This spring, a dedicated team of nine AmeriCorps NCCC members partnered with Northwest Trek Wildlife Park to complete a wide range of conservation, restoration, and maintenance projects across the wildlife park. Over the course of five weeks, the crew helped strengthen animal habitats, improve guest access, restore sensitive ecosystems, and enhance overall safety throughout Northwest Trek.

One of the team’s major projects focused on restoring the cougar exhibit embankment. Volunteers terraced the shoreline using driftwood, stumps, boulders, rocks, and soil, then transplanted native species including sword fern, Oregon grape, and salal to stabilize the slope and recreate a more natural habitat. Their work improved structural stability, enhanced the exhibit’s appearance, and preserved critical staff access routes.

The crew also played an important role in recovery efforts following the severe windstorms of late 2024, which brought down more than 100 trees throughout the wildlife park. In the grizzly bear exhibit, AmeriCorps NCCC members removed debris, hauled gravel and substrate to repair uprooted areas and bear-dug pits, and helped restore damaged habitat features. Their efforts significantly reduced the amount of time the bears needed to remain behind the scenes while repairs were underway and improved long-term conditions for animal care staff.

The volunteers also improved several miles of guest pathways and underused forest trails. Projects included hauling and spreading gravel, building natural trail borders from downed logs, installing steps and erosion-control features, and removing invasive blackberry and other vegetation including within the gray wolf and wolverine habitats. Behind the scenes at the Conservation Center, the team supported wetland restoration efforts by removing invasive shrubs to help protect native ecosystems.

In addition to their work at Northwest Trek, the AmeriCorps NCCC crew traveled to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek’s sister zoo, where they helped overhaul the goat yard substrate to improve conditions for both animals and staff.

“We are incredibly thankful for the hard work and dedication these AmeriCorps NCCC members brought to Northwest Trek,” said Nikki, Facilities Manager at Northwest Trek. “Their help has made a huge impact as we work to improve animal habitats, control invasive species, and enhance guest access.”