Making A Difference Day Project

This Making A Difference Day project is a planting/restoration project being undertaken in partnership with Pierce County, the Conservation District, and the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation through its EnviroCorps program.

Purdy Creek Homeless Camp Restoration Project

Summary: Project will include spreading of bark and planting to help to stabilize banks, prevent erosion, and improve habitat for fish and wildlife. 
Other: Volunteers should wear sturdy shoes or boots, bring gloves, and dress appropriately for the weather. Lunch will be provided. Further information will be sent to registered volunteers.

Contact: Karen Larson (klarson@gigharborfoundation.org) 253-514-6338, Ext. 105

Details:
Volunteers are needed to assist in Phase 2 site restroation and replanting at an abandoned homeless encampment in Gig Harbor along the banks of the Purdy Creek. 

The site was heavily damaged by fire set following discovery of the camp by Pierce County Public Works staff . The creek is one of two tributaries with flow into Burley Lagoon, a 358-acre watershed located on the Key Peninsula.
 
Along with the fire, which damaged vegetation, the soil is very compacted. When soils are compacted and denuded of vegetation, rains run along the surface picking up surface pollutants associated with the former encampment, and deposit them directly into the creek. Thus, creating significant water quality issues for the Burley Lagoon, an abundant shellfish harvest area that has been used as a commercial growing area since the 1930’s.
 
Phase 1: Site Clean-up took place in September 2018. Over a ton of waste, including various household items, needles, and more were removed from the site by the team from Pierce County and the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation.
 
Phase 2: Site Restoration and Replanting, will take place on October 27, 2018, to protect from erosion and further discharge into the Purdy Creek. The social trail created on the property will also be decommissioned.