Mattole Stream Restoration Hike

Sanctuary Forest presents an Innovations in Stream Restoration hike in the Mattole River headwaters on Saturday, May 25, from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. We will begin in the old-growth redwood forest at the confluence of the Mattole River and Baker Creek, where hikers will learn about river geology and fish habitat. Following the winding creek upstream, through areas impacted by logging and old mill sites, we will visit the Baker Creek groundwater recharge and coho habitat project--an innovative pilot project that is already bringing the endangered coho salmon back to the Mattole. Other topics will include watershed function and health, and impacts of low flows on salmonid populations.

This hike will be led by Tasha McKee and Campbell Thompson of Sanctuary Forest, and Brad Job and Sam Flanagan of BLM. This one-mile hike has a moderate exertion rating and will cover uneven terrain adjacent to a small stream. Bring a lunch and water, wear sturdy shoes, and dress in layers.

We will meet at the Sanctuary Forest office in Whitethorn at 10 a.m. This hike is free of charge, though donations are gladly accepted and help Sanctuary Forest to offer this program year after year. For questions or clarifications, contact Marisa at [email protected], or call 986-1087 x 1#.

Support from volunteers and local businesses have made this program possible for Sanctuary Forest. Local businesses that have made generous contributions are Blue Star Gas, Jangus Publishing Group, Whitethorn Winery, Charlotte’s Perennial Gardens, The Security Store, Chautauqua Natural Foods, Clover Willison Insurance Services, Hohstadt Garden Center, Roy Baker, O.D., Worthy Construction, Wyckoff Plumbing, Mattole Meadows, James Friel Plumbing, Ned Hardwood Construction, Randall Sand & Gravel, Sylvandale Gardens, Redwood Properties, Dazey’s Supply, Monica Coyne Artist Blacksmith, Southern Humboldt Fitness, Pierson Building Center, Whitethorn Construction, Caffe Dolce, Mattole River Studios, and Wildberries Marketplace.

Sanctuary Forest is a land trust whose mission is to conserve the Mattole River watershed and surrounding areas for wildlife habitat and aesthetic, spiritual and intrinsic values, in cooperation with our diverse community. ~ submitted