Restoration Work Begins Along Kirkland's Juanita Creek

KIRKLAND, WA — Work to restore the banks along Juanita Creek is underway, aiming to improve the water quality along the city's most salmon-bearing stream. The city secured more than $71,000 in grant funding for the project through the King County Wastewater Treatment Division's WaterWorks program.

That money will support riverbank restoration work at several parks along the creek, including Windsor Vista, Edith Moulton, Brookhaven, and Juanita Beach. Officials said the project entails removing invasive plants, like English ivy and Himalayan blackberries, and replacing them with native trees, shrubs, ferns, and other vegetation. Crews will also install new erosion controls.

"Protecting wildlife in our streams and water systems is of utmost importance to our region," said Kirkland Councilmember Kelli Curtis. "Kirkland is proud to steward our streams, creeks, and wetlands to contribute to a healthier watershed that benefits both our human and nonhuman residents. We're grateful to King County for their grant supporting this effort."

Residents can learn about opportunities to volunteer for restoration projects and read up on the Kirkland's storm and surface water programs on the city's website.