On a brisk Tuesday morning, volunteers from various walks of life convened at Kellogg Creek Park to take part in a tree-planting initiative aimed at rehabilitating the area beside the Willamette River. The event, chronicled by Clackamas County News, was instrumental in the introduction of 23 trees and 90 shrubs, all selected for their environmental benefits and natural fit within the local ecosystem.
Organized by Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES), the tree planting not only marked the start of the restoration efforts at the Kellogg Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility but also reflected the commitment of the local community, with staff and volunteers working diligently despite the rain, aided by the City of Milwaukie. Braving the elements, the volunteers managed to improve air quality and stormwater management through their diligent work. "It was gratifying to see WES staff, volunteers and the City of Milwaukie come together to make this planting event happen," Greg Geist, WES Director, mentioned in an enthusiastic nod to the collective effort.
The preparation for this environmental endeavor was no insignificant feat, requiring collaboration with the North Clackamas Parks & Recreation District and intricate planning to ensure the correct tools and strategies were in place ahead of time. Galen Hoshovsky, a WES Technical Services Specialist, recognized the partnerships that made the event a success, saying, "It’s wonderful to partner with so many groups who are committed to making Kellogg Creek Park and the trail a vibrant, welcoming space for both wildlife and residents." In a statement passed along by Clackamas County News, Hoshovsky further emphasized the importance of selecting drought-tolerant and pollinator-friendly plants for the sake of water quality and climate resilience.
The removal of invasive Black Locust trees made room for new, native species at the trail, intending to ensure the park's vitality for the future. As noted by Clackamas County News, while the tree planting was a significant stride towards environmental restoration, WES isn't stopping there. The slated improvements to the Water Resource Recovery Facility promise not only to enhance the working conditions for staff, with ample locker rooms, a dedicated lunchroom, and laundry space but also to provide a community room capable of accommodating up to 25 people,
Construction on the current administration building is anticipated to commence in the summer of 2025 and is forecasted to extend over 18 months, signaling a long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement alike. Such efforts serve as a potent reminder of what can be achieved when disparate groups unite under the banner of ecological advancement and public service.
