By Kat Hall

We’re pleased to report the successful completion of another busy, fun, and productive fall riparian restoration season at The Lands Council! This year’s “Rocktober,” as we affectionately call it, saw us planting over 2,600 native trees and shrubs along Thompson Creek, Deadman Creek, Marshall Creek, and the Little Spokane River. This vegetation helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion; filters contaminants running off adjacent roads and agricultural fields; shades the creek—cooling water temperatures and allowing for more dissolved oxygen; and enhances wildlife habitat.

TLC also installed 3 beaver dam analog (BDA) complexes along Spangle Creek, Little Chamokane Creek (on the Spokane Reservation near Wellpinit), and a tributary of Hangman Creek near Latah, WA. These BDAs will serve to trap nutrients and sediment, promote aquifer recharge, improve water quality, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, raise the water table, restore the stream’s sinuosity, and gradually connect an incised channel with its floodplain.

Check out our collection of photos below. Many thanks to the over 350 students and community volunteers who got their hands dirty and helped us out, and stay tuned for more planting in the spring!