Have you noticed how much more comfortable the temperature is when you are among trees? Trees are perhaps the most effective means of combating climate change. Trees sequester carbon, a greenhouse gas, transpire water to stay cool which also keeps their surroundings cooler, and their leaves reflect sunlight away, providing cooling shade. The heat wave and the longer and hotter summers that we’re having in Western Washington highlight the importance of our work at the Preserve to protect and restore Wildcat and Chico creeks.
In that work, we are protecting the Preserve waterways from prolonged exposure to the peak sun and hottest portions of the day. We are educating people about how trees and plants work to create healthy ecosystems that can withstand increased heat. Inspiring and supporting like-minded organizations as they also work to preserve, restore, and educate is the third strand of our work. As many of you know and have seen during your visits to the Preserve, we have removed dangerous old building, and assorted debris from the creeks in Hidden Valley, as well as eliminated invasive plants that choke out resources from our native shade plants and trees along the creek banks.
Salmon need cool, clear, clean, and consistent water. Our efforts are aimed at maintaining the Preserve as a healthy ecosystem. We’re working to keep the waterways clean, clear, and cool for salmon and other species of waterborne life that need shade and respite from the heat of the day. The vegetation around the creeks, including trees, shore up the banks to avoid erosion and create the shade needed for a healthy ecosystem for fish, wildlife and birds.
Caring for the entire ecosystem is good for all species, including all of us!
– Katha Miller-Winder, President