Clark County celebrated the completion of a major wetland restoration project at the 78th Street Heritage Farm last week, marking the return of Cougar Creek’s headwater wetlands more than 100 years after they were drained.
A ribbon-cutting event and project tour were held Wednesday, June 17, at Clark County’s 78th Street Heritage Farm, located at 1919 NE 78th St. in Vancouver.
The event included refreshments, remarks and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Attendees rotated through educational stations highlighting different parts of the project, including how the restoration is expected to improve water quality and support the overall health of the Cougar Creek watershed.
The project restored the headwater wetlands of Cougar Creek by engineering eight wetland cells that create a shallow floodplain and mimic natural wetland functions. County officials said the restored wetlands are expected to increase groundwater recharge, improve water quality and clarity, and cool water flowing into Salmon Creek.
The restoration also includes a 35-foot native plant buffer, with more than 3,000 native plants, trees and shrubs planted throughout the area. Event stations explained how those plants were chosen and how they are expected to benefit local wildlife.
Attendees also learned how the wetland restoration fits into the past, present and future of the historic farm, including the broader Heritage Farm master plan.
The project represents a significant step in ongoing efforts to improve water quality in Cougar and Salmon creeks and restore the health of their watersheds.
Funding for the work came through a grant and low-interest loan from the Washington state Department of Ecology’s Water Quality Combined Funding Program, along with the Clark County Clean Water program.
