UW-Restoration Ecology Network

West Milton Nature Preserve

The West Milton Nature Preserve is a 2.5 acre parcel owned by the city of Milton and managed by Friends of Hylebos Wetlands. Current land use is a conservation easement with several small, active wetland enhancement projects in progress.

2004 -2005

2004 - 2005
Project name	West Milton Nature Preserve: Restoration at Hylebos Creek
Location	West Milton, Washington
Client	Katie Moller and Friends of Hylebos Wetlands
Students	C. Coineandubh, L. Acker (UW Tacoma; Environmental Science), S. Skachel (UW Seattle; Wildlife Biology), T. Han, C. Plass (UW Seattle; Environmental Studies)
Site description	Running north to south through the preserve is East Hylebos Creek, which originates from the northeast at Lake Killarney and flows south to Hylebos Creek. The site is located west of the creek and is approximately 25x25 feet. It is bordered on the north by a gravel pit, on the east and south by terraced residential development, and the west by low density residential development. The site was extensively covered in reed canary grass, with some older trees providing limited shade.
Restoration challenge	The client asked the students to help develop wetland enhancement goals for the entire site for long-range planning purposes. Within the site, the UW-REN students were asked to enhance species diversity by reducing invasive plant species (particularly reed canary grass), planting natives, and encouraging native recruitment. In addition, the client requested that the students design and implement a restoration experiment to determine the most effective methods of planting native woody species.
Restoration approach	UW-REN students removed non-native species from the wetland and added native plants. Biodegradable burlap bags were used as mechanical barriers, and mulch was added to retard recolonization of invasive species. The experiment was installed according to the client’s wishes.