Salmon Protection And Watershed Network

December 1, 2005


In October 2005, SPAWN and Turtle Island Restoration Network, the organization of which SPAWN is a part, realized one of its visions with the purchase of a unique property alongside one of the best remaining runs of coho in California, in the Lagunitas Watershed of Marin County.

Redwood trees on SPAWN's new acquisition. Photo: courtesy SPAWN

The two-acre parcel is home to over 200 redwood trees, and coho and steelhead spawn and rear in their shade. This purchase is the "first" of a land acquisition strategy aimed at securing and protecting critical habitat for endangered salmonids in our watershed. In addition to this creekside parcel, we aim to purchase an additional 23 acres of adjacent upland (surrounded by Samuel P. Taylor State Park). SPAWN will ensure that this property is maintained and restored to protect the creek and its endangered salmon inhabitants in perpetuity.

We plan to renovate an existing house on the property into an experiential learning center and offices for SPAWN and Turtle Island. University students, recent college graduates, and community members will work alongside our professional staff and be trained in environmental research, monitoring, habitat restoration, environmental education and science-based advocacy and organizing.

	The house that is to become the new offices of SPAWN and Turtle Island Restoration Network. Photo: courtesy SPAWN

The property will also function as a demonstration center for "Living Fish-Friendly Lifestyles" and we anticipate the following community-built projects:

* A Septic System Demonstration
* Permeable Driveway & Parking
* Rain Garden--Water
Catchment System
* Native Plant Gardens/Landscape for Water & Energy Efficiency
* A Wildlife Friendly Backyard Demonstration
* On-site Creek Restoration Activities
* Green Building Alternatives such as maximizing the use of recycled and salvaged materials and products including solar
and the use of energy- and water-efficient appliances, products
and technology.

Another major accomplishment we are happy to report on is a collaboration with the local golf course which includes re-creating 5,500 feet of riparian habitat from current fairways, a bio-engineered bank stabilization, and fencing out golfers along 650 of riparian habitat.

The land acquisition and experiential learning center will enhance all of our current habitat restoration, community education, and research and monitoring programs. To accomplish all this, SPAWN will need to expand its list of friends. We welcome your pro bono assistance (and your tax-deductible donations) to fulfill this unique and important project! Call us today to find out how you can be part of this effort, 415/488-0370 x103, or email Spawn@SpawnUSA.org.

Also check out our newly designed website, thanks to major assistance by Trees Foundation's own Michael Eastwood, at www.SpawnUSA.org



This article can be found online at www.treesfoundation.org/publications/article-229

Forest & River News is produced by Trees Foundation.