Duwamish River Wildlife & Low-Tide Sedge Planting

Working right in the Duwamish River mud is always a special experience. We enjoyed a beautiful spring day at low tide to plant Carex lyngbyei / Lyngbyei sedge in the intertidal zone of the River with the Duwamish Alive! Coalition at North Wind’s Weir in Tukwila. we also removed noxious tansy, teasel together, while just the stewards kept an eye out for pulling noxious poison hemlock / Conicum maculatum. As usual, we were treated to fantastic wildlife viewing including a splashing seal, heron, osprey, cormorants, geese and adorable goslings.

The geese can pose a challenge to sedge establishment, as they love to graze and pull out plugs- combined with the tidal forces, the baby sedge can have a tough time getting established. We’ll definitely return to this special spot to keep making contributions towards native riverine plant establishment for all species to thrive in, and especially threatened salmon. For more info about North Wind’s Weir, click on the tag for past posts.

North Winds Weir Low Tide Planting on the Duwamish

UPCOMING EVENTS for the Homeschool Stewardship Squad (2nd Thursdays & 4th Wednesdays 11:00a)
(4th) Wed 4/28 - - North Shorewood Park, White Center, King County Parks, Sign-up to RSVP here.
(2nd) Thurs 5/13 - Cottonwood Corner, Green Tukwila Partnership, Sign-up to RSVP here.
(4th) Wed 5/26 - location TBD

Squad helped continue significant past-efforts by the Duwamish Alive Coalition at North Winds Weir by picking-up trash and planting Carex lyngbyei. Low-tides must be anticipated so that the muddy planing zone won’t be inundated with water.

This site is very important for Chinook salmon, as it is the transition zone between fresh water and salt water. Additionally, there is off-channel habitat for young fry to shelter and adjust.

Read more about the fascinating Native American legend around this important site on Wikipedia and from the Burke Museum.

Low Tide Planting Along the Duwamish River at North Wind's Weir

Success was in doubt for a time, but all participants eventually extricated themselves from the low-tide mud along the Duwamish River, Squad’s 100% survival rate is intact, phew! The Duwamish Alive Coalition has done many important works of restoration, and preservation along Seattle’s river and we appreciate having Sharon lead us on the ground in some hands-on stewardship at North Wind’s Weir. While working, we were treated to eagles, heron, kingfisher and many sitings of a seal.

We planted some carex divisions (off of larger plants) from another thriving site that will hopefully root themselves in securely before the tide, waves and geese pull them out. Additionally we planted live willow stakes which will sprout roots from the dormant branch cuttings when submerged in wet ground. This site is important for Chinook salmon as it is the transition zone between fresh water and salt water.

Read more about the fascinating Native American legend around this important site on Wikipedia and from the Burke Museum.