Swamp Park: Habitat Restoration
Status: Grant Application Submitted • Restoration Planning
About the Project
Tucked within Parkwood East is a special piece of our local watershed. Swamp Park encompasses approximately two acres of riparian and wetland habitat and contains the uppermost headwaters of the Mosher Creek watershed.
Approximately 895 feet of Mosher Creek flows through the property from north to south. Farther downstream, Mosher Creek supports salmon, although several existing barriers currently prevent fish passage into the channel within Swamp Park.
Over time, portions of the park's riparian habitat have become heavily impacted by invasive English ivy and Himalayan blackberry. Our goal is to restore these areas with a healthier and more diverse community of native plants while protecting the habitat that make Swamp Park unique.
What We're Planning
Parkwood East is currently working with the Kitsap Conservation District through its Backyard Habitat Program on a proposed restoration of approximately 1.35 acres within Swamp Park.
If grant funding is awarded, the project is expected to begin in Spring 2027 with mechanical removal of invasive English ivy and Himalayan blackberry by a professional contractor.
Following invasive removal, the restoration plan calls for approximately 752 native plants to be installed throughout the 1.35 acre project area in Fall 2027. Planting may be completed with assistance from conservation crews and community volunteers.
The project may also include professionally designed stream enhancements using large woody debris to address erosion and improve habitat within the Mosher Creek channel. This portion of the project would require additional design and permitting before work could begin.
Where We Are Now
We've already begun laying the groundwork for restoration. Earlier this year, Parkwood East partnered with the Kitsap Conservation District to remove approximately three cubic yards of Himalayan blackberry from the south side of the stream. A major tree risk mitigation project was also completed in this area in Spring 2026.
Our application for restoration assistance through the Backyard Habitat Program was submitted in August 2026 and is currently awaiting review.
Next Step: Await the outcome of our grant application and, if funded, prepare for invasive plant removal beginning in Spring 2027.
Long Term Goal: Restore a healthier, more resilient native riparian habitat around the headwaters of Mosher Creek and to establish a restoration area that Parkwood East can continue caring for well into the future.
Last Updated: August 2026