Planting forest. Counting frogs. Healthy habitat makes for healthy wildlife, and that’s why it’s our goal at Northwest Trek to to improve and maintain wild habitat, both inside the park and in the broader community. Here’s what we’re doing right now – and how you can help.
Habitat Restoration
We strive to maintain quality habitat for wildlife both inside and outside of the wildlife park. On our five miles of nature trails we’ve cleared out pockets of diseased trees, replanting for a healthier and more diverse forest. We are restoring a large wetland on 100 acres of recently purchased land. We also partner with the Nisqually Land Trust to help improve four of their Pierce County sites.
Amphibian Surveys
Amphibians are excellent ecosystem monitors – if their populations are changing, you can bet something is happening in the habitat. That’s why park staff routinely survey the grounds for eight different species: rough skinned newts, northwestern salamanders, long-toed salamanders, western toads, Oregon spotted frogs, red legged frogs, pacific tree frogs and bull frogs. This data is regularly reported to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The park also trains volunteers to do these surveys and collect data for WDFW.
Look out for our amphibians as you wander the park!
Get Involved
Help us restore wild habitat! Join us on stewardship days and other community science opportunities. Learn more here.