This week, staff from Environmental Services saw this Great Blue Heron foraging at the newly restored Crystal Springs Creek at SE 21st and Umatilla.  

The recently completed Crystal Springs Creek Restoration project was a partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers. The project includes the replacement of two culverts at SE Tenino and Umatilla Streets, the removal of a culvert under a former driveway, and the restoration of more natural stream conditions at this 1/3 acre site.

Environmental Services is working to restore fish passage, habitat, and better water quality to the entire length of Crystal Springs Creek.  The creek is home to endangered Coho and Chinook salmon, steelhead, and other native species. Plantings will be installed by February, but the heron was already stopping by to survey the progress!  

Keep up with the community news about Crystal Springs here: http://www.crystalspringspdx.org/