Photo GPS points have been established along all of the rivers and creeks included in the River Menders’ native riparian habitat restoration project at multiple planting sites to monitor recovery efforts. Photo GPS point monitoring is conducted during late summer at approximately the same time each year.
Photographs for this panorama were taken from the same spot as RVC Restoration 5/04 when volunteers first planted shrubs and trees along this stretch of the creek.
Restoration of native riparian habitats occurs steadily, albeit slowly and rivers and creeks are dynamic and unique, responding differently to restoration efforts.
During their first growing season in the wild, planted shrubs and trees put most of their energy towards root establishment. It may take five years or more for the plants to put up enough top growth to be readily visible. Highly competitive non-native pasture grasses that thrive along Round Valley Creek and the Little Salmon River rob the planted native species of sunlight, water and nutrients.
Patience and perseverance are qualities people working on native habitat restoration must possess.
This panorama taken August 30, 2005.
