December 5, 2014

Wilkes Creek Headwaters in Northeast Portland used to be farm land. Now, City Crews are restoring the green space as a natural area!  The creek’s springs feed into the only free-flowing stream in the city that enters the Columbia Slough watershed. 

This summer, the Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) removed a culvert at the site, which was interfering with stream flow and wildlife movement. They replaced it in an innovative way - with a recycled railroad bridge.  Now, the spring water flows directly into Wilkes Creek! 

The Bureau of Environmental Services and Portland Parks & Recreation are working hard to restore Wilkes Creek Headwaters’ ecosystem. City crews are removing invasive plants and restoring native vegetation. 

Eventually, the City will complete a master plan for the area, and open Wilkes Creek Headwaters to the public. Learn more about the Wilkes Creek Headwaters project on BES’ website.