Deer browsing in the restored floodplain of Johnson Creek

A couple of weeks ago, while Environmental Services Revegetation crews were working at the Schweitzer Natural Area, they saw lots of evidence that wildlife appreciate the enhanced Johnson Creek stream channel and floodplain. Here’s a list of the wildlife they observed: 

Birds seen include Mallard Ducks, American Kestrel, flicker, Pine Siskins, Song Sparrows, Pileated Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Kingfisher, Red-tailed Hawks, Oregon Juncos, Crows, Spotted Towhee, and Black-capped Chickadee. Other species spotted include deer (1 male / 1 female) and lots of deer evidence (browse, scat), tree frogs, Garter snake, and evidence of beaver (chewed trees, dam), voles (chewing on tree bark) and mole (found dead). 

Recently constructed beaver dam 

Completed in 2009, the Schweitzer Phase of the East Powell Butte Restoration Project increased habitat for fish and other wildlife. The project stabilized and shaded stream banks to improve water quality and added about 74 acre feet of flood storage in the Johnson Creek floodplain. The project mimics the features of a natural stream and includes hundreds of pieces of large wood, some salvaged during construction, and added thousands of native trees and shrubs.  Learn more about this project and others in the Johnson Creek Watershed here.