Monday- 10/26- Deer Park Academy at Willow Creek
Deer Park Academy came to a new area of Willow creek, ready to learn more about what lives in our streams. We conducted a macro invertebrate survey to assess the insect population at our new site, searching under rocks and in riffles. For the most part, only worms and scuds were found. Once we begin to re-vegetate the area,hopefully, things will change!
Once we checked out the stream we got to work removing invasive blackberry from the riparian area. The students lopped a clear path to the creek! Thanks for all of your awesome work!
Tuesday-10/27- Tobias Elementary at Beaverton Creek Tributary
This Tuesday at a Beaverton Creek Tributary three classes of Tobias Elementary fifth and sixth grade students played the Riparian Metaphor Game and removed harmful invasive species. I was truly impressed with each class’s ability to recall information and concepts discussed in the previous week’s presentation.
After the game, the students each claimed a tool and worked hard to remove a pile of invasive Himalayan Blackberry which had taken over smaller trees. They also released some young willows from the clutches of the ominous Morning Glory and the unyielding Reed Canary Grass (which has millions of seeds which are viable in the soil for up to forty years)! The classes also did a wonderful job of being respectful and moving through the hallways quietly- it was a great day!
Wednesday-10/28-Rachel Carson Middle School at Willow Creek
Rachel Carson Middle School students removed invasive Himalayan Blackberry, performed water quality tests and reviewed key restoration concepts at Willow Creek this Wednesday.
Due to the students’ valiant efforts, what was once a monoculture of blackberry is quickly transforming into a healthy forest. A group of students commented that they did not even know there was a fence behind the blackberry bushes!
The students also worked with their teachers to test for dissolved oxygen levels, Ph, and Turbidity. Then, the water quality tests were tied into the Riparian Metaphor Game as a review of the different aspects of a healthy stream. It was hypothesized that as native plants continue to grow and hold onto the soil, turbidity levels will decrease and dissolved oxygen levels will increase as shade lowers the water temperature.
Finally, Eight graders gave a history of Willow Creek to the incoming seventh graders and explained how “once upon a time” there had only been blackberry, but now, there was a biologically diverse, natural area growing!
Amazing Job Rachel Carson Students!
-Dane Breslin
JVC Northwest 2013-2014
Americorps 2013-2014
SOLVE Green Team 