Habitat for salmon and other wildlife will benefit from grants awarded by the Puyallup/Chambers-Clover Small Grants Program.

The program, sponsored by Pierce County Public Works and Utilities and the City of Lakewood, awards grants to community organizations, schools, individuals and local jurisdictions for water quality and salmon habitat enhancement projects in the Puyallup River and Chambers-Clover watersheds.

The 16 projects funded include planting events, stream habitat restoration, water pollution outreach and education, and events to teach students and community members how to build rain gardens and rain barrels. The projects will be completed this year.

“These projects make a real impact toward improving fish and wildlife habitat and preventing water pollution,” said Dan Wrye, water quality manager for Public Works and Utilities. “We’re excited to see so many people and organizations working to improve local watersheds.”

The Puyallup/Chambers-Clover Small Grants Program is funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Washington State Salmon Recovery Funding Board, Pierce County and the City of Lakewood. More than $37,000 was awarded in amounts ranging from $1,200 to $2,500.

The program, now in its second year, has awarded more than $80,000 for projects that improve salmon habitat and water quality.

More information is available at http://www.piercecountywa.org/sgp .