Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Native Shrubs Planted On Acres Of Farmland Near Little Spokane

Bruce Krasnow Staff writer

Thirty acres of farmland near the Little Spokane River have been replanted as part of an experiment to bring back native plants and shrubs.

A Department of Natural Resources work crew spent eight days planting 10,000 1-year-old trees and bushes in the area off Nine Mile Road across from the Spokane House Interpretative Center.

The land had been overtaken by knapweed and plowed over. Now the plants will be given a chance to retake the land.

If even half of them take hold, the area would become a better habitat for small wildlife, which would in turn attract birds.

It could also become a model for private property owners seeking to do away with weeds or costly irrigation.

“There’s a lot of land like this sitting out there going to weeds. It’s a fire hazard,” said Greg Papst, a fire-control officer with the DNR. “If we can get it back to the way it used to be, it will be healthier for everyone.”

The project was made possible with a $65,000 grant from the DNR, which receives money from the leasing of state tidal waters. The Little Spokane River Council, a private non-profit group composed of river enthusiasts and property owners, has matched the money with labor, donations and materials.

In addition to buying the plants, the state money paid for an informational sign along Nine Mile Road and a future trail guide describing the project.

Among the trees and shrubs that were planted are Ponderosa pine, woodsrose, mock orange, elderberry, golden currant, nine bark, oceanspray and serviceberry.

For more information, call 747-5738.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo