Whychus Writings

Walking along the dusty trail beside the creek, I look around where I was and smiled. It always makes me happy whenever I am outside, especially in the wilderness. The beauty and importance of the area made me feel good that I was at least learning about what I could do to help out the Whychus Creek habitat and make it a better place for fish and other wildlife. I took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. The fresh air and peacefulness the area provided was accentuated after a long day of being cooped up in classroom after classroom of boring lectures. I was grateful of being able to do this class and participate in activities like this where it actually feel like I am making a difference. The creek bubbled along to my left as I admired the lush, but depressingly undersized riparian zone surrounding it. Farther off the creek bed, to my right, large Ponderosa pine trees loomed high above me, showing a surprisingly vast difference in the type of vegetation thriving in the area. It amazed me to think that something that looked like it could survive in a fairly dry, almost desertous climate, could be found in such close proximity to other plants, such as alders, willows, and grasses, that depended so heavily on a lush riparian zone. This really showed the diversity of wildlife that we are lucky to experience here in Sister, OR. At that moment, I became much more aware of how important it is for all of us to put forth an effort to maintain the natural wildlife of the area we call home.
by Neilson, junior, Sisters High School

There have been many occasions where I have found myself walking alongside Whychus Creek; too many to recall, but this last trip still remains in my memory well. Perhaps this is because it wasn’t long ago, but I think it may be because for the first time I was there with a prerogative. When we arrived there were hard hats waiting for us, and I was eager to put mine on and get going. Our journey was at a fairly quick pace because we had an agenda and a mission to accomplish. Along the way Herron had us identify all the trees that surrounded us, and it was very interesting noticing the differentiation. Towards the beginning there was heavy undergrowth and a lot of grasses and shrubbery covering the forest floor, to our right was the creek and out to the left we saw nothing but open forest. As we continued on the walk (still making identifications at every opportunity) we began to notice a change in the plant life around us, it started looking more dry and the middle level of plant life disappeared almost completely. We took this time to pause and look at a map of the area from a bird’s eye view, and we made a guess about where we thought we were by looking at the differences between the think forest and the less abundant area. From there we continued walking and discussed pools, glides, and ripples and the fish habitats. We saw where the creek had been straightened out, and it was obvious how that affected the area. We made a stop and took the time to record the pH level in the water among other things as well as observe the surrounding plant life. There was a large alder population, and also a variation of pine trees and fir trees. Once we left that station our next destination became Turtle Beach where we saw what the previous IEE classes had done a year before. It was apparent that progress had been made, but also there is much more that we can do to benefit the creek and the salmon, and the environment as a whole. The connection I feel now is more personal because its an actual knowledge based relationship and now I want to further explore and do what I can to positively impact the Whychus Creek area.
by Carli Redfield, junior, Sisters High School

I am Whychus Creek, and I want my story to be heard. I begin in the icy glaciers of the middle sister. Every year the snow melts and my energy is back. My ability to provide a habitat for fish, provide drinking and irrigation for my town of Sisters and keep the riparian zone around my banks healthy and thriving. I am pure because my water comes from a pure and beautiful place. Once a few decades ago people came in with bulldozers and straightened my body. They took away my meandering curves and took away the fishes’ habitat. Now the steelhead who used to thrive in my waters are gone, only a memory. I used to be called Squaw Creek, but with each generation my name will change. I flow into the Metolious and complete the water cycle. To the other creeks I send a message: No matter how much people take from you and damage you, just keep flowing because soon people will realize that they need you.
by Mackenzie, junior, Sisters High School

Dear Oregon Trout and Wolftree,

Before I say anything else, I just want to say thank you for your interest and action in this needed area of our community. I am a huge supporter of the Turtle Beach project and have always wanted something to be done about it. I think that by restoring Turtle Beach this will not only make a huge impact on the condition of Whychus Creek by supplying shade for lower water temperatures and by stopping runoff of crucial sediment. Not only does it do the following, but it also sets an amazing example for the community. By getting the students involved in this project you are developing a sense of pride and ownership in what is ultimately their creek. This is so important because they now will have a desire to obtain the condition on the creek and encourage others to help out. After hearing how I feel about this project it is clear to see that I am very passionate. I would love nothing more then to have a similar project of restoration started along my property, which is right along the creek. I can see the riparian zones slowly getting worse and I feel that the impact of your project and the help of the students would easily fix the condition of the creek. I have lived along this creek almost my whole life and so badly want the next generation to have the gift of a healthy beautiful creek as I did. Please, use my property for your organization’s next project.

Thank you for your work,

Whychus Creek kindowner

by Jena Richards, junior, Sisters High School