North Creek Forest
2015-2016 UW-REN
Planting Plan
Photo Copyright: Friends of North Creek Forest 2016
by: Nick Vradenburg, Kai Farmer, Batzorig Tuvshinjargal, Eric Carpenter and Thomas Radon

Table 1. Environmental conditions in polygons 1-5
Polygon1 Polygon2 Polygon3 Polygon4 Polygon5
Soil Texture -SiltyClay
Loam with
some grain
-Loam -SiltyClay
Loam
-Loam -SiltyClay
Loam
Soil Moisture -Seasonally
saturated
-Moiston
slope
-Seasonally
saturated
-Inundated
depressions
-Seasonally
saturated
-Inundated
depressions
-Seasonally
saturated
-Inundated
depressions
-Slightlymoist
Slope Steepslope Moderate
slope
Gentle slope Moderate-
Gentle slope
Steepslope
Light
Availability
Medium-
deciduous
shade
Medium-
deciduous
shade
Little tono
canopy
Little canopy
Some
deciduous
shade
Low Light,
dense
coniferous
shade
Present
Vegetation
See Appendix
Human
Impacts
-Construction
debris
-Borders
private
residence
-Construction
debris
-Borders
private
residence
-WalkingTrail
-Construction
debris
-WalkingTrail -WalkingTrail
Other
Considerations
Swampy
depression
Swampy
depression
Creekchannel

Goal 1: Establish native vegetation to initiate site development towards later-
successional maturity commonly found in lowland Puget Sound forests.
● Objective 1: Remove invasive species and control their ability to return and re-
establish (shade)
● Objective 3: Install biologically and structurally diverse selection of native species
suitable for the current successional stage.
Table 2. Planting list correlating with Objectives 1-1 and 1-3
Goal 1 -
Objective 3 Quantity/Spacing (ft.) Each
Plant Species Form Polygon 1 Polygon 2 Polygon 3 Polygon 4 Polygon 5
Salix lucida ssp.
lasiandra Live stakes 8 / (6-8 ft.) 10 / (6-8 ft.)
Tolmiea
menziesii
Plugs /
salvage 10 / (1-2 ft.) 10 / (1-2 ft.)
Picea sitchensis
1 gal.
container 1 / (8 ft.) 4 / (8 ft.) 2 / (8 ft.) 3 / (8 ft.)
Pinus contorta
var. latifolia
1 gal.
container 2 / (8 ft.)
Thuja plicata
1 gal.
container 3 / (8 ft)
2 / (8 ft.) 3/ (8 ft.) 2 / (8 ft.)
Tsuga
heterophylla
1 gal.
container 5 / (8 ft.)
Taxus brevifolia
1 gal.
container 2 / (8 ft.)
Planting for the purpose of deterring invasive species in the long term sense and
development towards late-successional communities involves creating a mostly
evergreen canopy. We will get this started immediately by planting conifer species such
as Thuja plicata, Picea sitchensis, Tsuga heterophylla, Taxus brevifolia and Pinus
contorta var. latifolia. To quickly establish shade, create woody debris and deter

invasive species return in the short term we have selected Salix lucida ssp. lasiandra,
which can readily be grown from live stakes (DOE 1994).
T. hetrophylla will be planted in only Polygon 5 where mature trees already exist, and
soil, light and moisture conditions are appropriate. P. sitchensis will be planted more
frequently in wet, sunny locations of the site such as polygons 2 and 4.
Other willow species may be added or substituted depending on the availability of
obtainable live stakes. Most of the conifers listed are available at either King County or
Snohomish County conservation district plant sales. Additional conifers may be
retrieved at salvage events or as potted seedlings from local nurseries.
Goal 2: Improve ecological functions provided to nearby habitat and local watershed
● Objective 1: Select and install plant species useful for improving site water
absorption and filtration
Table 3. Planting list correlating with Objective 2-1
(species marked with an [ * ] have been accounted for in previous tables)
Goal 2 -
Objective 1 Quantity/Spacing (ft.) Each
Plant Form Polygon 1 Polygon 2 Polygon 3 Polygon 4 Polygon 5
Scirpus
microcarpus Plugs 7 / (2 ft.) 8 / (2 ft.)
Carex obnupta Plugs 3 / (1/2 ft.) 10 / (1/2 ft.) 4 / (1/2 ft.) 10 / (1/2 ft.) 3 / (1/2 ft.)
Picea sitchensis
*
1 gal.
container 1 / (8 ft.) 4 / (8 ft.) 2 / (8 ft.) 3 / (8 ft.)
Thuja plicata *
1 gal.
container 3 / (8 ft.)
Tsuga
heterophylla *
1 gal.
container 5 / (8 ft.)
Salix lucida ssp.
lasiandra * Live stakes 8 / (6-8 ft.) 10 / (6-8 ft.)

Due to the high levels of moisture throughout the site (primarily Polygons 2 & 4) as well
as the need to control erosion, we decided that the sedge Carex obnupta and the
bulrush Scirpus microcarpus would be suitable species to plant (Leigh 1999). C.
obnupta is also an ideal understory species because it has evergreen leaves that can
assist in filtering excess sediment from the soil (Jurries 2003). Both species have root
systems that will do well to bind the soil and are able to thrive in wetter site conditions
(Leigh 1999). The tree species T. plicata, P. sitchensis, and T. heterophylla will all
develop large root systems as they grow that will absorb high amounts of water from the
soil. S. lucida ssp. lasiandra will also absorb large amounts of water from the soil (DOE
1994).
Goal 2: Improve ecological functions provided to nearby habitat and local watershed
● Objective 2: Install plant species beneficial for soil stabilization along slope
Table 4. Planting list correlating with Objective 2-2
Species marked with an [ * ] have been accounted for in previous tables
Goal 2 -
Objective 2 Quantity/Spacing (ft.) Each
Plant Form Polygon 1 Polygon 2 Polygon 3 Polygon 4 Polygon 5
Picea sitchensis
*
1 gal.
container 1 / (8 ft.) 4 / (8 ft.) 2 / (8 ft.) 3 / (8 ft.)
Salix lucida ssp.
lasiandra *
Live
stakes 8 / (6-8 ft.) 10 / (6-8ft.)
Physocarpus
capitatus
Live
stakes 1 / (2 ft.) 4 / (2 ft.) 2 / (2 ft.) 8 / (2 ft.)
Cornus sericea
Live
stakes 2 / (3 ft.) 4 / (3 ft.) 8 / (3 ft.) 6 / (3 ft.)
Carex obnupta * Plug 3 / (1/2 ft.) 10 / (1/2ft.) 4 / (1/2 ft.) 10 / (1/2ft.) 3 / (1/2 ft.)
Sambucus
racemosa
Live
stakes 2 / (6 ft.) 3 / (6 ft.)

Rhamnus
purshiana
1 gal.
container 1 / (6 ft.) 2 / (6 ft.) 7 / (6 ft.)
Symphoricarpos
albus
Live
stakes 4 / (2 ft.) 2 / (2 ft.) 3 / (2 ft.) 6 / (2 ft.)
Lonicera
involucrata
Live
stakes 1 / (4 ft.) 2 / (4 ft.) 1 / (4 ft.) 4 / (4 ft.)
Oemlaria
cerasiformis
1 gal.
container 2 / (6 ft.) 1 / (6 ft.) 2 / (6 ft.)
Because a majority of our site is located on a slope, erosion control is one of our top
priorities. We have chosen a large variety of sun-loving shrub species that can grow in
wetter conditions and will develop stabilizing root systems. Lonicera involucrata,
Symphoricarpos albus, Oemlaria cerasiformis, Sambucus racemosa, and Physocarpus
capitatus are all shrub-like species that will do well in wet soils and develop stabilizing
root systems (DOE 1994). Rhamnus purshiana and S. lucida ssp. lasiandra are more
tree-like shrubs and they will also do well to secure the hillside. P. sitchensis will grow to
be a large tree and does well to stabilize soil with its large root system. C. obnupta is a
durable, tufted sedge with a strong root system that will help to stabilize the soil in many
areas of our site (Leigh 1999).
Goal 2: Improve ecological functions provided to nearby habitat and local watershed
● Objective 3: Increase woody debris and improve nutrient cycling through
implementation of mycelium and wood chip mulch
Table 5. Fungal inoculant list correlating with Objective 2-3
Goal 2 -
Objective 3 Quantity/Spacing (ft.) Each
Plant Form Polygon 1 Polygon 2 Polygon 3 Polygon 4 Polygon 5
Stropharia
rugoso-annulata
Colonized
woody
substrate
5 gal.
colonized
wood chips /
N/A
5 gal.
colonized
wood chips /
N/A
5 gal.
colonized
wood chips /
N/A
5 gal.
colonized
wood chips /
N/A
5 gal.
colonized
wood chips /
N/A

Pleurotus
ostreatus Plug spawn
50 plugs in
felled alder
50 plugs in
felled alder
Trametes
versicolor Plug spawn
50 plugs in
snag
50 plugs in
snag
We intend to increase the content of organic matter, improve nutrient cycling and plant
growth by adding mulch inoculated with Stropharia rugoso-annulata (wine cap
stropharia). The use of this fungi will help to speed up the restoration of our site by
enriching the soil, stimulating plant growth and providing habitat for earthworms while
simultaneously increasing fungal diversity on site (Stamets 2005). Since S. rugoso-
annulata can digest coliform bacteria and help prevent erosion the addition of this
species will also benefit water quality downstream (Stamets 2005).
We intend to activate decomposition of woody debris and increase fungal diversity by
the introduction of the fungi Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster mushroom) and Trametes
versicolor (Turkey tail fungus). The inoculation of P. ostreatus into felled trees will
catalyze their primary decomposition. This will also help to create a unique fungally rich
nurse log feature onsite that could support mosses and other appropriate vegetation.
The addition of T. versicolor into snags and stumps will continue to benefit the fungal
diversity of this forest, while also providing fungal competition from a saprophytic fungi.
The competition created by P. ostreatus and T. versicolor has the potential to deter
parasitic fungal blights such as Armillaria sp. (Stamets 2005).
Goal 3: Promote wildlife habitat and attract local fauna such as birds, bats, insects and
amphibians
● Objective 1: Install native vegetation used for food, shelter and nesting for birds,
small mammals and amphibians
Table 6. Planting list correlating with Objective 3-1
Goal 3 - Objective 1 Quantity/Spacing (ft.) Each
Plant Form Polygon 1 Polygon 2 Polygon 3 Polygon 4 Polygon 5
Picea sitchensis *
1 gal.
container 1 / (8 ft.) 4 / (8 ft.) 2 / (8 ft.) 3 / (8 ft.)

Salix lucida ssp. lasiandra * Live stakes 8 / (6-8 ft.)
10 / (6-8
ft.)
Physocarpus capitatus * Live stakes 1 / (2 ft.) 4 / (2 ft.) 2 / (2 ft.) 8 / (2 ft.)
Cornus sericea * Live stakes 2 / (3 ft.) 4 / (3 ft.) 8 / (3 ft.) 6 / (3 ft.)
Carex obnupta * Plugs 3 / (1/2 ft.) 10 / (½ ft.)
Sambucus racemosa * Live stakes 2 / (6 ft.) 3 / (6 ft.)
Symphoricarpos albus * Live stakes 4 / (2 ft.) 2 / (2 ft.) 3 / (2 ft.) 6 / (2 ft.)
Lonicera involucrata * Live stakes 1 / (4 ft.) 2 / (4 ft.) 1 / (4 ft.) 4 / (4 ft.)
Thuja plicata *
1 gal.
container 3 / (8 ft)
Rhamnus purshiana *
1 gal.
container 1 / (6 ft.) 2 / (6 ft.) 7 / (6 ft.)
Athyrium filix-femina
Salvage /
plugs 1 / (3 ft.) 2 / (3 ft.) 1 / (3 ft.) 1 / (3 ft.)
Blechnum spicant
Salvage /
plugs 5 / (2 ft.)
Scirpus microcarpus * Plugs 7 / (2 ft.) 8 / (2 ft.)
Sisyrinchium idahoense
var. macounii Plugs 5 / (2 ft.)
Trillium ovatum Plugs 5 / (2 ft.)
Ribese lacustre
1 gal.
container 1 / (3 ft.) 4 / (3 ft.)
Lysichiton americanum Salvage 5 / (2 ft.)
Vaccinium ovatum
1 gal.
container 5 / (3 ft.)

Taxus brevifolia *
1 gal.
container 2 / (8 ft.)
Viola sempervirens
1 gal.
container 5 / (1 ft.)
Maianthemum dilatatum
Salvage
(purchase if
available) 2 / (1 ft.) 8 / (1 ft.)
Tsuga heterophylla *
1 gal.
container 5 / (8ft.)
Pinus contorta var. latifolia *
1 gal.
container 2 / (8ft.)
In order create habitat for a variety of mammals and birds that are local to North Creek
Forest, we plan to install a structurally diverse array of species. Our overstory will
consist of tree species P. sitchensis, T. plicata, T. brevifolia, T. plicata, P. contorta var.
latifolia and, although smaller than the other tree species, S. lucida ssp. lasiandra.
These species will do well to provide nesting sites and shelter for small mammals and
bird species (Leigh 1999). The mid-story layer of plant species will include P. capitatus,
C. sericea, S. racemosa, R. purshiana, S. albus, L. involucrata, and Ribes lacustre.
These species will act as suitable habitat for a variety of small mammals and birds, will
also provide a diverse source of food that wildlife can eat. The understory will consist of
C. obnupta, Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant, S. microcarpus, Sisyrinchium
idahoense var. macounii, Trillium ovatum, Vaccinium ovatum, Viola sempervirens, and
Mainthemum dilatatum. Having a variety of understory species will serve to provide
small rodents, mammals, and amphibians with shelter and cover. Some of those
species are also food sources through browse, berries, or seeds (Tesky 1992).

Goal 3: Promote wildlife habitat and attract local fauna such as birds, bats, insects and
amphibians
● Objective 3: Supply food sources through incorporation of pollinator species and
mycelium
Table 7. Planting list correlating with Objective 3-3
Goal 3 -
Objective 3 Quantity/Spacing (ft.) Each
Plant Form Polygon 1 Polygon 2 Polygon 3 Polygon 4 Polygon 5
Cornus serica * Live stakes 2 / (3 ft.) 4 / (3 ft.) 8 / (3 ft.) 6 / (3 ft.)
Sambucus
racemosa * Live stakes 2 / (6 ft.) 3 / (6 ft.)
Symphoricarpos
albus * Live stakes 4 / (2 ft.) 2 / (2 ft.) 3 / (2 ft.) 6 / (2 ft.)
Lonicera involucrata
* Live stakes 1 / (4 ft.) 2 / (4 ft.) 1 / (4 ft.) 4 / (4 ft.)
Oemlaria
cerasiformis *
1 gal.
container 2 / (6 ft.) 1 / (6 ft.) 2 / (6 ft.)
Gaultheria shallon
Salvage /
plugs 6 / (1 ft.)
Rhamnus purshiana
*
1 gal.
container 1 / (6 ft.) 2 / (6 ft.) 7 / (6 ft.)
Sisyrinchium
idahoense var.
macounii * Plugs 5 / (1 ft.)
Vaccinium ovatum *
1 gal.
container 5 / (2 ft)
Viola sempervirens
*
4 in.
container 5 / (2 ft)

Stropharia rugosso-
annulata *
Colonized
woody
substrate
Inoculate
mulch
Inoculate
mulch
Inoculate
mulch
Inoculate
mulch
Inoculate
mulch
A large portion of our shrub and understory species are flowering plants. These species
will attract pollinators such as birds, flies, bees, and possibly even bats to our site that
require nectar as a food source. L. involucrata does well to attract hummingbirds (Leigh
1999). V. sempervirens, V. ovatum, Gaultheria shallon, S. idahoense var. macounii, and
C. sericea are good for attracting butterflies (Leigh 1999). R. purshiana, O cerasiformis
and S. racemosa are a nectar source for bees (USDA 2016). S. racemosa and C.
sericea are nectar sources for birds (USDA 2016). S. rugosso-annulata has an
aggressive mycelium that will act as a food source for bees (Stamets 2005). It is also a
host for fly larvae, and creates habitat for earthworms (Stamets 2005).
Appendix A: Density of Plant Populations Currently on Project Site
Key For Tables 8-12:
Table 8. Vegetation currently in Polygon 1
Proportion Invasive Species Proportion Native Species
Hedera helix Acer macrophyllum
Rubusbifrons Alnusrubra
Acer circinatunum
Rubusspectabilis
Equisetumsp.
Polystichummunitum
Athyriumfelix-femina
Table 9. Vegetation currently in Polygon 2
Proportion Invasive Species Proportion Native Species
Rubusbifrons Rubusspectabilis
Hedera helix Thuja plicata
Equisetumsp.
Lysichiton americanum
Athyriumfelix-femina

Table 10. Vegetation currently in Polygon 3
Proportion Invasive Species Proportion Native Species
Hedera helix Equisetum sp.
Rubusbifrons Thuja plicata
Rubusspectabilis
Polystichummunitum
Equisetum sp.
Tolmeia menziesii
Acer circinatum
Table 11. Vegetation currently in Polygon 4
Proportion Invasive Species Proportion Native Species
Rubusbifrons Rubusspectabilis
Ilex aquifolium Thuja plicata
Hedera helix Lysichiton americanum
Alnusrubra
Athyriumfelix-femina
Equisetum sp.
Table 12. Vegetation in Polygon 5
Proportion Invasive Species Proportion Native Species
N/A N/A Thuja plicata
Mahonia nervosa
Coryluscornuta var.
californica
Polystichummunitum
Pseudotsugamenziesii
Acer macrophyllum
Vacciniumparvifolium
Acer circinatum

Appendix B: Total Planting List
Table 13. Total planting list
Plants Quantity Type
Picea sitchensis 10 Tree
Thuja plicata 3 Tree
Pinus contorta var. latifolia 5 Tree
Tsuga heterophylla 5 Tree
Taxus brevifolia 2 Tree
Salix lucida ssp. lasiandra 18 Tree
Rhamnus purshiana 10 Tree
Cornus sericea 20 Shrub
Physocarpus capitatus 15 Shrub
Sambucus racemosa 5 Shrub
Symphoricarpos albus 15 Shrub
Lonicera involucrata 8 Shrub
Vaccinium ovatum 5 Shrub
Oemlaria cerasiformis 5 Shrub
Gaultheria shallon 6 Shrub
Ribes lacustre 5 Shrub
Lysichiton americanum 5 Herb/Forb/Perennial
Sisyrinchium idahoense var.
macounii 5 Herb/Forb/Perennial
Viola sempervirens 5 Herb/Forb/Perennial
Maianthemum dilatatum 10 Herb/Forb/Perennial
Trillium ovatum 5 Herb/Forb/Perennial
Athyrium filix-femina 5 Fern

Blechnmum spicant 5 Fern
Carex obnupta 30 Graminoid
Scirpus microcarpus 15 Graminoid
Tolmiea menziesii 20 Graminoid
Stropharia rugosso-annulata
25 gal. colonized wood
chips Fungi
Pleurotus ostreatus 100 plug spawn Fungi
Trametes versicolor 100 plug spawn Fungi
Appendix C: Polygon Map

Appendix D: Decision Matrix
Table 14. Decision Matrix for North Creek Forest planting plan
Type
Spacing
Required Scientific Name CommonName
1.1 Remove
Invasive and
Control their
Return
1.3 Install
biologically and
structurally
diverse
selection of
native species
suitable for the
current
successional
stage.
2.1 Select and
install plant
species useful
for improving
site water
absorption and
filtration
2.2 Install
plant species
beneficial for
soil
stabilization
along slope
2.3 Increase
woody debris
and improve
nutrient cycling
through
implementation
of mycelium and
wood chip mulch
3.1 Install
native
vegetation
used for food,
shelter and
nesting for
birds, small
mammals and
amphibians
3.3 Supply food
sources
through
incorporation of
pollinator
species and
mycelium
Tree 8 ft. Picea sitchensis Sitka Spruce x x x
Tree 6-8 ft.
Salix lucida ssp.
lasiandra Pacific Willow x x x x
Shrub 2 ft.
Physocarpus
capitatus Pacific Ninebark x x x
Shrub 3 ft. Cornus sericea
Red-Tw ig
Dogw ood x x x x
Graminoid 1/2 ft. Carex obnupta Slough Sedge x x x x x
Shrub 6 ft.
Sambucus
racemosa Red Elderberry x x x
Graminoid 1 ft
Scirpus
microcarpus
Small-Flow ered
Bulrush x x x x
Shrub 2 ft.
Symphoricarpos
albus
Common
Snow berry x x x x
Shrub 4 ft.
Lonicera
involucrata Tw inberry x x x x
Tree 8 ft. Thuja plicata
Western Red
Cedar x x x x
Herb /
perennial 1-2 ft.
Tolmiea
menziesii Piggy-Back Plant x
Shrub 1-3 ft.
Vaccinium
parviflorum Red Huckleberry x

Shrub 6 ft.
Oemlaria
cerasiformis Indian Plum x x x
Shrub 1-2 ft.
Gaultheria
shallon Salal x x x x
Tree 8 ft.
Tsuga
heterophylla
Western
Hemlock x x
Herb /
perennial 2 ft.
Lysichiton
americanum Skunk Cabbage x
Shrub 4-6 ft. Rubus ursinus
Trailing
Blackberry x x
Shrub 4-6 ft. Ribes lacustre
Sw amp
Gooseberry x x
Shrub/tree 6 ft.
Rhamnus
purshiana Cascara x x x x
Herb /
perennial 2 ft. Trillium ovatium Western Trillium x x
Herb /
perennial 2 ft.
Sisyrinchium
idahoense var.
macounii
Idaho Blue-Eyed
Grass x x x x
Shrub Aruncus dioicus Goatsbeard x
Fern 3 ft.
Athyrium filix-
femina Lady Fern x x
Fern 3 ft
Blechnum
spicant Deer Fern x x
Shrub 3 ft.
Vaccinium
ovatum
Evergreen
Huckleberry x x x
Shrub/tree Taxus brevifolia Western Yew x x
Herb /
perennial 1 ft.
Viola
sempervirens
Yellow Trailing
Violet x x x

Herb /
perennial 1 ft.
Maianthemum
dilatatum
False Lily of the
Valley x x x
Fungi
Stropharia
rugosso-annulata
Wine-Cap
Stropharia x x x x
Fungi
Pleurotus
ostreatus
Oyster
Mushroom x
Fungi
Trametes
versicolor
Turkey-Tail
Mushroom x

Appendix E: References
DOE: Department of Ecology WA [Internet]. Plant Selection Guide. [1994-2016]. [cited
2016 Jan 14]. Available from: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/pubs/93-
30/table3.html
Diversity of Live. [Internet]. 2012. [cited 2016 Jan 14]. Available from:
https://diversityoflife2012.wikispaces.com/
Flora of North America. [Internet]. c2016. [cited 2016 Jan 14]. Available from:
http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=222000246
Jurries D. 2003. BIOFILTERS: (Bioswales, Vegetative Buffers, & Constructed Wetlands)
For Storm Water Discharge Pollution Removal. (OR): State of Oregon Department of
Environmental Quality. Available from:
http://www.deq.state.or.us/wq/stormwater/docs/nwr/biofilters.pdf
Leigh M. 1999. Grow Your Own Natural Landscape [Internet]. Washington State
University. Available from: http://jeffersoncd.org.s13831.gridserver.com/wp/wp-
content/uploads/2014/05/Grow-your-own-native-landscape.pdf
Northwestern Oregon Wetland Plants Project [Internet]. c2016. [cited 2016 Jan 14].
Available from: http://web.pdx.edu/~maserj/ESR410/wetplants.html
Stamets P. 2005. Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save The World. New
York: Ten Speed Press, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of
Random House.
Tesky, Julie L. 1992. Fire Effects Information System, [Internet].
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, [cited 2016 Jan 14]
Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer).
Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/
USDA: United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation
Service. c2016. Plants Database [Internet]. [cited 2016 Jan 14]. Available from:
http://plants.usda.gov/java/