View our latest posts: From the Field

Now Hiring for 2024-2025: AmeriCorps Education Associate

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Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group seeks an individual to fill a Washington Service Corps Individual Placement position. Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group is a private non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration and protection of salmon resources. Our goals are primarily met by educating and involving the community in hands on stream restoration activities. This position assists with environmental education activities related to salmon habitat enhancement. Much of the position entails delivery of education and outreach programs to kids and adults.

Pay: Monthly stipend of $2,276 through AmeriCorps program

Duration: September 3, 2024 – July 15, 2025

Benefits: Health Insurance provided by AmeriCorps program. After completing 1700 hours of service an education award of $7,395 is available from AmeriCorps

Requirements:

∙ Must be at least 18 years old at time of enrollment

∙ Must reside in Washington State at time of enrollment

∙ Must be able to provide own transportation (mileage will be reimbursed)

∙ Must be willing to commit to 40 hours per week for the entire duration of the placement

∙ Interest and education related to environmental education

∙ Knowledge of salmon and watershed ecology

∙ Excellent organizational skills and communication skills (both written and verbal)

∙ Comfortable using Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Responsibilities and Duties:

∙ Assist with the development of school-based education programs in local watersheds

∙ Deliver educational programs for students both in and out of the classroom

∙ Assist with implementation of Kids in Creeks and Salmon in the Schools programs by organizing regular classroom activities for 3rd-12th grade students as well as coordinate field trips and service projects

∙ Assist with coordination of volunteers for riparian planting activities to restore local salmon streams

∙ Supervise 2 student interns assisting with education programs

∙ Assist other AmeriCorps Members with occasional field monitoring (spawner surveys and vegetation  surveys)

Apply Today through AmeriCorps website at

https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=74245

Please direct questions to Lucy DeGrace: ldegrace@skagitfisheries.org (360) 336-0172 ext 301

Applications accepted until position is filled

 

Invasive Rundown

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One of the biggest threats to a new riparian restoration project is invasive species. Non-native vegetation can outcompete recently installed native species. This problem can persist for years.

Blackberry – Who hasn’t seen blackberry canes intertwined with a cedar? Blackberries can overtop desirable vegetation and shade it out. Preventing photosynthesis is one way invasive species eliminate competition from native species. Knotweed is especially adept at this survival strategy. Blackberry canes are also capable of overtopping 10 foot tall trees then pulling them down and shading them out.

Blackberry

 

English Ivy – Most people are familiar with English Ivy and think that it adds a classic look when it climbs buildings and trees. This extra weight and bulk causes trouble for native trees because the ivy leaves act as a sail and can catch more wind during storm events. Native trees are not accustomed to this extra stressor and can breakoff and fall under the extra weight and pressure.

English Ivy

 

English Holly – Another invasive species from England that thrives in the Pacific northwest are holly trees. This species brings to mind Christmas. It is also one of the few species that is capable of growing and reproducing in an established, mature forest. Typically invasive species prefer disturbed sites to become established, think abandoned lots, clearcuts, agricultural fields, etc. Established forests, especially ones with dense conifers, are one of the best defenses against invasive species establishment. English Holly is capable of becoming established in these habitat.

English Holly

 

It can get overwhelming when one thinks of all the invasive species across the landscape (and we have only touched in plants, there’s a whole other category of invasive animals). While some invasive species will never be eliminated, it is possible to achieve local control. If you’re interested in more information, contact your local Noxious Weed Control Board.

Himalayan Blackberry Removal

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This week our Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crew was busy cutting Himalayan blackberry at a new project along the Samish River. Removing invasive species like blackberry is often the first step in restoration, and creates the opportunity for our field crews to plant native trees and shrubs. Over the next two years, SFEG will plant 2,300 plants across 13 acres at this site. When completed, this project will improve over 1,500 linear feet of stream habitat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Before and after photos of blackberry brush removed by a WCC member 

 

 

At a site near the town of Sedro-Woolley, SFEG crews used a tractor to till an area that was previously a dense thicket of invasive Himalayan blackberry. Tilling helps break up the compacted soil and makes blackberry roots easier to remove by hand. Our Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crew then planted native trees and shrubs in the tilled area. When the project is completed, 2,500 native plants will be planted to improve over two acres of riparian habitat.

(Left) Joe George, our Restoration Coordinator, tills the ground to make blackberry root removal easier.

 

(Right) Removed blackberry roots