JackRabbit Ridge Natural Area
A Community Preservation Effort
News from JRR
JRR Volunteers Win “Green Project of the Year” Award
On September 18, The City of Richland recognized two "green"
businesses and two non-profit organizations during the September 18, 2007,
City Council Meeting. The Green Project of the Year was JackRabbit Ridge
Volunteers for their Raptor Pole Project.
Richland Mayor Rob Welch Presents |
Press Release
The 2007 Green Project of the Year goes to JackRabbit Ridge volunteers for their outstanding effort to enhance raptor habitat. The proposed JackRabbit Ridge (JRR) Natural Area is a shrub-steppe and riparian native habitat located in the rural "urban wildlands island" between the cities of Richland and West Richland.
The Raptor Pole Project is a great example of how a few individuals can make a difference! George and Stephanie Janicek worked with their neighbors, Columbia Irrigation District and Benton Rural Electric to construct and place a raptor nesting pole and raptor perch near JackRabbit Ridge. Benton REA agreed to donate two utility poles and their services and Columbia Irrigation District agreed to allow the poles to be located within CID easements and to assist in the placement. Neighbor, Donna Lucas volunteered to research placement and appropriate nesting platform shape and size.
George designed and constructed a nesting platform for one of the poles and a simple perch for the other. Neighbors Louis Jensen and John Erben helped affix the platform to the pole. There was a great effort by all to bring this project to completion and provide enhanced habitat for raptors along the Yakima River.
For more information, go to Raptor Pole Project.