On a recent Tuesday, we welcomed Ruff Wear, Stanley PMI, Hydro Flask and FootZone Bend who brought along sponsored athletes and friends Stephanie Howe (The North Face, Clif Bar), Jeff Browning (Patagonia) and Max King (Montrail) for a day of restoration on Whychus Creek.
Since 1996, the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council (UDWC) has been working to protect and restore the 2000 miles of rivers and streams that flow through Central Oregon. Our Backyard Collective volunteers worked together improve instream habitat on the Whychus through the planting of 350 native plants including Spiraea, Alder, Cottonwood and Idaho Fescue. Volunteers also removed a patch of knapweed from the project area.
"I loved how engaged and inquisitive all of the business member volunteers were, " said Kolleen Yake, Education Director at UDWC, "Many of the volunteers asked me thoughtful questions about the long-term restoration plan for the health of Whychus Creek. It was inspiring to engage in meaningful stewardship work while sharing conservation dialogue with one another."
Our event also included representatives from Oregon Natural Desert Association and Deschutes Land Trust who briefed attendees on current initiatives and opportunities for environmental action at the local level.
This year we were thrilled to include members of the Hydro Flask team for our volunteer action. They donated awesome flasks for all of our attendees engraved with the brand new Backyard Collective logo-thanks again!
We're also grateful for Ruff Wear quick release leashes and a variety of Clif Bars donated for the enjoyment of all of our volunteers.
As you know, it takes a village of awesome companies to create Backyard Collective success. Perhaps that is why we're still smiling about our day spent on the Whychus with Upper Deschutes Watershed Council. Thanks again to all who participated. For more photos, please visit our Facebook album here.
Many thanks to our event photographer and Director of Product at Ruffwear Geoff Raynak, for sharing his artistic eye.