A portion of Wide Hollow Creek running through the City of Yakima’s Randall Park will be receiving some special attention on Saturday, March 14th.
Volunteers from the Yakima County Master Gardeners program will be planting tree saplings and other native shrubs along the creek bank to help improve fish and wildlife habitat. The project is being spearheaded by the Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group, which is utilizing grant funding from the Washington State Department of Ecology to provide the plantings.
The work will start around 10:00 am on Saturday near 48th Avenue along Wide Hollow Creek close to the location where summer concert performances are conducted by the Yakima Valley Community Band.
As the plants grow and mature, they will provide park visitors with a small-scale example of a native riparian zone that provides habitat for birds, improves water quality, reduces soil erosion and creates a healthier environment for fish and other aquatic life.
“This is just another wonderful example of a partnership that will make Randall Park even better,” said Yakima Parks and Recreation Manager Ken Wilkinson. “We couldn’t do it without the help of volunteers and others in the community.”
A number of other improvements are currently underway at Randall Park thanks to the generosity of local service clubs.
The Downtown Yakima Lion’s Club has provided $25,000 for a walking trail bridge and the Southwest Rotary Club is donating $60,000 in labor and money to build a new pond observation deck.