Issue 5: From Bulkhead to Living Shoreline

4/20/2026

Shore Friendly Mason Newsletter

Conscious Coastline

From Bulkhead to Living Shoreline

A family partnership with Mason Conservation District restores habitat and protects a beloved Oyster Bay Property.

Julie Kikuchi and Daniel Walsh restored their family’s shoreline on Oyster Bay with help from Mason Conservation District’s Shore Friendly Mason Program—removing a failing bulkhead, restoring native habitat, and continuing a legacy of stewardship along Totten Inlet.

Restoring a Family Shoreline on Oyster Bay
For Julie Kikuchi and Daniel Walsh, their waterfront property on Oyster Bay is more than a scenic place to gather—it’s a family legacy nearly a century in the making. Originally built in the 1920s, the home once belonged to the Waldrip family of the Olympia Oyster Company. Julie’s grandfather, Takeji “Harry” Minegishi, worked as an oyster farmer in Totten Inlet and later became the family’s trusted gardener. After the Waldrips passed away, the property was gifted to Julie’s grandparents, and generations of family memories followed. “I had many fond childhood memories visiting my grandparents there,” Julie shared. “We fished off the dock, dug for clams, and cruised around the inlet in a small boat.”

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Oyster Bay Project Site After Bulkhead and Piling Removal

Drone Image by MCD

Removal of the Bulkhead

Piling Removal Process by Barge

Shoreline Before Bulkhead Removal

Shoreline After Bulkhead Removal

In 2009, Julie and Dan began restoring the long-vacant property so it could once again be a place for family and friends to gather. But by 2019, they noticed increasing shoreline erosion and a failing concrete bulkhead. They reached out to Mason Conservation District’s Shore Friendly Mason Program for guidance. With support from the program, the couple removed the deteriorating bulkhead, cleared creosote-treated pilings and shoreline debris, removed invasive bamboo, and replanted the shoreline with native vegetation. “The most interesting part was removing the concrete bulkhead by barge,” Julie said. “It was something we could not have done without Mason Conservation District’s help." Since completing the project, the family has already seen encouraging changes. “One change I’ve noticed is the return of many small crabs on the beach,” Julie said. “They had disappeared for many years until just recently.” The restoration has also made the shoreline safer and more enjoyable for their family. Looking ahead, Julie and Dan remain committed to caring for the property and supporting the health of Puget Sound. “We will continue our efforts to be good stewards of the land and water,” Julie said.

Why It Matters
Healthy shorelines support fish, wildlife, and the long-term resilience of Puget Sound-one property at a time.

Image From Your Marine Waterfront Guide-WDFW: wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/01791/wdfw01791.pdf

Plant Spotlight
A seasonal guide to native plants that support healthy resilient shorelines

🌱 Spring Spotlight: Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis)
One of the earliest and most vibrant signs of spring along Puget Sound shorelines, salmonberry provides both ecological value and seasonal beauty. This fast-growing native shrub produces bright pink flowers in early spring, followed by edible orange-red berries in early summer.
Why it matters for shorelines:

Stabilizes soil with dense root systems
Provides early nectar for hummingbirds and pollinators
Produces berries for birds, wildlife, and humans to enjoy
Thrives in moist shoreline and forest-edge conditions

Salmonberry is an excellent pioneer species for restoration areas where quick vegetation cover is needed.

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Salmonberry in Bloom

Photo Credit: Sarah Croston

Did you know?

Bulkheads can increase erosion over time instead of preventing it
Native plants help absorb wave energy and stabilize shorelines
Shorelines provide critical habitat for forage fish (they're a key food source for salmon)

For more information, visit the Shore Friendly Website: www.shorefriendly.org

Image from Shore Friendly Living Presentation: nwstraitsfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/NSF-ShoreFriendly-ForWeb829.pdf

Seasonal Tips
Spring:

Inspect your shoreline for winter erosion
Avoid removing driftwood-it helps protect your beach
Plant native plants before the summer drought and water them throughout the summer
Schedule a site visit before peak project season

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Current Services:
Free Shoreline Assessments
Request a FREE shoreline assessment to walk you through managing the natural resources on your property while maintaining the stability of your home.

Sign up here: www.masoncd.org/shore-friendly-mason.html

Shoreline Armoring Removal Services
Love your beach and want to improve shoreline habitat? You may want to consider removing hard armoring on your shoreline. The Shore Friendly Program offers hard armor removal services at little to no cost to landowners. Contact Mason CD for more information.

Upcoming Events:

Shore Friendly Program Contact:
Sarah Croston
Shore Friendly Program Coordinator
(360) 968-0743
[email protected]

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