Amphibian Survey and Tree Planting

Date: Saturday, April 12 (9:30 am - 4:00 pm) and Sunday, April 13 (9:30 am - 3:00 pm)

Location: Cispus River Tributaries near Randle, WA

Description: Join us for a fun weekend in the woods as we visit not one, but two instream restoration sites on tributaries of the Cispus River. On Saturday, we will investigate amphibian activity at Camp Creek. In 2024, CFC worked with the US Forest Service to install hundreds of pieces of woody debris in the stream to create spawning habitat for coho salmon and steelhead, as well as rearing habitat for juvenile Chinook salmon. Improving habitat for salmon can also benefit other species like many of our native amphibians. We collected baseline data before the restoration work began. Now we need to repeat our survey to see how amphibians are responding. We will work in small teams to search for and identify frogs, salamanders, and toads along the stream banks. 

On Sunday, we will travel to Crystal Creek, another tributary of the Cispus, to plant trees along a recently restored reach. Last year, CFC installed over a dozen instream structures using low-tech restoration techniques and planted over 200 live stakes along the stream banks. We will work together to add more trees to the restoration area. We will plant bare root trees and harvest and install more live stakes if time allows.

This is an optional overnight trip. You can register for one or both days of the trip. If you would like to participate both days, overnight lodging will be provided at a bunkhouse. We will not be able reserve additional bunkhouse space the day of our amphibian survey so you must register for the overnight option in advance. 

Work Conditions: During the amphibian survey at Camp Creek we will be working very close to the edge of the stream and in the water. The terrain is mostly flat but frequently climbing over logs will be necessary. When we are planting at Crystal Creek we will be on mostly flat terrain. Walking down short but steep slopes or over logs may be necessary in some areas. Using shovels to dig and using loppers and hand pruners to cut vegetation will involve repetitive motion.

Gear: Please bring waders if you have them (only necessary for Saturday), rubber boots, or sturdy waterproof hiking boots, appropriate layers for the weather, and a day pack with enough food and water for the day. 

CFC will provide gloves and tools. We also have rubber boots and waders available to borrow. Your registration confirmation will include a complete gear list and information on how to borrow boots. If you register for both days your confirmation will also include overnight lodging information. 

Transportation and Vehicle Access: Please contact us at trips@cascadeforest.org if transportation is a barrier to participation. We can arrange carpools if necessary. Camp Creek is accessible via paved roads and we will be able to park in a gravel parking area. We will need to drive about 2 miles on a gravel road to access Crystal Creek. The road may have some potholes but it is navigable with a sedan.