Volunteer in Washington's Elochoman River watershed - Columbia Land Trust
Come witness and lend a hand to the incredible transformation of Indian Jack Slough

Newly constructed ponds fill with water and wildlife

Columbia Land Trust invites you to a volunteer habitat restoration opportunity in Washington’s Elochoman River watershed in Wahkiakum County! At this property, called Indian Jack Slough, the Land Trust is working to convert former farmland into a biodiverse wetland. After excavating new water channels and ponds for fish and wildlife last year, we planted thousands of native trees and shrubs. With your help, we will plant even more emergent wetland natives that will further improve habitat, compete with invasive reed canarygrass, and provide additional forage for wildlife!

Click here to register for this event!

When: Saturday, November 15th, 2025, from 10:00am – 12:00pm

Where: The corner of Nelson Creek Road and Risk Road, Cathlamet, WA at coordinates 46.239952, -123.380357. (Google Maps link) Parking will be available on site in a gravel parking lot.

What to Expect:  We will gather, rain or shine, in an outdoor wetland area for up to 2 hours of volunteer work in terrain that can be muddy and uneven. We will be working along the edge of one or more of the three ponds, and our hands might get wet while planting within the water’s edge. Our work will involve manually planting small native plants with gloves and hand tools provided by our team. Participants should wear rubber boots and dress for wintry weather. We will provide hot tea, light snacks, and a portable restroom for volunteers. Please bring any additional water, food, and gear that will keep you dry, warm, and comfortable! 

Contact: If you have any questions about this volunteer event, please reach out to us at events@columbialandtrust.org.

Excavation began in 2024 to recreate wetland conditions at this former farmland.

Crew planted thousands of native trees and shrubs in January of 2025.