Felicity Strzelec

The broader significance is that riparian restoration reintroduces native species (pictured) and improves salmon spawning, rearing and migrating. Finally, riparian vegetation can help in understanding how to use the riparian restoration to strengthen salmon. (6/6) #POEcap

Results indicated that riparian restoration positively affects salmon habitat by increasing canopy cover, woody debris, litter mass and by providing pollutant protection to the river through natural filtering. Pictured is Bear Creek in 2018 (left) and 2023 (right). (5/6) #POEcap

At Whale Scout I used riparian restoration analysis to assist the organization in repairing salmon habitat. This was done by performing vegetation monitoring of plant species along Bear Creek (pictured) to examine the effects of riparian restoration. (4/6) #POEcap

Riparian restoration consists of removing invasive species such as the Himalayan blackberry bush and planting non-invasive, native species like the Douglas Fir. The image below depicts the aftermath of invasive removal on the left and native planting on the right. (3/6) #POEcap

The aim of this capstone project was to use riparian restoration to analyze how it affects salmon habitat on the riparian zone rivers and streams in Washington. As seen in the image below, the riparian zone is the area of land directly adjacent to the river. (2/6) #POEcap

Humans are reducing salmon habitat in rivers, making it easier for invasive species to take over rivers and streams in Washington. For instance, the Sammamish river (pictured) is densely populated with blackberries along the river’s edge. (1/6) #POEcap

@bella_capstone Hi Isabella, great observations! I think it is true that people may feel connected to the issues but are sometimes unsure on how to get involved with the right organizations, seems like your research might give us further insights! #ENVIR491 #POEcap

My key takeaways from my research were: 1. There's great interest in both the theory and practice of climate and environmental justice from students. 2. There's a desire from students and faculty to learn from and partner with CBOs/NGOs within EJ.

@gthomsenuw37 Hi Gracie, we secure the mulch just by adding multiple layers and clearing away any surrounding weeds in the way!

@fsstrz Wow Felicity, it looks good. I don’t know much about mulch, does it stay in place pretty good once you put it down?

Laid a mulch pathway and took some E. coli samples at Bear Creek today #ENVIR491 #POEcap

@JustinChao1127 Hi Justin, the Western Red Cedar can be beneficial to wetlands by providing additional canopy cover, shade, natural water quality control and enhanced carbon sequestration through photosynthesis. #ENVIR491 #POEcap

@fsstrz That's cool! I am wondering if red cedar can do the same thing as red alder does because I planted plenty of red cedars in the wetland I work in.

A key takeway from my internship is that there are particular species plants that benefit salmon. For instance, red alders help to increase nutrient levels in soil such as nitrogen and phosphorus in addition to providing woody debris #ENVIR491 #POEcap

Another key takeaway from my internship is that invasive species such as the Himalayan blackberry have the tendency to overpopulate salmon habitat, limiting the ability of native trees/shrubs to provide shade, litter mass, bank support and good water quality #ENVIR491 #POEcap

@JustinChao1127 Thanks for sharing Justin! My organization also had public events to recruit volunteers interested in salmon habitat restoration/conservation #ENVIR491 #POEcap

Week 8 of the internship. Trying to look for someone interested in volunteering in wetland restoration.#ENVIR491

@LynTampi @CityofBothell @whalescout It was so fun! We got a lot of people interested in salmon habitat restoration and gave out some great merch!

@fsstrz @CityofBothell @whalescout Such a cute table/booth! How did it go?

Whale Scout booth and Mike (J26) the orca at the 2023 @CityofBothell Sustainamania! @whalescout

@lucyjtoner @culturalspaceag Hi Lucy, what a wonderful organization to highlight. I especially like the @culturalspaceag focus on real estate opportunities for Black and Indigenous groups. Thanks for sharing! #ENVIR491 #POEcap

Another great organization I've worked with during my #ENVIR491 internship has been @culturalspaceag! I spoke with them about the need for community spaces in relation to #EnvironmentalJustice.

@GahaganAmelie Hi Amelie, my internship is ending on August 26th which was the original agreement that I made with my site supervisor! #ENVIR491 #POEcap

Are you planning to extend your Capstone internship past August 18th? If so, comment why. If not, tell me what you plan to do with the rest of your summer break!

I am also extremely grateful for @SnoKingWC who allowed me to borrow their water quality kit and tools that enabled me to monitor local tributaries in King County for my capstone project. 🙏 #ENVIR491 #POEcap

Thank you @whalescout for allowing me the opportunity to contribute to their land conservation, education, outreach and research efforts that all seek to revitalize salmon and orcas in the PNW. 🙏 #ENVIR491 #POEcap

@nikiKirihara What an incredible shot, thanks for sharing Niki! Taylor Mountain seems like a cool place! ⛰️ #ENVIR491 #POEcap

Look at this bug that made me scream alone at the Taylor Mountain site this past Monday 🥰 I’ve never seen one before! #ENVIR491