Invasive, non-native plants such as Himalayan blackberry,
English ivy, and morning glory will be eliminated over a period of time
and replaced with plant communities that include conducive natives such
as Oregon ash, Sitka willow, wapato, and salmonberry. Other work will
include relocation of trails that are too close to the water and establishment
of a headwater forest slope as a buffer to neighboring residences. The
entire program is expected to take 10 years and cost $1 million.
The canyon plan was set into motion with gifts
from trustees John Gray and Laurel Wilkening 66. Wilkenings
donation was used in part to pay for a professional assessment of the
canyon by two local ecologists, and the rest will fund canyon improvements
and encourage student involvement. John Grays gift will be used
for planning and construction of the fish passage and spawning areas.
The canyon has been the subject of Reed senior
theses and serves as an open classroom for several K-12 classes throughout
the Portland area. Reed community members as well as neighbors and friends
visit the canyon for academic projects as well as for enjoyment of a healthy,
working watershed. The headwaters of Crystal Springs issue forth at the
east end of the canyon, and the city of Portland has identified Reed Lake
as the only naturally occurring pond (or lake) remaining in the
inner-city area. The plan calls for more viewing areas from which
people can observe this valuable resource.
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