Olympia Ecosystems

Olympia Ecosystems is a community‑based non-profit land trust dedicated to conserving and restoring freshwater, shoreline, tidal, and forested ecosystems in and around Olympia. Our work emphasizes improving water quality and habitat for threatened and endangered aquatic species while supporting access to healthy urban natural areas. Olympia Ecosystems owns and stewards more than 500 acres within its strategic focus area and has over a decade of experience managing and restoring habitats. We routinely collaborate with tribal partners, local governments, conservation districts, state crews, and community volunteers to implement effective, community‑supported restoration projects.

Project Overview: Olympia Ecosystems proposes a riparian and wetland restoration project within the West Bay Woods Preserve, a remnant shoreline forest along Budd Inlet in Olympia, Washington. The project will restore ecological function along a spring‑fed tributary that drains an upland residential neighborhood and discharges directly into Budd Inlet. Educational signage will be installed.

Footbridge on public trail crossing stream

The site is currently dominated by invasive vegetation, including English ivy, Himalayan blackberry, cork elm, and reed canary grass, which has substantially reduced native plant diversity, habitat complexity, and water quality functions. Restoration activities will include invasive species removal, installation of large woody debris and erosion‑control features, and replanting with diverse native riparian and wetland vegetation. Long‑term stewardship will be provided by Olympia Ecosystems staff, partners, and volunteers.

This project will improve water quality entering Budd Inlet, enhance habitat for wildlife, and contribute to the future Deschutes Estuary restoration associated with the removal of the 5th Avenue Dam.

Project Need: The project area lies along a spring‑fed tributary on the northern edge of the West Bay Woods Preserve, immediately upstream of Budd Inlet. The tributary captures stormwater runoff from an adjacent neighborhood, making this site a critical intervention point for protecting downstream water quality.

Upstream wetland area

Budd Inlet is a Washington State Section 401 impaired waterbody with established TMDLs for low dissolved oxygen, elevated temperatures, turbidity, and legacy industrial pollutants. The project area’s understory is currently dominated by invasive species that suppress native regeneration and limit the tributary’s capacity to filter nutrients, sediments, and pollutants. Restoring native riparian and wetland vegetation will significantly improve shading, filtration, and habitat quality in a system already under active estuary restoration.

Downstream ravine invaded by ivy

Goals, Objectives, and Methods: The goal of this project is to restore ecological function and water quality along a spring‑fed tributary entering Budd Inlet. Objectives include removing invasive plants, reestablishing native riparian and wetland communities, stabilizing streambanks, improving water quality, and supporting habitat for ESA‑listed salmonids that utilize Budd Inlet and the Deschutes estuary as juvenile rearing habitat.

Restoration methods will include manual and mechanical invasive species removal, installation of large woody debris and erosion‑control features, replanting with site‑appropriate native species, and installation of protective measures such as plant cages and temporary fencing. Follow‑up monitoring and adaptive management will ensure successful establishment.

Middle school students planting in the West Bay Woods

Expected Outcomes: Project outcomes include improved water quality entering Budd Inlet, enhanced riparian and wetland habitat for amphibians, birds, and other wildlife, increased habitat connectivity within an intact urban forest preserve, and measurable support for regional estuary and salmon recovery goals. The project will also improve educational and recreational experiences for visitors to the publicly accessible West Bay Woods Preserve.

Partnerships and Stewardship: Olympia Ecosystems partners include the Squaxin Island Tribe, City of Olympia, Thurston Conservation District, Washington Conservation Corps, community volunteers, and others,  Match for his project comes from small grants from community foundations. Long‑term stewardship and maintenance will ensure invasive species remain controlled and restoration benefits persist over time.

Example plant signage