ARLINGTON — Volunteers recently planted approximately 1,000 seedlings near Jim Creek.

The project, which was an Eagle Scout project for Tim Lynch of Boy Scout Troop No. 151, took place at the creek’s Wilderness Recreation Area by the Jim Creek Naval Radio Station on March 27.

“I talked with Mr. Briggs, who wanted this project done,” Lynch said. “It didn’t take much after that to get it going. Doing a project is a lot easier than it sounds. It was just a matter of making a few phone calls.”

Lynch eventually got in contact with Walter Briggs, forester for Naval Facilities Northwest, who helped organized the troop’s effort.

During the day-long affair, attendees planted fir trees primarily to enhance salmon habitat and help restore land that has been disturbed during construction in the area, Briggs said.

Briggs said that the planted trees will provide shade for fish that come from Jim Creek’s hatchery, where salmon spawn each year, adding that the cover gives them additional protection from prey.

The Jim Creek Wilderness Area, located just east of Arlington, provides outdoor recreation for active duty personnel in the Navy and sponsored guests.

The area offers visitors camping, fishing, boating, hiking and biking, as well as weekend programs and seasonal events.