Since fall of last year, a wetland meadow restoration project on the family’s 605-acre property near Newport has been just about the only thing on Gary Verbrugge’s mind.

The wetland meadow that encompasses the meandering Little Spokane River has a history of heavy grazing and, until last year, a strong single species stand of reed canary grass. The recent battle to fight the reed canary grass included spraying and discing the meadow and, finally this spring, planting.

The good news is that the trees have really taken off. Each species’ success varies from the other but, in particular, certain deciduous trees that were a foot tall when planted have now grown to as high as seven feet. It is not just a couple either, but rather quite a large bunch!

Aside from Gary’s now full-time watering efforts, he attributes the survival success to the more important seedling protector tubes he placed around each tree. The five-foot tall, vented biodegradable tubes not only protect the trees from deer and rabbits but also reduce moisture stress. The once healthy crop of tree tubes growing in Gary’s meadow now has tree crowns popping out the top. It will not be long before the tree trunks grow wide enough to snap the tubes off and the wetland meadow will be one step closer to complete restoration.

Drew Reinke
Stewardship Coordinator
509-328-2939
stewardship@inlandnwlandtrust.org


Click here to learn more about the Verbrugge conservation easement.