September 2023 Photo Post

Tolt MacDonald State Park Watering in the Heat

Squad provided much needed watering relief to native plantings near the Snoqualmie River at Tolt MacDonald State Park. King County Parks has been enhancing the native forest at this park for some years, it’s a Squad favorite! Fortunately the hose made watering the vine maples, rose, ninebark, salmonberry and more much more luxurious than pulling buckets from the River as we’ve done in the past. Of course the River makes for the perfect after dip at the end of forest trail walk.

Duwamish River Wildlife & Low-Tide Sedge Planting

Working right in the Duwamish River mud is always a special experience. We enjoyed a beautiful spring day at low tide to plant Carex lyngbyei / Lyngbyei sedge in the intertidal zone of the River with the Duwamish Alive! Coalition at North Wind’s Weir in Tukwila. we also removed noxious tansy, teasel together, while just the stewards kept an eye out for pulling noxious poison hemlock / Conicum maculatum. As usual, we were treated to fantastic wildlife viewing including a splashing seal, heron, osprey, cormorants, geese and adorable goslings.

The geese can pose a challenge to sedge establishment, as they love to graze and pull out plugs- combined with the tidal forces, the baby sedge can have a tough time getting established. We’ll definitely return to this special spot to keep making contributions towards native riverine plant establishment for all species to thrive in, and especially threatened salmon. For more info about North Wind’s Weir, click on the tag for past posts.

Snow, Rain and Sun at White Center Heights Park!

Snow in April! Squad enjoyed the full gamut of springtime weather with sunshine, showers and snow as well. Fortunately we were peeling off layers after working up some heat digging blackberry and pulling ivy in the restoration area around the wetland pond at White Center Heights Park with King County Parks. This unique hidden gem has a lovely plaza, grassy areas, art and a cool bridge to top it off- after a recent property acquisition it will also feature a loop.

Urban wetlands face many pressures from development and population density, yet they are critical habitat elements for countless species from aquatic plants and amphibians to mammals and water fowl. They also provide crucial flood control for built environments- imagine your kitchen floor receiving a deluge of water…. wetlands are like damp sponges on the floor, soaking up the moisture, filtering and slowly releasing it- all while providing habitat and beauty. You can learn more about our amphibians from the Burke Museum’s educational page, including the long toed salamanders we found!

Tolt MacDonald Park, King County Parks

Blog on holiday! Back next time.

UPCOMING EVENTS for the Homeschool Stewardship Squad
(2nd Thursdays & 4th Wednesdays 11:00a)
(4th) Wed 6/23 - Cottonwood Corner, Green Tukwila Partnership, RSVP here
(2nd) Thurs 7/8 - Pritchard Island Beach, Lk WA, South Seattle, GSP *swimming*
(4th) Wed 7/28 - (stewardship/swim location TBD)