The Northwest Stream Center and the Importance of Preserving our Watersheds

The Northwest Stream Center is an important area that helps to protect the North Creek watershed and the riparian zone that is managed by the Adopt a Stream Foundation (AASF). What is a watershed and a riparian zone? A watershed is the large area of land that drains/”sheds” water into a stream, river, lake, wetland, etc. The riparian zone is the vegetation area next to a river or stream that affects that aquatic system’s ecology.

It is very important to protect these valuable ecosystems, this leads to improved water quality as well as habitat for many animals and plants. In the 1970’s the area here used to be a parking lot! Thanks to the hard work that still continues here this place has become an incredible restored watershed ecosystem. If you would like to learn more about the Northwest Stream Center, AASF and discover exciting learning opportunities; check out their website via the following link: https://www.streamkeeper.org/

This 1/2 mile boardwalk guides you through the surrounding woods, streams, and wetlands. This boardwalk was made from 100% recycled plastic lumber, which is equivalent to 1.97 million one-gallon plastic milk jugs.
A sculpture of an ancient ice age saber-tooth salmon known as Oncorhynchus rastrosus
A trout seen from the stream viewing exhibit at the Northwest Stream Center.
Freshwater mussels seen from the viewing area.