Progress on the Willow Creek Fish Passage Restoration Project is a slow but deliberate process. On September 28th, 2024 Willow Creek was diverted from the diversion pipe into the newly created stream channel… a major event. The newly created channel appeared to handle the flow as designed. With water now flowing in the channel, the next phase was to begin the revegetation process.

Before any planting could occur, the area had to be prepared by adding a full layer of a compost enriched topsoil (Photo) on the flat areas as well as the ground that sloped down to the creek. Erosion barriers in the form of straw tubes were placed just above the line of woody debris(photos). To help keep the topsoil on the slopes from eroding, a straw netting fabric was secured over the soil.

The last treatment involved the addition of a layer of wood chips which was applied by spraying the chips through a pressurized tube. That way no heavy equipment would be driving over the newly treated areas. The planting plant includes native herbaceous plants, groundcovers, shrubs and trees all located in areas most suited to healthy growth(photo).

Finally, to honor the Nishitani family who lived on the project site many years ago, a willow tree may be planted in a visible location. Ms. Nishitani named the creek that flowed past their property and through their oriental nursery, which was a few blocks away, Willow Creek, after a large weeping willow that grew in the corner of the nursery.