Volunteers make a difference
Click here to see some pics from Spokane River Water Trail restoration projects the Forum has worked on with partners over the past five years: State Line, Barker Road, Mirabeau, and Islands Trailhead. Taken by Forum Executive Director Andy Dunau last Saturday, we’re happy to share the news that everyone’s efforts are working!!
Said Andy, “I’m a pretty bad photographer, but hopefully you can see things are green and healthy. Each of these projects, like the one we’re currently doing at Islands Trailhead, were battered and/or bare. We take as much pride in restoring these places as providing safe river access.”
Andy was inspired to check out the work after spending the morning scrabbling up and down the Islands Trailhead river embankment with other volunteers helping to water and plant. Said Andy, “It’s fun for about 5 minutes, interesting for about 15 minutes, and a labor of love for the next couple of hours. But we all enjoy it and time goes by fast because everyone has a great attitude, sense of humor, and committed to river restoration.”
Since March, on the third Saturday of each month, volunteers have gathered at Islands Trailhead in Spokane Valley to help with restoration. Volunteers include the Spokane Fly Fishing Club, Trout Unlimited, Gonzaga Environmental Organization, Trans Canada, Fairchild Air Force base, Silver Bow Fly Shop, Spokane Canoe & Kayak Club and others.
Said Charlie Peterson with Spokane Conservation District who is directing the restoration effort and volunteers, “Volunteers are crucial. With their help, Islands is coming along nicely one weekend at a time.”
Interested in volunteering? Just email the Forum at info@spokaneriver.net.