BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Forest restoration efforts are taking effect for Bellingham’s Cornwall Memorial Park.

The park’s compacted soil and loss of native plants and trees over time have raised concerns regarding its environmental health.

Now, Bellingham’s Parks and Recreation Department has begun taking action to return the park to its former glory.

162 native trees and shrubs have been installed in the park’s southern-most zone so far, courtesy of staff, volunteers and Washington Conservation Corps members.

Plantings will continue in fall and winter planting seasons for the next 3 to 5 years with priority forest restoration areas being fenced off to the public. Limited access will be granted to fenced-off areas for disc golf disc retrieval.

Trails and park infrastructure will remain open through this period.

Incentives to reforest the park include improved temperature regulation, flooding and erosion mitigation and support of salmon populations that travel through Squalicum Creek.