When settlers first began farming in the Pacific Northwest, reed canary grass was introduced as a potential food source for their livestock. The problem? It grew and spread faster than the cows could eat it. Left unchecked, this aggressive invader spreads rapidly, choking out native species and resisting removal efforts. It survives mowing, spreads underground, and even endures underwater for weeks.

Skagit Land Trust’s Minkler Lake Conservation Area, located east of Sedro-Woolley, is a battleground in the fight against reed canary grass. Over many years and with the help of members, volunteers and state and federal grants, the Trust purchased 138 acres here. For 20 years we have worked to restore the site’s wetlands, forests, and open spaces, which are home to numerous waterfowl, coho salmon, cutthroat trout, elk, and native plants like willow and cottonwood.

Canary grass dominates a portion of Minkler Lake Conservation Area.

In 2024, we launched a major restoration effort against reed canary grass, with funding assistance from Skagit County’s Voluntary Stewardship Program.

“Reed Canary grass does not do well in shade so we planted over 2,000 hardy trees to shade out the grass,” says SLT’s Stewardship Coordinator Jonathan Worley. “Our hope is that native species will control the reed canary grass and also boost Minkler Lake on its ecological journey.”

Volunteers, alongside Washington Conservation Corps and EarthCorps, joined forces for the project.

Volunteers Pete Haase (left), Matthew Riggen (center), and Emma Koelbl (right) planting the next generation of native trees at Minkler Lake.

Trust staff and volunteers will continue maintenance over the next few years to help ensure the survival of the newly planted trees. We’re excited to wait, watch, and witness nature taking its course in restoring the wetlands at Minkler Lake.

SLT Stewardship Coordinator Jonathan Worley, checking on the plantings this Spring.