegradable coir cloth to control erosion and stabilize the shoreline. Invasive plant control is an ongoing volunteer project. Mud Bay was a demonstration project illustrating natural alternatives to tire and cement bulkheads that degrade shorelines. Long term stewardship of the site, removal of the remaining buildings and restoration of the remaining shoreline will complete restoration of this site.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Puget Sound
• Puget Sound Partnership
• McLane
• Estuary
• Restoration
• Volunteers
• ECO Net
• Water
• Water Quality
• Environment
• Environmental
• Education
• Communication
• Outreach
• WA
• washington
• Thurston county
• Olympia
• salt marsh
• mudflat