Restoration
Terrell Creek
Terrell Creek which connects Lake Terrell to Birch Bay, runs through agricultural lands, residences, and industrial facilities. NSEA began restoration of this watershed in the late 1990s, removing a number of fish passage barriers to reopen habitat for salmon. Since 2002, NSEA has also partnered with BP and various community groups like the Chums of Terrell Creek to restore stream habitat by removing invasive vegetation and replanting native trees and shrubs.
Terrell Creek not only provides cold, clean, and clear water essential for local coho and chum salmon populations, it also promotes healthy habitat for wildlife throughout the watershed including 170 bird species, steelhead, coastal and residential trout, and a diverse selection of Birch Bay shellfish.
The Terrell Creek Watershed
Terrell Creek watershed. Basemap imagery © Esri.
Terrell Creek Ecology
Chum
Also called dog salmon
Chum are the second largest salmon species. They spawn from October through January in the Nooksack and in creeks like Terrell, Squalicum, and Whatcom.
Coho
Also called silver salmon
Coho are the most widely distributed salmon in Whatcom County. Their young spend a full year in freshwater before migrating to sea.
Terrell Creek Work Parties
4,400+
native trees & shrubs planted
690+
community volunteers
3,400+
lbs of invasives removed
