Volunteers are invited for the second “Healthy Hayden Creek” restoration event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

The effort focuses on rehabilitating a degraded area that has contributed sediment and reduced water quality in Hayden Creek. Participants will help plant, stake and protect up to 200 large seedlings in muddy sections along the creek, supporting long-term watershed health, a press release said.

“Nearly 50 volunteers worked together with our partners to reclaim the eroded banks of this critical lake tributary, and the results are encouraging,” said Geoff Harvey, Watershed Association president emeritus. 

The event is organized by the Hayden Lake Watershed Association in partnership with the Watershed Improvement District and the U.S. Forest Service. 

This year’s work is supported by a Resource Advisory Committee grant from the U.S. Forest Service, funding a two-year restoration project. Efforts will focus on a site near the intersection of Ohio Match Road and Forest Service Road 437, with additional work planned for a second location in spring 2027.

"The seedlings planted last year are thriving, the barriers have held and we’re hopeful this area will prevent unhealthy sediment from reaching the creek long into the future," Harvey said.

Volunteers should access the site via Rimrock Road to Ohio Match Road (turn east), as access from FSR 437 is not recommended due to road conditions. Participants are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes, gloves and bring insect repellent, sunscreen and a spade if available. Refreshments will be provided.

“We’re continuing in our efforts to restore vulnerable stream access points and look forward to another great turnout,” Harvey said.

Info: HLWAIdaho.com