Wetlands Restoration: Native Planting Project Begins North of Moses Lake

The Columbia Basin Conservation District (CBCD) has begun a multi-phase native planting project on nearly 70 acres of ponds and wetlands located north of Moses Lake. This long-term restoration effort aims to improve habitat, support wildlife, and strengthen the ecological health of this important wetland complex.

Washington Conservation Corps crew from Wenatchee lending a hand in restoring native habitat. Photo by Kristina Ribellia, CBCD.

The first phase of planting is now complete, thanks to the hard work of the Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crew from Wenatchee. The crew helped plant approximately 2,500 native plants across the site. These plantings include five varieties of native willow, redosier dogwood, and a diverse mix of native trees, shrubs, forbs, and grasses selected for their suitability to local soil and hydrologic conditions.

Protective plant tubes installed to shield young seedlings from wildlife and harsh weather. Photo by Wade Haughton, CBCD.

To support plant establishment and improve long-term survival, CBCD staff are currently installing protective plant tubes throughout the site. This added layer of protection helps reduce early mortality by shielding young plants from wildlife browsing and harsh weather.

Wetland habitat that is being restored north of Moses Lake. Photo by Kristina Ribellia, CBCD.

The project will continue this winter with another planting week scheduled for February, when an additional 1,000 native plants will be added to the landscape. Plant materials for the project have been generously supplied by the WACD Plant Material Center, Tapteal Native Plants, and Derby Canyon Natives. Thank you to the Washington Department of Ecology for funding this project!

This restoration effort represents a significant investment in the long-term health of the local wetland ecosystem, and CBCD looks forward to sharing continued progress as the project moves through each phase.