The fall colours sparkled in the sunny mist at Carkeek Park. Our hosts, the longtime Weekday Workers volunteer group, supported by the Green Seattle Partnership, led us through the extensive trail system to rake leaves and also pull ivy. Leaves decompose into organically rich but slippery mush on the trail, this compromises tread and leads to silty runoff which is bad for the salmon's water quality.
Down in Piper's Creek the salmon were easy to see. Many were splashing around or swimming and many were already deceased after completing their journey. Carkeek is a precious gem in the city and a lovely place to see the confluence of forest, fish, stream and Sound- I can't think of a better way to experience it than by serving it hands-on.
You can find out more about Carkeek's wonderful Heaven & Earth outdoor art installations here.