Kirkland begins streambank restoration in Juanita Creek with grant from county

The City of Kirkland says is the community’s largest salmon bearing stream.

By Cameron Sheppard • May 11, 2022 4:00 pm
Invasive Himalayan blackberries cover the the creek’s riparian area (Courtesy of City of Kirkland)
Invasive Himalayan blackberries cover the the creek’s riparian area (Courtesy of City of Kirkland)

The City of Kirkland has begun streambank restoration along Juanita Creek in Windsor Vista Park to help improve water quality in Juanita Creek, what the City of Kirkland says is the community’s largest salmon bearing stream.

“Protecting wildlife in our streams and water systems is of utmost importance to our region,” said 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.”

Funding for this work is provided by the King County Wastewater Treatment Division’s WaterWorks grant program. Kirkland received a total of $71,500 from this program in 2019 and 2021 to implement riverbank restoration in several of Kirkland’s parks along Juanita Creek including: Windsor Vista, Edith Moulton, Brookhaven, and Juanita Beach.

According to Kirkland’s website, the project involves removal of invasive plants such as English ivy, Himalayan blackberry, and English holly; installation of erosion control materials such as jute fabric; and replanting with native trees, shrubs, and groundcovers including sword fern, vine maple, and Western red cedar.