April 2026 Newsletter
Greetings from our Executive Director!
Hi everyone! I’m Phoebe Cross, Executive Director of DERT, and I’m so grateful to be part of this incredible community.
I am feeling both honored and excited to step into this next chapter with DERT. There is so much heart, history, and momentum behind this organization, and I’m truly grateful to be a part of carrying it forward. This current moment feels like both a continuation and an evolution, building on years of dedication while also stepping into new opportunities to protect and enhance the vitality of the Deschutes Watershed.
I just wanted to say thank you to this inspiring community for your continued support. You are at the heart of this work, and it’s because of your commitment, care, and belief in what’s possible that we’re able to keep moving forward. I’m looking forward to what we’ll accomplish together in the months and years ahead.
With Gratitude and Enthusiasm,
Phoebe Cross, Executive Director
#GiveBIG for The Future of DERT:
15 years of restoration work and what comes next!
In 1951 the Deschutes River in Olympia was dammed to create the reflecting pool and sediment reservoir we know today as Capitol Lake. This created a myriad of environmental and public health issues, and the culturally and ecologically significant Deschutes Estuary ceased to exist. Since 2009, the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Team (DERT) has advocated for the removal of Olympia’s 5th Avenue Dam and the full restoration of the Deschutes Estuary. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated in 2011. We actively educate our community on the benefits of estuary restoration and advocate for funding and necessary studies. We envision a restored urban estuary and functioning ecosystem all the way to the headwaters of Puget Sound.
We are proud to have advocated for and helped secure funding for the design and permitting phase of the 5th Ave Dam removal project in Olympia, an important step toward restoring the Deschutes Estuary. As this work moves forward, we’re stepping into DERT’s next chapter- and it’s a pivotal moment.
That’s where you come in. DERT started with a few passionate people and a shared vision. As we look ahead, we are exploring how to thoughtfully develop a long-term strategic plan that will guide our next phase of work and ensure we are serving our community as effectively as possible.
Our $15,000 GiveBIG goal will help support this effort. A portion of these funds may be used to support strategic planning, community outreach, strengthening partnerships, and supporting our growing team.
We invite you to be part of DERT’s future. Whether you can give $5 or $500, your support helps shape the next chapter of this work.
Estuarians at the Procession!
DERT was excited to join The Procession of the Species at this year's Spring Arts Walk and represent the Yestuary spirit! A huge thank you to all of the volunteers who helped us create our banner, costumes, and models.
Board Member Laurie Weidner
The DERT Procession Team
A very hungry Anglerfish eyes the Capitol Building!
Sea Stroll: A History of our Estuary
Join the Puget Sound Estuarium and Deschutes Estuary Restoration Team (DERT) as we loop around the downtown core to track the historic changes to Olympia’s shoreline. Learn about geologic events that created the estuary, Native tribes that stewarded these lands, and why an estuary was important for making it into the city we see today. Plus we'll dive into the restoration plan for Capitol Lake and the vital role of estuaries in our ecosystem's health. It's a journey through time and nature you won't want to miss!
Registration Policies and Event Info:
Preregistration is required as there is limited space available.
Adults (Ages 13 and older) - $18
Children (Ages 12 and younger) - Free
Community Access Ticket - Free
Our mission is to make sure everyone feels welcome here. Made possible by our supporters so cost is never a barrier.
How restoring an estuary will help restore a crucial part of the past
By: Brittny Goodsell - WA Department of Ecology "What We Do" Blog
"On a recent March day, over 300 local residents spent their Saturday morning at Heritage Park learning about a project that will restore a historic estuary and improve the environmental health, public safety, and aquatic habitat of the area in and around Capitol Lake. Throughout the afternoon, the team led more than a dozen tours that offered detailed explanations of the project. Small tour groups gave participants more extensive time to ask questions and start dialogue with project leads. And, given the high turnout, the team managed to lead multiple tours at the same time.
Many locals have never seen the dense Olympia area exist without Capitol Lake at its center; they don’t know that the mouth of the Deschutes River exists within the heart of the Capitol. That’s because more than 70 years have passed since this waterbody went through such a large change. In the 1950s, the state built a dam at the mouth of the Deschutes River to turn the estuary into a freshwater reflecting pool, which is what we experience today. However, building the dam and creating the lake unintentionally caused a domino effect on the environment that worsened with time, negatively impacting the health of a once vital and culturally important waterway."
What We’ve Been Working On:
Environmental Projects at the Port
By: Jonathon Wolf, Environmental Manager; Megan Folkers, Environmental Specialist
"At the Port of Olympia, establishing environmentally responsible and sustainable practices is a priority. From improving our stormwater treatment program and supporting the cleanup of Budd Inlet to accelerating climate action and continuing to advance our Green Marine initiatives, environmental stewardship is integrated into all that we do, every day. This year during Earth Week, we are excited to share recent updates on some of the projects we are working on to protect and improve the environment year-round."
Budd Inlet Sediment Sampling Update
"Scottish Poet Robert Burns warned, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” We had intended to start sediment sampling in the north end of Budd Inlet (Sub-Area 3) in April but, as those with keen eyes can confirm, our boat has not yet made it out to collect any mud. But fear not! The work has only been pushed back about a month, and we have every intention of being on the water in mid to late May. Sample results have been received for West Bay (Sub-Area 2), and we hope to have a Sediment Chemistry Report by June. That will give us a full picture of the depth and breadth of contamination and inform the cleanup options."
Stormwater Management in Spring and Summer
"Stormwater comes from rain and it’s wet. Oh, and dirty.
As rain flows over surfaces like rooftops, parking lots and roads, it picks up pollutants such as oil, gasoline, fertilizers, pesticides, heavy metals, trash and pet waste. That’s why federal and state water quality laws require a permit to discharge into the Puget Sound. Our environmental team and port staff work year-round to ensure our stormwater management program is exceeding what is required as part of the Clean Water Act to ensure Budd Inlet is a safe and healthy marine ecosystem."
