Join Co-leader NCWAS' Susan Ballinger to explore Entiat watershed bird habitats including recently restored riverside forests and shrubby creeks. Co-leader, Cascadia Conservation District’s Mark Ingman, will showcase recently installed beaver-like structures (BDAs, PALs) at Stormy Creek and Potato Creek.

We’ll walk off-trail for ½-mile along the Entiat River at CDLT’s Stormy Preserve where over 60 species of birds use the riverside forest habitat during May. We hope to see resident American dipper, belted kingfisher, common merganser, and dozens of just-arrived migrant songbirds, especially flycatchers, warblers, and vireos. We will then drive a few miles on a dirt USFS road, park, and walk ½-mile to explore Potato Creek that burned in the 2018 Cougar Creek Fire. The fire moved through the Entiat watershed in 33 days burning over 135,000 acres and 20% of the Potato Creek watershed. The mid to high severity fire left behind a charred landscape but also many snags for bird habitat. Now six years later, through a large investment from area restoration partners such as the USFS, Cascadia CD, Trout Unlimited and Cascade Fisheries, Potato Creek is vibrant and green—replete with birds, wildlife, and even more water! Come learn more about how beaver dams are accelerating the rate of post fire recovery and how they help form a containment line to future fires. Time: Meet in Wenatchee at 7am, return no later than 1pm. Meet at the Olds Station Park-and-Ride on Penny Road to form carpools. It is a 1 hour drive each way. Wear sturdy shoes for walking on uneven ground, layers of clothing, sun protection, snacks, lunch, and water. Outhouse on site at Stormy Preserve.

Cost: There is no charge for this event.

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