Felicity Strzelec

[Felicity Strzelec @fsstrz]

The broader significance is that riparian restoration reintroduces native species (pictured) and improves salmon spawning, rearing and migrating. Finally, riparian vegetation can help in understanding how to use the riparian restoration to strengthen salmon. (6/6) #POEcap

[Felicity Strzelec @fsstrz]

Results indicated that riparian restoration positively affects salmon habitat by increasing canopy cover, woody debris, litter mass and by providing pollutant protection to the river through natural filtering. Pictured is Bear Creek in 2018 (left) and 2023 (right). (5/6) #POEcap

[Felicity Strzelec @fsstrz]

At Whale Scout I used riparian restoration analysis to assist the organization in repairing salmon habitat. This was done by performing vegetation monitoring of plant species along Bear Creek (pictured) to examine the effects of riparian restoration. (4/6) #POEcap

[Felicity Strzelec @fsstrz]

The aim of this capstone project was to use riparian restoration to analyze how it affects salmon habitat on the riparian zone rivers and streams in Washington. As seen in the image below, the riparian zone is the area of land directly adjacent to the river. (2/6) #POEcap

[Felicity Strzelec @fsstrz]

@bella_capstone Hi Isabella, great observations! I think it is true that people may feel connected to the issues but are sometimes unsure on how to get involved with the right organizations, seems like your research might give us further insights! #ENVIR491 #POEcap

[Felicity Strzelec @fsstrz]

Another key takeaway from my internship is that invasive species such as the Himalayan blackberry have the tendency to overpopulate salmon habitat, limiting the ability of native trees/shrubs to provide shade, litter mass, bank support and good water quality #ENVIR491 #POEcap

[Felicity Strzelec @fsstrz]

A key takeway from my internship is that there are particular species plants that benefit salmon. For instance, red alders help to increase nutrient levels in soil such as nitrogen and phosphorus in addition to providing woody debris #ENVIR491 #POEcap

[Felicity Strzelec @fsstrz]

Whale Scout booth and Mike (J26) the orca at the 2023 @CityofBothell Sustainamania! @whalescout

[Felicity Strzelec @fsstrz]

Laid a mulch pathway and took some E. coli samples at Bear Creek today #ENVIR491 #POEcap

[Felicity Strzelec @fsstrz]

I am also extremely grateful for @SnoKingWC who allowed me to borrow their water quality kit and tools that enabled me to monitor local tributaries in King County for my capstone project. 🙏 #ENVIR491 #POEcap

[Felicity Strzelec @fsstrz]

Thank you @whalescout for allowing me the opportunity to contribute to their land conservation, education, outreach and research efforts that all seek to revitalize salmon and orcas in the PNW. 🙏 #ENVIR491 #POEcap