Garrard Creek Riparian Restoration with the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).
In 2001, Wild Thyme Farm planted nearly 3,000 trees on a 5.5 acre pasture in the flood plain of Garrard Creek, a tributary of the Chehalis River in eastern Grays Harbor County. The objective was to convert bare cattle pasture and eroding stream banks into a multi-species native forest to provide shade and habitat for the benefit of salmon and other wildlife species in the riparian corridor. By replacing the essential woody architecture that was removed a century ago, the creek will be able to re-create itself with the structural complexity of an old-growth forest, full of pools, riffles, sunken logs and overhanging trees. Take a look at the progress and setbacks of this project's first 8 years:
Restoring Riparian Habitat
3:43 minute video introducing the program reforesting the 5 acres of former cow pasture land along the banks of Garrard Creek.
The plan objective is to establish a riparian forest buffer along a portion of Garrard Creek, a tributary of the Chehalis River in Grays Harbor County, Washington. A 10-year contract was implemented under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Protection and/or enhancement of other natural resources such as soil, water and wildlife is included.
