By Lucy DeGrace

Utopia: an imaginary or indefinitely remote place, according to merriam-webster.com.  Synonyms: heaven, paradise.  During a recent sunny break in our rainy February it sure felt like heaven, as we strolled along the path in this grassy field-turned forested wetland, between side channels and marshes, listening to a cacophony of birds greeting the morning.

 A Skagit Land Trust property, the Utopia Conservation Area protects over 87 acres of creeks, wetlands, and forested habitat within the Skagit River floodplain.  It was acquired in 2012 and 2014 primarily to protect the salmon habitat found in Wiseman Creek/Black Slough and the Skagit River. Prior to Land Trust purchase, the land had likely been used for grazing and hay production. Plans for the property include restoration of the lowland forest and understory as seen in the numerous plantings done over the years. Management of invasive species, both plant and animal, are also a necessary part of the stewardship of Utopia.

SFEG has been a partner in restoration at Utopia, over the years bringing hundreds of volunteers and students to the site for stewardship opportunities.  We’ve shared Earth Days, Junior Stream Stewards service field trips, and Saturday planting parties, and have developed a wonderful synergy in our partnership toward restoration.  Thousands of native plants have been planted over the years, and the varying ages of the restored areas are allowing a rich array of wildlife to make use of it.

Elk, deer, beaver, and coyote are among the mammals that frequent the area. Evidence of elk was apparent in the young trees that had been shredded by the bucks who rub the velvet from their antlers on these conveniently placed scratching posts.  Beaver presence was revealed in a severely damaged tree along the slough.

Abundant bird species and amphibians are attracted by the wetlands found on the property. The evergreen stands are great places to find owl pellets, compacted coughed-up bits of the owl’s latest meal. The Skagit Land Trust holds an annual amphibian monitoring volunteer training at this property, known for its varied and abundant frogs and salamanders.  Sadly, our visit was a few weeks too early to hear the Pacific tree frog, also known as the Pacific chorus frog.

What we did hear, when walking along Wiseman Creek/Black Slough were gregarious Steller’s jays feeding upon the berry-producing shrubs planted along the banks.  The ever-present red-winged blackbirds, American robins, and chickadees announced their presence in the dense vegetation along the water. Thickets of native willow and rose provide cover for these songbirds as they seek out insects and seeds.  Several wood duck boxes have been installed on trees along the water’s edge and are used every year.

As we prepared to depart, we were delighted by a bald eagle perched in a tree over the slough, and a few trumpeter swans softly announcing their presence as they flew overhead.  The variety and abundance of wildlife making their homes here is gratifying to see. Habitat restoration is about so much more than just salmon!

Low-impact public access is allowed, although biking, horseback riding and motorized vehicles are prohibited. At this time, fishing is allowed in season and with appropriate licenses. Learn more about this property at https://www.skagitlandtrust.org/properties/utopia.aspx