The first autumn Squad event was just gorgeous along the Green River in the O’Grady Natural Area with King County Parks. It is a treat to drive through the bucolic Enumclaw countryside and also a work-party bonus being able to drive down the long winding road to the river as it is usually gated at the top due to it being just a single-lane on a wooded hillside. The lovely trail system is frequented by horses, hikers and runners while the river is enjoyed by many others as well.
The Green River becomes known as the Duwamish River in the City of Tukwila and is also referred to as the Green-Duwamish River. We trimmed back and dug out noxious blackberry along the trail, heaping it onto a pallet of dead branches so it could not re-root on the ground.
In previous odd years we enjoyed seeing the pink/humpy salmon running thickly in the river. This year we were excited to spot some reddish sockeye during our lunch break along a section of river that changed course significantly and swallowed up a section of restoration plantings. Such is the way of rivers. A bald eagle, osprey and heron also made for a memorable visit to this special place.