Port of Tacoma
Written by Lillian Mance
I have been fortunate enough to work on a number of meaningful projects with EarthCorps that have expanded my personal skills as well as my understanding of what it takes to create and maintain healthy, sustainable ecosystems. There is one project, however, that I feel truly highlights the purpose of the work that we do and the complexity that underwrites it, speaking to the dynamism and adaptability that is necessary when working in the field of ecology.
The project that I would like to feature is Port of Tacoma Habitat Stewardship, located in Upper Clear Creek (47º13’40.8”N 122º22’45.7”W). This project encompasses both habitat and ecosystem stewardship, as it focuses on restoring a mitigation tidal wetland ecosystem that is vital habitat for numerous species – most notably the salmon populations that have been providing ecological and cultural value for the Puyallup tribe since time immemorial.
Port of Tacoma is the overseeing agency, and the purpose of this work was to remove invasive species such as Bittersweet Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara), Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus), and Reed Canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea). Our crew utilized manual removal techniques to pull these species from within native plant communities, and built composting rafts above the water level to ensure that they did not re-root and continue growing in remediated areas.
We were very successful in clearing harmful plants from the work zones and contributing to the health of this emergent wetland, therefore supporting native plant and animal populations in such a consequential habitat type.
One reason that this project is so meaningful to me is the sheer importance of wetland ecosystems and the services they provide to the natural world. Our site was a wetland remediation area, meaning that the wetland was artificially constructed to rectify damage done to a natural wetland that had existed previously.
Regardless of the natural or man-made status, emergent wetlands serve to ease the impacts of flood and drought, cleanse polluted waters through natural plant filtration, and support extensive biodiversity that has an impact well beyond the site itself. Additionally, this site specifically provides a much-needed resting place for migrating salmon populations, and protecting the abundance of salmon serves to establish a strong food source for the humans and wildlife that depend on them.
What made my experience at Port of Tacoma so unique was the fact that there were factors impacting the course of this project that required reconsideration and adaptability in its implementation. While completing my undergraduate degree in Natural Resources, I was often reminded that ecology is a fairly new and ever-changing field that is necessary to understand but difficult to control. Particularly in the face of climate change and the transition to novel ecosystems that do not have adequate historical reference states to work toward, restoration ecology is better suited for broad goals concerning the health and services provided by ecosystems rather than numerical specifics.
Restoration in Upper Clear Creek was originally intended to maintain a fairly low standing water level in order to mitigate potential flood impacts on the surrounding community while supporting native plants and animals. Throughout the process, however, a small beaver population moved into the site and began damming water flow points, leading to a much higher water level and subsequent transition toward primarily obligate hydrophytic vegetation.
While this may immediately seem like a setback in comparison to the original plan, it is important to acknowledge beavers as a keystone species that serve important roles in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Port of Tacoma decided to alter their plans in lieu of relocating the beaver population, placing more focus on creating a wild area that is functional and stable than preceding with previously defined objectives.
I feel very passionately about the field of ecology and the proper maintenance of the natural spaces that we have left on this planet, and I think Port of Tacoma is a wonderful example of prioritizing the well-being of these important spaces in light of constantly changing circumstances. Our work removing invasive plant species is helping an emergent wetland ecosystem to thrive, even if that ecosystem looks slightly different than intended. When confronted with so many moving and unpredictable factors as is the case in our world today, it is crucial for land stewards to practice critical thinking and flexibility in order to prioritize strength, resilience, and functionality in important ecosystems.
Lillian Mance (she/her) relocated to Washington after graduating from the University of Arizona with a degree in Natural Resources with an emphasis in ecology and rangeland management. During her time at UA, Lillian found her passion for ecological restoration and environmental policy. She worked for the university as a Science Outreach Intern Educator, Student Field Botanist, Aquaponics Lab Tech, and Horticulture Technician Intern with the incredible Borderlands Restoration Network, and she continues to work as a researcher on the innovative NEPAccess team.
Lillian hopes to combine research and education in her future career and contribute to environmental policy reform. She plans to pursue graduate school in ecology and continue to help the planet heal in whatever way possible. She is thrilled to be a member of EarthCorps and start her professional journey with a group of hardworking, optimistic change-makers.
Lillian loves spending time outside with her partner and dog, going on walks/hikes, and paddle boarding in lakes! More often than not, you’ll find her taking pictures of every plant she passes to upload to iNaturalist. She also enjoys good books, collecting crystals, and fueling an ever-growing houseplant population.