Did you know that winter can be an ideal time to plant? Unlike other regions of the Pacific Northwest, our ground rarely becomes inaccessible due to snow and doesn’t remain frozen for long, making winter planting both possible and beneficial. When planted during their dormant season, tree seedlings and native shrubs can focus their energy on establishing strong root systems, rather than maintaining leaves and flowers. This gives them a head start before the demanding growth period of spring arrives.
In January and February, GPC stewardship staff are working with volunteers and contractors to plant a total of 4,660 native trees and shrubs across five preserves. Check out a quick rundown of our projects below!
Grovers Creek Preserve
The Washington Conservation Corps will plant 3,950 native trees across 28 acres at Grovers Creek Preserve, comprised of two thinned units and six patch cuts. 600 of those trees are Douglas-fir, western redcedar, and western hemlock from California and Oregon. Volunteers assisted with planting and marking these trees, and GPC’s Land Labs education program will track the growth and survival of a subset of the southern seedlings, contributing to GPC’s ongoing science-based stewardship.
Photo Caption: Members of the Washington Conservation Corps crew take a break after planting.
Hansville Highlands
Washington Conservation Corps will plant 300 native trees at Hansville Greenway Highlands, adding more trees to the areas that were planted in 2023 with the Hansville Greenway Association.
Photo Caption: Checking in on a seedling planted during a 2023 planting day.
Miller Bay Shoreline – East
Friends of Miller Bay (FOMB) volunteers will assist with planting 360 native trees, willow stakes, and shrubs near the shoreline of Miller Bay Preserve. The effort to restore this preserve started in 2024 with the demolition and removal of a decrepit trailer, as well as blackberry removal and control. Our friends at FOMB have played a huge role in restoring this property!
Photo Caption: GPC staff and FOMB volunteers ready to plant!
Martha John Creek and Filucy Bay Preserve
Our dedicated Volunteer Land Stewards (VoLS) Chuck Holland and RaeAnn McConnell and Penton and Heather Mott will plant 25 western redcedars at Martha John Creek and Filucy Bay Preserve after surveying each site for survival of cedars that were planted in 2023. Visit our blog to learn more about 2023’s restoration efforts at Martha John Creek Preserve and 2024’s restoration efforts at Filucy Bay Preserve.
Photo Caption: Volunteer Land Stewards Chuck and RaeAnn at Martha John Creek Preserve