Naval Station (NAVSTA) Everett Sailors and area residents joined forces April 25 to spend a day planting trees alongside Eagle Creek.
The goal of the restoration project is to restore the Eagle Creek Coho (Silver) Salmon habitat, and was a joint venture between the
city of Arlington, Wash., and the Stilly-Snohomish Fisheries Enhancement Task Force (SSFETF).
Approximately 100 years ago, Eagle creek was turned into a ditch and today, the area is flourishing with new life. Occasionally salmon
are spotted along the creek and their return to the area will bring balance back to the ecosystem, stimulating new plant, fungal, and
animal life.
“We have a strong volunteer base with 24 from the base and the region,” said Kristin Marshall, SSFETF habitation restoration specialist.
“As the trees grow, this will provide a habitat and food for bugs, and other organisms that people don’t often think about. The SSFETF
is responsible for enhancing the salmon habitats along every watershed from Falls City to Skykomish and as far north as Arlington and
Darrington.”
Operations Specialist 1st Class (SW) Dan Feil, of NAVSTA Everett, coordinated the Sailors involvement in this grassroots project, which
emphasizes the importance of environmental sustainability in the Navy and the community.
“This helps Sailors feel a part of the community and through this, we can get to know our neighbors and be good stewards of our adopted
homes,” said Feil.
“This is my first time volunteering to plant trees,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Kat Laverell, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). “It’s especially
good for Sailors to get out and help the environment, so that people know us for our good reputations as service members.”
The project was funded by a National Fish and Wildlife Salmon Fund Grant and was made possible by the many volunteers, both military
and civilian, who wanted to help make the planet a healthier place.
“I use to play here as a child,” said Bill Blake, City of Arlington Assistant Director of Community Development. “This is about continuing
agriculture and shows that we can have again a healthy fish habitat in this area.”