Summit Pacific Medical Center was lauded recently for its efforts to boost McDonald Creek.

The Rural Development division of the United State Department of Agriculture nominated Summit Pacific for its “work in restoration to McDonald Creek, which runs through the Summit Pacific campus,” according to a release from the hospital.

“During the construction of Summit Pacific Medical Center in 2011, a comprehensive reconstruction took place along a 1,400-foot stretch of the creek and eliminated what had been eight fish barriers,” the release states. “… (In 2018,) Summit Pacific began the construction of a new Wellness Center on the same property. Again, giving special focus to another McDonald Creek project to further enhance the area. By replacing a culvert on Oakhurst Drive, yet another barrier for the fish was removed.”

The hospital received the Infrastructure Assistance Coordinating Council’s Environmental Stewardship award last month in Wenatchee.

“Through the process of stream rehabilitation, the creek was rerouted, and more than 3,000 seedlings were planted on the campus with the help of many volunteers. … Work continues along the riparian zone of McDonald Creek to ensure the health of the creek for years to come.” the release states.