Groundworks

What We Do

Groundworks

PO Box 862

Pullman,WA 99163

GroundWorks Projects

Restoring Pullman's Rivers and Streams

GroundWorks is collaborating with local partners including the Palouse Conservation District, Pullman Civic Trust, and Washington State University (WSU) to restore the riparian and native plant communites along the streams in Pullman. This fall GroundWorks, students from the WSU class Human Development HD 205, and other community volunteers will be planting native trees and shrubs along the South Fork of the Palouse from Hero's and Sports downstream to the Grange. In the spring of 2008, plantings will be conducted in the riparian zone surrounding Paradise Creek from Airport Road downstream to the Quality Inn. Trees and shrubs for these plantings will be supplied by the Palouse Conservation District. Please email groundworksmail@verizon.net if you are interested in helping out with this effort.

Koppel Farm

GroundWorks leases 8 acres of riparian and flood plain along the South Fork of the Palouse River behind the Bishop Boulevard Conoco. The GroundWorks leased land is adjacent to the three acre Pullman Community gardens. The combined 11 aces is refered to as Koppel Farm. Koppel Farm offers an ideal location for environmental education within the Pullman city limits and groups of students frequently come to the property to help with plantings, watering, maintenance and for educational programs on native plants and animals. Restoration efforts at Koppel Farm reduce erosion, filter pollution, and enhance wildlife habitat. With the help of many local volunteers, we have planted several thousand native trees and shrubs along the river and native grasses in the upland areas.

Mentoring WSU Human Development 205 Class

This spring GroundWorks mentored 25 students from WSU's Human Development Communication course. The students developed and worked on a number of projects for GroundWorks including 1) helping to organize GroundWorks' Community Planting Day, 2) working with GroundWorks to set up a vegetable garden with students at Sunnyside Elementary 3) helping to build a compost bin next to the greenhouse at Sunnyside Elementary, and 4) helping GroundWorks lead environmental education and restoration field trips for local students. The students, with majors ranging from Construction Management to Nursing brought a wide range of expertise to the projects. The experience was so positive that GroundWorks has decided to mentor the Spring 2008 semester class.

Lapwai Creek Nature Preserve

GroundWorks is working with the Nez Perce Tribe Watershed Division to improve anadromous fish populations by involving teachers, students and community members from Idaho's Clearwater River subbasin in habitat restoration projects.

The Wurgler Marsh Education and Restoration

GroundWorks is working with Pullman High School to involve students in hands-on restoration through planting of native palouse species at the Wurgler Marsh wetland area, adjacent to Pullman High School.