Two staff work part- time on the salvage program. In Western Washington the salvage season runs from October to April when the plants are dormant. Need for Project. While the project generates public education and citizen involvement benefits, its primary purpose is to provide a reliable source of native plants for King County Department of Natural Resources restoration projects. Finding the right plant.
Ideal candidates are plants that can withstand transplantation and grow quickly once replanted.
Plants growing in disturbed areas are especially suited to salvaging as they have developed an extensive root system to survive. The ideal plant has a shallow, compact root system, tolerates a broad range of habitat conditions, and is adapted to disturbance. Look for a healthy tree or shrub growing from a single rootball. Trees and shrubs growing in clumps connected by underground runners are not as likely to survive transplanting. Preparing the plant.