The Karuk Tribe of California and the city of Yreka will host a creek cleanup April 25 aimed at restoring Yreka Creek, a waterway biologists consider the “last stronghold” for coho salmon in the Shasta River watershed.
Though the creek runs through an urban area, it supports a small but significant salmon population that many residents may not realize is there.
“I know a lot of the conversations I’ve had with people, they’re kind of surprised that there’s salmon at all in this creek that looks kind of run down and unkempt,” said Christy Wheatley, a fisheries technician with the Karuk Tribe.
Wheatley said salmon are resilient and capable of surviving in unexpected environments.
The cleanup will focus on removing trash and invasive Himalayan blackberry, which can grow in dense thickets up to 8 feet tall and crowd out native vegetation.
The effort is especially important for coho salmon, which are listed under the Endangered Species Act due to declining populations.
Wheatley said the fish also hold cultural significance for the Karuk Tribe, serving as a food source since time immemorial.
Volunteers of all ages are invited to help with trash removal and native plant care at the Oberlin Road trailhead. No experience is required.
“Anyone who feels comfortable with doing any of those things is welcome to come,” Wheatley said. “Or even if people just want to come and enjoy the creek and enjoy the community aspect of it, we would love to have them.”
Participants are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes and bring water and thick gloves for handling thorny plants. The event will take place rain or shine.
Event
- The Yreka Creek Cleanup will take place April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oberlin Road trailhead in Yreka.
Guest
- Christy Wheatley, fisheries technician, Karuk Tribe
