Washington 2023 - Spokane River Restoration Community Plantings

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Dearfriend,

Thanks to your support, a total of 4,600 trees and shrubs were planted to restore1hectareoflandinWashington.

Planting trees in areas that have been degraded or deforested helps the environment by accelerating and assuring the re-establishment of healthy forests. Through reforestation, the canopy is restored, ecosystems are made whole,andbiodiversitycanthrive.

None of this would be possible without you. On behalf of everyone at One Tree Planted,thankyou!

What follows is a report outlining the project you supported in Washington. I hopeyouenjoyreadingitandtrulyfeeltheimpactyouhavemade.

OVERVIEW

The objective of the Washington 2023 - Spokane River Community Restoration project was to restore riparian areas in and around Spokane, Washington with the help of hundreds of community volunteers. By planting and restoring these areas, this project aims to create resilient riparian ecosystems. The planted trees will reduce erosion, lower stream temperatures, and keep toxins from entering waterways-protectingtheentireSpokaneRiverwatershed.

TREES/SHRUBS PLANTED

VOLUNTEERS INVOLVED

YOUTHS INVOLVED

TREE SPECIES PLANTED

17 native species were planted across 2.4 acres for this project. The tree species selected are well-suited due to their adaptability to the area’s environmental conditions, and their ecological benefits. Quaking aspen, black cottonwood, and willow species such as coyote willow, Pacific willow, and the Drummond’s willow thrive in riparian zones, where they work to stabilize riverbanks, prevent erosion, and provide vital habitat for wildlife. Ponderosa pine, mountain alder, and Douglas spiraea contribute to the establishment of diverse forest ecosystems, enhancing biodiversityandpromotingecosystemresilience.

Additionally, species such as golden currant, black hawthorn, red osier dogwood, Woods rose’, Pacific ninebark, mock orange, snowberry, serviceberry, and chokecherry play crucial roles in providing food and shelter for birds, mammals, and insects, while also adding visual appeal the landscape with their vibrant foliageandblooms.Overall,themixofspeciesselectedfortheprojectensuresthe restoration of a healthy, resilient ecosystem that benefits both the environment andlocalcommunity.

SPECIES PLANTED:

Quakingaspen (Populus tremuloides)

Blackcottonwood (Populus trichocarpa)

Ponderosapine (Pinus ponderosa)

Coyote willow (Salix exigua)

Pacific willow (Salix lasiandra)

Drummond willow (Salix drummondiana)

Mountain alder (Alnus incana)

Douglas spiraea (Spiraea douglasii)

Golden currant (Ribes aureum)

Black hawthorn (Crataegus douglassii)

Red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea)

Woods rose (Rosa woodsii)

Pacific ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus)

Mock orange (Philadelphus lewisii)

Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus)

Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia)

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)

TREE SPECIES IDENTIFICATION & USE

Quaking aspen, also known as Populus tremuloides, is a deciduous tree native to NorthAmerica,knownforitsdistinctivetremblingleavesthatflutterintheslightest breeze. This medium-sized tree typically reaches heights of 20 to 80 feet, with a slender trunk and smooth, white bark marked by black scars. The leaves of the quaking aspen are round to heart-shaped, with finely serrated edges, and turn vibrantshadesofyellowandgoldinthefall,creatingastrikingdisplayofcolor.

Quaking aspen’s rapid growth and ability to colonize disturbed areas make it an important species for reforestation efforts. Moreover, the root system of quaking aspen forms extensive networks, which helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it an excellent choice for planting in riparian areas and along stream banks. In an ecosystem, its leaves, buds, and bark are consumed by numerous herbivores, including deer, elk, moose, and small mammals. Additionally, the dense canopy of quaking aspen stands provide nesting sites and shelter for birds, such aswarblers,woodpeckers,andraptors.

Ponderosa pine is one of 7 pine species found in Washington state. With over 100 pine species worldwide, ponderosa is unique in that it has two varieties: Pacific (var. ponderosa) and Rocky Mountain (var. scopulorum). Ponderosa pine grows on warm, dry sites where there are no levels of shade and lots of sun. At maturity, ponderosa can obtain an average height anywhere from 60 to 130 ft tall, and can be easily recognized by their cinnamon-colored bark that breaks apart in large jigsaw-like pieces. Mature ponderosa are also very fire resistant due to their thick bark and high crowns. While smaller trees and underbrush are more susceptible to fire,maturetreesthriveindry,opengrassysiteswherefiresarecommon.

Ponderosa pine wood is very popular, ranking second only to Douglas Fir. This wood is nonporous with a fine and uniform texture, and often is employed to craft attractive wood furniture. As for wildlife, ponderosa pine serves as a source of food and shelter for myriad creatures. With its nutritious seeds eaten by birds and squirrels, foliage eaten by grouse and deer, and porcupines and rodents gnawing on its bark and wood, the list of services ponderosa provide to a forest ecosystem areendless.

YOUR IMPACT ON THE MAP

The Washington 2023 - Spokane River Community Restoration project supported the planting of 4,600 native species along Deadman Creek near Spokane, Washington, for the purpose of improving water health within the creek and beyond, within the Spokane River Watershed. This reforestation project will not only support the watershed, but will provide recreational benefits and opportunitiesforlocalstoconnectwiththeirenvironment.

On a larger scale, Deadman Creek - a tributary to the Spokane River - is hydrologically connected to the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie (SVRP) Aquifer. And the SVRP Aquifer provides water for over 600,000 people in Spokane and Kootenaicounties.

LANDSCAPE CONTEXT

Enhancing Water Quality in the Spokane River Watershed through Reforestation

The Spokane River Watershed holds immense ecological significance, serving as a vital lifeline for both human communities and diverse ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest region. Stretching across eastern Washington and northern Idaho, this watershedencompassesanareaofapproximately6,162squaremiles,supportinga mosaic of landscapes ranging from from pristine forests to bustling urban cities. At the heart of this watershed lies the Spokane River, a key waterway that sustains myriad plant and animal species, provides ample recreational opportunities, and servesasasourceofdrinkingwatertoover600,000locals.

The importance of the Spokane River Watershed cannot be overstated, as it plays a critical role in maintaining the health and resilience of the surrounding environment. However, like many watersheds across the globe, the Spokane River Watershed faces numerous threats — including water pollution, habitat degradation, and loss of native vegetation. These issues have a profound impact on water quality, ecosystem health, and the overall well-being of communities that depend on the watershedfortheirlivelihoods.

One key strategy for addressing these challenges and safeguarding the health of the watershed is through reforestation projects - like this one - aimed at improving water quality in creeks and streams tied to the watershed. Reforestation plays a crucial role in restoring the natural hydrological cycle, reducing erosion, and filtering out pollutants. By planting native trees and shrubs along creek banks, we stabilize soil, prevent sedimentation, and create riparian buffers that act as natural filters, removing harmful pollutants such as sediment, nutrients, and pesticides from surface runoff. Additionally, reforestation enhances habitat diversity, providing food and shelter for a wide range of species, and promotes biodiversity within the watershed.

Reforestation projects aimed at enhancing water quality in the waterways linked to the Spokane River Watershed are essential for safeguarding the health and resilience of this invaluable natural resource for future generations. Thanks to donors like you, One Tree Planted has helped our partners support the diverse spectrum of individuals and wildlife that rely on the Spokane River Watershed, and enhancetheecologicalbenefitsthisriparianzoneprovidesnowandinthefuture.

DOCUMENTING YOUR IMPACT

Through authentic and informative storytelling, we help donors relate to the people who plant their trees and to the impact they're making for the planet. We share photos, videos, and updates from our global projects across our social media, website, and other media to create a personal connection to the incredible work happeningontheground.

PHOTOS FROM YOUR PROJECT

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT! THE TREES WE PLANTED WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS IMPROVING WATER QUALITY, ENHANCING WILDLIFE HABITAT, AND MITIGATING CLIMATE CHANGE!

ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS

This restoration project included a multifaceted approach to enhancing ecological benefits within the planting area. By targeting both habitat improvement and water quality enhancement, we aim to address impacts on two water bodies (streams) within the watershed, thereby contributing to watershed-level climate resiliency. To achieve these goals, our on-ground partners employed a combination of tree planting and implementation of beaver dam analogs (BDAs), profoundly expanding thebenefitsoftheserestorationtechniques.

Through the planting of hundreds of native trees and shrubs, this project reduces impairment levels at the affected sites while elevating the aesthetic value of the natural riparian ecosystem. Restored riparian habitats not only provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities for the public, but also serve as valuable educational resources for environmental education and demonstration of ecological principles. Moreover, enhancing riparian ecological factors stabilizes streambanks, improves water quality, and fosters connections to habitat corridors, mitigating the impacts ofurbandisturbanceandagriculturalpracticesondownstreamreaches.

Furthermore, this restoration project focused on the recovery of ecosystem health and integrity, aiming to return degraded ecosystems to their former state. Restoring riparian vegetative communities significantly enhances watershed health, with riparian buffers playing a crucial role in filtering pollutants, sediments, and pathogens, while also reducing elevated stream temperatures. As the trees mature and eventually decompose, they will become valuable components of riparian habitat, providing habitat and complexity as large woody debris within streams - used for shelter, cover from prey and much more. Ultimately, the restoration near Spokane River will lead to improved water quality, restored riparianintegrity,andecosystemresilienceonabroaderscale.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Private landowners play a crucial role in tree planting activities, and benefit from enhanced ecosystem services on their properties. In addition to this, efforts were made to consistently involve underprivileged youth in these activities, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship and community engagement among the local younger generation. Riparian restoration initiatives were undertaken by groups of students and community members, who received education on the Greater Spokane River watershed, the significance of native vegetation, and the role of riparian buffers in improving water quality. Volunteers were also trained on-site on safety protocols and proper planting methods to ensure effective restoration efforts.

The collaborative nature of these endeavors not only achieves a shared environmental goal but also strengthens social bonds within the community. Through the many community tree planting events hosted by our planting partner, volunteers leave with a sense of pride and gratitude after connecting with nature and each other while actively participating in soil-based activities. This shared sense of community investment fosters awareness of local environmental issues and draws attention to the importance of collective action in environmental conservation. Particularly in a post-pandemic world marked by isolation and social distance, the opportunity to gather and plant trees that benefit the entire neighborhood holds significant power in promoting community cohesion and resilience.

U.N. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

THIS PROJECT CONTRIBUTED TO THE FOLLOWING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS:

WHAT ARE SDGS?

Sustainable development entails seeking out solutions that not only boost the economic outcomes of developing and poorer nations, but also work to limit (or eliminate)ourimpactontheplanet.Treesareonesuchsolution.

From creating jobs and reducing hunger to improving gender equality, cleaning air and water, absorbing carbon, protecting life on land and water, and more, planting treescanaddressall17sustainabledevelopmentgoals.

“Thank you for supporting this important riparian restoration project. By restoring degraded lands and returning this land back to its native species composition, you are not only supporting the wildlife that inhabit this special ecosystem, you are also making an impactforthecommunityreliantonthehealthofthiswatershed.”

Meghan Danny Global Projects Support Specialist

Brittney Burke Regional Director of Projects North America