Lower Eld Preserve Stewardship Party

Lower Eld is a 58-acre preserve with 40½ acres of wetlands, and 14½ acres of forest. McLane Creek, famous for its hearty salmon runs, flows through the property and into Puget Sound. The vegetation on the Preserve consists of saltmarsh and wetland emergent grasses near the shoreline, and native coniferous and hardwood forests. Common species in the forested areas include Western red-cedar, Western hemlock, Douglas-fir, Sitka spruce, Pacific madrone, Pacific dogwood, big leaf maple, red alder, and a variety of shrubs including evergreen and red huckleberry, Oregon grape, salal, thimbleberry, salmonberry, and snowberry. This preserve contains functional coastal wetland habitat.

We occasionally see an elk herd on this preserve, and at this time of year salmon may still be present in Eld Inlet waters and nearby McLane Creek. This event will focus on removing invasive plant species such as European hawthorn and Scot’s broom in order to maintain native habitat on the preserve.

Thursday, December 2
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Lower Eld Preserve, Olympia

Volunteers must fill out an annual Volunteer Waiver before volunteering with CLT. Minors must be accompanied by an adult or have both pages of the Minor Waiver Release Form filled out ahead of time. You may print and fill out your waiver ahead of time and bring to the event or send us a photo of your completed waiver. We will also have extra waivers at the event. Waivers and questions can be emailed to [email protected].

COVID-related Safety

Volunteer Responsibilities:

• • If you are sick in any way or have come in contact with someone who has been sick in the last two weeks, please stay home.
  • Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth, except during breaks when you are at least 6 feet away from others. If you are unable to wear masks, we ask that you contact us directly for specific accommodations.
  • Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from people outside your household.
  • Please bring your own food and water. Food and drink may not be provided by CLT.
  • You are encouraged to bring your own gloves.
  • Please bring your own tools if you are able. Tool suggestions will be included in email communications once you are registered for an event.
  • If you decide to carpool, please do so safely.

CLT Responsibilities:

• • CLT will plan work areas to maintain a safe social distance of 6 ft or more between participants.
  • CLT will provide necessary tools and materials for the work being performed.
  • CLT will provide hand sanitizer to be used by volunteers throughout the workday.
  • CLT will provide disposable masks for those who do not have their own.

Email [email protected] or call 360.819.1458 ext. 0, ext. 1 with questions.