Sanctuary Forest invites you on a hike to tour Mattole stream flow projects on Saturday, September 26 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Hikers will visit water storage ponds used for agriculture and groundwater recharge, and storage tanks which enable residents to end summer pumping of water. Hikers will travel across rolling hills to view projects in the Whitethorn Junction neighborhood, and see how one neighborhood’s projects help to improve Mattole River stream flows. Hikers will learn about watershed function and health, impacts of low flows on salmonid populations and potential solutions for improving Mattole stream flows. The hike will be led by Tasha McKee, Stewardship Program Director for Sanctuary Forest and a fourth-generation resident of the Whitethorn Junction. This one-mile hike has a moderate exertion rating and moves over rolling hills and along access roads.

All hikes are free of charge. Donations are gladly accepted. To sign up, call 986-1087 ext 5#. For a complete list of hikes, visit sanctuaryforest.org.

Support from volunteers and local businesses have made this program possible. Local businesses who have made generous contributions are Roy Baker, O.D., Persimmons Garden Gallery & Wine Tasting, Tom Brundage Consulting Geologist, Rebecca Coker Insurance, First Fig Gallery, Sylvandale Gardens, Blue Star Gas, Charlotte’s Perennial Garden Nursery, Northcoast Co-Op, Randall Sand & Gravel, Chautauqua Natural Foods, Tranquility Lane, James Friel Plumbing, Peltz Power, Whitethorn Winery, Thorn Junction Acupuncture & Herbs, Jay Sooter Spas & Pools, Goodman Construction, Back In A Flash, Hohstadt’s Garden Center, Pierson Building Center, Redwood Properties, Ned Harwood Construction, Whitethorn Construction, Jangus Publishing Group, Cheryl Lisin Landscape Design, and Complete Carpentry.

Sanctuary Forest, Inc. is a non-profit community land trust dedicated to the preservation and restoration of ancient forests, salmon, and the unique and diverse plant and animal life of the Mattole valley and surrounding areas. Our most recent work involves streamflow monitoring and water conservation programs in the Mattole river watershed.