Hansen Creek 20 Years On | Project 8 of 30
Hansen Creek is a large creek that flows south from Lyman Hill to the Skagit River, just east of Sedro-Woolley. It is a major feature of the grounds at the former Northern State Hospital, now home to the SWIFT Center and Northern State Recreation Area.
All five species of Pacific salmon inhabit Hansen Creek, plus steelhead trout. Multiple community partners have implemented restoration projects in the Hansen Creek system, including Skagit River System Cooperative and the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe.
Restoration was begun by SFEG in the late 90s, with bank stabilization, in-stream structures, and extensive riparian planting happening throughout the Northern State campus. Back then we had our field shop and native plant nursery in unused portions of the campus, and we frequently used Hansen Creek restoration sites for training volunteers in field monitoring protocols.
Now most of the reaches where SFEG’s restoration occurred are adjacent to public walking trails in Northern State Recreation Area, and anyone can enjoy these walks while taking in the sights and sounds of Hansen Creek and its wildlife. On a recent visit it was fascinating to see elements of restoration 20+ years after implementation. With the extensive planting done adjacent to the stream by volunteers over the years, there is dense habitat for birds and other wildlife. The park is managed for multiple use, including a frisbee golf course. It’s not uncommon to see horseback riders on the trails, and of course lots of dog walkers.
Several Earth Days have been celebrated along Hansen Creek. Volunteers planted hundreds of native trees and shrubs in the upper reaches of the park, and wetland grasses in the lower section, where the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe has undertaken a project to restore the creek’s alluvial fan.
The alluvial fan wetland visible from Highway 20 looking north
SFEG’s upcoming Earth Day 2021 event will continue this tradition of improving riparian areas in celebration of the Earth.
Recent trail improvements along Hansen Creek have been undertaken by volunteers with Skagit Trail Builders. Check out their website for more information and to help out!
More information on Swift Center Here
Northern State Recreation Area
For more on the fascinating history of Northern State Hospital check out the book Under The Red Roof: One Hundred Years At Northern State Hospital by M J McGoffin
