Kristin Williamson describe the processes of stream channel rebuilding while standing along side a new side channel to South Prairie Creek. She is surrounded by a group of about 15 people all standing on a gravel bar next to the creek. There are tall green plants behind the group and the sky is a bright blue.
South Prairie Creek Side Channel Development

On July 10th, 2024, the Peirce Conservation District and South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group (SPSSEG) led members of the PWR LIO in a site visit of the South Prairie Creek Preserve. Participants started the day with an optional birding tour as the site is home to a variety of native bird species. Before starting the formal presentations and tour, LIO members spent a few minutes getting to know each other in structured introductions.

Kristin Williamson, a Salmon Restoration Biologist with the SPSSEG, kicked off the tour with a presentation demonstrating the progression of the site over the last 15-20 years. South Prairie Creek was originally owned by Inglin Dairy and was home to many dairy cows that devastated the land and water quality of the stream. An action plan for the project was created in 2002 and the property was acquired from Inglin Dairy Property in 2005. Since then, a river channel was re-created, natural channels have established themselves, buffers and log jams have been installed, and 50 acres of floodplain forest has been restored to improve salmon habitat and aid in salmon recovery efforts.

The second half of the site visit included a tour of the original river channel that was restored to demonstrate the benefits these restoration projects have contributed to as well as the new channel that was created through project construction. Members were able to visually see the positive impact that the log jams and other recovery efforts have made on the stream to improve salmon habitat and allow salmon to return to this stream.

  • The slide presentation (photos were shared with participants on site) on the details of the project including builders and funders, the project timeline, project design images, and data on salmon survival can be viewed HERE.
  • A video that provides an overview of the South Prairie Creek restoration project can be viewed HERE.
  • Drone-generated ortho-images of the restoration site can be viewed HERE

If you are interested in hosting a site visit or you have questions pertaining to community outreach, funding, or networking please contact PWR LIO Coordinator, Kristen Durance at kdurance@rossstrategic.com.