We’re Back in the Field!

A sunny day at SṈIDȻEȽ ŦIŦEL SṈÁNET (Oak Haven Park), photo taken by Vanessa Brownlee

The 2026 field season has officially begun, and we are thrilled to introduce our wonderful 2026 field team. Chelsea Nuez is our Habitat Restoration Technician Team Lead this year, and Jules Cundari and Maya Irwin are returning Field Crew members. We are also excited to welcome a new member to the team: Hunter Jarratt! Our Field Crew members each bring their own unique experience and knowledge to HAT's restoration program, and we are looking forward to a great 2026 field season together! 

The crew spent their first few work days of the season at SṈIDȻEȽ ŦIŦEL SṈÁNET (Oak Haven Park) removing shiny geranium (Geranium lucidum), an invasive groundcover plant that threatens the sensitive native ecosystems in this park. April is a spectacular time to be out on W̱SÁNEĆ lands, with open prairie-oak meadows bursting with seas of native wildflowers. The crew have already spotted blooming white fawn lily (Erythronium oregonum), sea blush (Plectritis congesta), small-flowered blue-eyed Mary (Collinsia parviflora), and shooting star (Primula spp.). These sensitive flowers require very careful work so as not to damage them during their blooming season.