Search

Home > The Jefferson Exchange > A Yreka Creek cleanup could help struggling salmon populations
Podcast: The Jefferson Exchange
Episode:

A Yreka Creek cleanup could help struggling salmon populations
Category: News & Politics
Duration: 00:11:58
Publish Date: 2026-04-01 19:33:18
Description:
Volunteers in northern California work to clean up an area next to Yreka Creek.
Volunteers in northern California work to clean up an area next to Yreka Creek. (Christy Wheatley )

The Karuk Tribe of California and the city of Yreka will host a creek cleanup April 25 aimed at restoring Yreka Creek, a waterway biologists consider the “last stronghold” for coho salmon in the Shasta River watershed.

Though the creek runs through an urban area, it supports a small but significant salmon population that many residents may not realize is there.

“I know a lot of the conversations I’ve had with people, they’re kind of surprised that there’s salmon at all in this creek that looks kind of run down and unkempt,” said Christy Wheatley, a fisheries technician with the Karuk Tribe.

Wheatley said salmon are resilient and capable of surviving in unexpected environments.

Several small fish swim underwater among rocks, algae and sediment in a shallow stream.
Juvenile salmon swim in Yreka Creek, part of the habitat critical to coho salmon in the Shasta River watershed.

( Courtesy of Christy Wheatley)

The cleanup will focus on removing trash and invasive Himalayan blackberry, which can grow in dense thickets up to 8 feet tall and crowd out native vegetation.

The effort is especially important for coho salmon, which are listed under the Endangered Species Act due to declining populations.

Wheatley said the fish also hold cultural significance for the Karuk Tribe, serving as a food source since time immemorial.

Volunteers of all ages are invited to help with trash removal and native plant care at the Oberlin Road trailhead. No experience is required.

“Anyone who feels comfortable with doing any of those things is welcome to come,” Wheatley said. “Or even if people just want to come and enjoy the creek and enjoy the community aspect of it, we would love to have them.”

Participants are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes and bring water and thick gloves for handling thorny plants. The event will take place rain or shine.

Event

  • The Yreka Creek Cleanup will take place April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oberlin Road trailhead in Yreka.

Guest

  • Christy Wheatley, fisheries technician, Karuk Tribe
A person wearing waders stands in shallow water with a snow-covered mountain rising behind them across a marshy landscape.
Christy Wheatley, a fisheries technician with the Karuk Tribe of California, is leading the cleanup effort of Yreka.
(Courtesy of Christy Wheatley)
Total Play: 0

Some more Podcasts by Jefferson Public Radio

300+ Episodes
JPR Live Ses .. 5