Meadowbrook Slough & Three Forks Natural Area
The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust has been improving riparian and wetland habitat at Meadowbrook Slough and the Three Forks Natural Area since 2008.
Located just downstream from the confluence of the Middle Fork, North Fork, and South Forks of the Snoqualmie River, Meadowbrook Slough is an oxbow lake surrounded by wetlands adjacent to the mainstem of the Snoqualmie River.
Restoration of these natural areas has many benefits – healthy wetlands adjacent to river systems can help cleanse and cool water before it makes its way into the main stream system, they provide habitat for many wildlife species, and they support stormwater management, sequester carbon, improve air quality, and improve overall watershed resiliency.
Over the years, the project has progressed through five phases, tackling one portion of the site at a time. This work has been undertaken in partnership with the City of Snoqualmie, King Conservation District, Green Snoqualmie Partnership, Snoqualmie Watershed Forum and King County Flood Control District Cooperative Watershed Management Program, and complements restoration efforts led by the Snoqualmie Tribe and King County along the mainstem of the Snoqualmie River.
Accomplishments by Phase:
Phase 1 (2008-2009)
- 1,500 native trees and shrubs planted
- 88 volunteers, 330 hours of stewardship
Phase 2 (2010-2011)
- 3,882 native trees and shrubs planted
- 95 volunteers, nearly 400 hours of stewardship
Phase 3 (2011-2013)
- 750 native trees and shrubs planted
- 110 volunteers, over 450 hours of stewardship
Phase 4 (2014-2016)
- 4.5 acres of invasive species removed
- 6,000 native trees and shrubs planted
- 3 volunteer events, 70 volunteers, nearly 360 hours of stewardship
Phase 5 (2020-2023) expected accomplishments:
- Minimum of 5,000 native trees and shrubs planted
- Minimum of 4 acres of invasive species controlled
- Minimum of 25 community volunteers contributing at least 75 hours.