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Ebright Creek

What is Ebright Creek? 
Ebright Creek runs through the City of Sammamish and ends its course as it flows in to the beautiful Lake Sammamish. Aside from its unique name, Ebright creek is also known as one of the three remaining creeks in which Lake Sammamish Kokanee still lay their eggs.  

What was the Problem with Ebright Creek? 
The creek was dominated by invasive species which were ridding the creek sides of native species causing harm to the one of the few remaining spawning habitats of the Kokanee.  

Ebright Creek bank before any restoration work took place. Invasive species were growing in to the creek and covering the bank with few native species in sight. 

Ebright Creek after: All the stakes represent the trees, shrubs, and native greenery that was planted during Mid-Sound’s events. 

Why are Native Species So Important for a Healthy Salmon Habitat? 

  • Native species house bugs that the Kokanee feed off, and as the invasive species move in the bugs move out and the salmon are left without food.  
  • Native species soak contaminated water run-off into their soil so it does not reach the stream.  
  • Pieces of native species fall in to the water, like large wood. These pieces create pools that provide a place for the salmon to rest.  

 
What did Mid-Sound and Partners do to Fix the Invasive Species Issue? 
Mid Sound collaborated with a private land-owner, the Snoqualmie Tribe, and Trout Unlimited as well as receiving a grant from Trout Unlimited and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to remove invasive species along 600 feet of Ebright creek and replace it with native species.  

In a series of two volunteer events jointly held by Mid Sound and the Snoqualmie Tribe, volunteers  planted 2,327 native plants. 

Local community members came together to plant native trees and shrubs in an effort to save the Kokanee. 

To maintain the native shrubs the Snoqualmie Tribe will maintain plant ground vegetation, replace dead or dying plants, and control invasive species, as well as participate in basic plant maintenance like watering, harvesting, and mulching.  

 Mid Sound would like to thank all volunteers for taking the time to help us plant. Mid Sound would also like to give a special thanks to the landowner, the Snoqualmie Tribe, Trout Unlimited, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for helping make this project happen.