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FOLLOWUP: Beach Naturalist program’s future still a mystery, but clues are surfacing
March 17, 2025 11:56 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(File photo, Lincoln Park)

By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

With only about 2 months before the traditional start of the Beach Naturalist program at Lincoln Park, Constellation Park, and other beaches around the region, the Seattle Aquarium tells WSB there are “no new updates” about their plans to revise the popular low-tide program. But clues are starting to surface.

As we reported last month, the program is on “pause” and being reconfigured, following layoffs due to the Seattle Aquarium’s reported budget shortfall. The Aquarium says the program, which has included full-time and part-time seasonal staff overseeing hundreds of volunteers, will “look different” but has been slow to share details. While Aquarium staff works to “reimagine” the popular program, some of the seasonal staff who were laid off are talking about organizing their own program.

The Aquarium has organized and trained Beach Naturalists for more than 20 years, assigning staff and volunteers to beaches from Dash Point to Shoreline, both during daytime and occasional evening mega-low tides. It has attracted a dedicated group of volunteers, many of whom are on the same beaches year after year, and who are passionate about the way the program makes the Aquarium’s educational outreach available to anyone who can go to the beach, even if tickets to the Aquarium itself may be out of reach financially. The Aquarium has also paused its Cedar River Salmon Journey program, which relies on volunteers at the Ballard Locks and other locations to teach about the migration and life cycle of salmon. The pause in the two programs has left all of those volunteers largely in limbo for the last few months.

Now a “listening session” is planned by the Aquarium for volunteers of both programs next week. An email to volunteers sent a week ago indicated the program is intended to become a collaboration between the Aquarium and several other marine-focused educational groups. A followup email sent last evening makes mention of the potential for a much scaled-back program, with just a handful of low-tide events a year. That email also stated that the volunteer trainings that are usually scheduled in March will not happen at all this year. The Aquarium did not answer questions about the specifics when asked.

Some of the staff laid off in January feel they can’t wait indefinitely to hear about plans that they think are unlikely to include them. “None of us expect to be rehired,” says Bill Rogers, one of the 20 part-time seasonal staff known as “beach captains” who managed volunteers in the field. Knowing that the beach captains were laid off signals what Rogers expects will be a big change to the program, so he and others are now organizing to bring together those who are interested in making sure there are as many naturalists at beaches on as many days as possible during the very low tides. It would also provide an opportunity for volunteers and former staff who feel blindsided by the way the changes to the program are being handled and are upset enough they wouldn’t go back if invited. Rogers noted, “It hurt a lot of people personally.”

Exactly what shape a new naturalist program might take is uncertain. A formal work meeting in early April with interested volunteers may help focus both structure and mission. “Will it be a group or a club? We have to work that out,” says Rogers, who was looking forward to his 13th season as beach captain and 15th in the program, “The plan is to still be involved.”

As for the Seattle Aquarium, it’s also dealing with the impending arrival of a new CEO and the first operational year of its Ocean Pavilion, part of a $160 million project.

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Port of Seattle promoting sustainability initiatives
March 8, 2025 7:56 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Port of Seattle | West Seattle news

The Port of Seattle is working on sustainability, and has been sponsoring WSB this month to offer information about its efforts, including this message:

(Port of Seattle photos)

The Port of Seattle is striving for a “SEA CHANGE” — a fundamental transformation toward sustainability across its aviation and maritime operations. This ambitious goal requires long-term commitment, innovation, and collaboration. The journey is not without challenges, but the Port has made remarkable progress in reducing environmental impact, modernizing infrastructure, and investing in clean energy solutions. Notably, the Port is on track to decarbonize its operations by 2040, working alongside cruise lines, airlines, and tenants to adopt sustainable practices.

Key accomplishments include groundbreaking environmental initiatives, such as becoming the first U.S. airport to remove harmful PFAS chemicals from fire trucks and mandating shore-power use for cruise ships by 2027.

Efforts to reduce single-use plastics at SEA Airport have also led to significant waste reduction. Additionally, the Port has cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% through renewable natural gas and secured federal funding for maritime decarbonization projects.

Land and water stewardship remain priorities, with the Port removing over 40 tons of marine debris and conducting extensive research on fish monitoring and shoreline restoration.

Environmental cleanup efforts have also advanced, with the EPA finalizing the East Waterway Record of Decision, and a promising soil-washing study offering an alternative to traditional disposal methods for PCB-contaminated soil. Parks and public spaces were recertified as Salmon-Safe, reinforcing the Port’s commitment to sustainable ecosystems.

The Port continues to invest in sustainable infrastructure, with major environmental assessments, noise compatibility studies, and climate resilience initiatives underway. Community engagement remains integral, with over 50 public habitat tours and volunteer events conducted, alongside grant funding for local environmental projects. Looking ahead to 2025, the Port remains committed to fostering partnerships and advancing sustainability efforts to drive the SEA CHANGE needed for a greener future.

The Port is overseen by five elected commissioners (as well as staff); their contact info is here.

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UPDATE: First West Seattle recycle/reuse/shredding dropoff event of the year
March 8, 2025 9:20 am
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

9:20 AM: We’re on Puget Ridge to check out what’s happening in the first hour of this morning’s recycling/reusing/dropoff event in the north lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), presented by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and West Seattle Junction Association. For starters, the line of cars stretches about a block past the SSC south entrance. Updates to come.

9:45 AM: Once you’re in the lot, things appear to be moving smoothly. Parking is to the west; the trucks are in a line to the east; lots of volunteers to direct you, and carts on wheels that you can borrow if you need one.

Above, that’s WSJA executive director Chris Mackay directing drivers as they arrive for dropoffs.

10:06 AM: The line of cars waiting to get into the lot is very short now! Fewer than 10 cars before the lot entrance.

12:20 PM: Commenters note that the electronics-recycling truck hit capacity before the event is over. If you still have those types of items waiting to be recycled, that’s part of what they’ll be taking, as usual, at the Fauntleroy Church Recycle Roundup, a free dropoff event 9 am-3 pm Saturday, April 26 – we’ll publish the official item list when it’s available.

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COUNTDOWN: Two days until West Seattle recycle/reuse/shredding event
March 6, 2025 11:38 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, March 2024)

Just two days until the recycle/reuse/shredding event presented every year by the West Seattle Junction Association and WS Chamber of Commerce, 9 am-noon Saturday (March 8), at the usual place, the north lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor). As announced, this time you’ll be directed to park in the lot and walk your item(s) over to the dropoff station(s); assistance will be available for those with mobility challenges. Here’s the list again:

ACCEPTED ITEMS:

• Foam blocks
• Household batteries (no damaged batteries)
• Fluorescent tubes and bulbs (no broken bulbs, limit: 4 ft.)
• Small, empty propane camping canisters
• Small electronics (TVs, computers, etc.)
• Small appliances (non-freon)
• Paper for shredding (limit: 4 boxes of paper)
• Clothing, accessories, bedding, and curtains in good condition
• Home goods and toys

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED:

• Stained, ripped, or worn-out fabrics
• Mismatched items (single shoes, etc.)
• Furniture
• Hazardous waste
• Automotive waste
• Construction waste
• Car seats
• Mattresses
• Household garbage, yard waste, or recycling

This is all free, first-come, first-served.

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SURVEY: Are greenspaces important to you? UW student wants to know
March 4, 2025 9:56 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

(Schmitz Park, December 2024 – photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

With so much greenspace in West Seattle, University of Washington student Kristina Canonizado asked us to offer you the opportunity to answer a few questions:

I am a graduating senior at the University of Washington currently conducting my Senior Capstone project through the Program on the Environment. With my project I seek to investigate communities’ experiences with greenspace, their opinions on greenspace initiatives, and the effectiveness of Seattle’s greenspace initiatives.

Here is the survey link:forms.gle/Cj6D1KDSVSTKdcap6

And here’s a flyer with a few more details.

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Signs of spring already, in and along Fauntleroy Creek
February 27, 2025 12:51 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

(Fry in Fauntleroy Creek – photo by Dave Gershgorn)

By Judy Pickens
Special to West Seattle Blog

Three Fauntleroy Creek events this week signal that winter is on the wane:

– “Home hatch” coho started emerging to feed in the creek.
– Skunk-cabbage blossoms started dotting the streambank.
– Teachers started signing up for salmon releases.

(Skunk cabbage along Fauntleroy Creek – photo by Dave Gershgorn)

Two weeks ago, volunteers began monitoring the lower creek for evidence that eggs left in November by a record number of spawners (347) had survived. Yesterday (2/26) they sighted 15 active fry darting around in the water.

Last fall, spawners hid their eggs under a blanket of loose gravel for protection. After a few weeks, the eggs hatched into alevin equipped with a yolk sac to sustain them until they were mature enough to emerge from the gravel and forage for themselves. In a year’s time, they will have grown into 4”-5” smolts, ready to leave the creek for two years in saltwater.

This same transformation is playing out across West Seattle as students in the Salmon in the Schools program rear their own coho. Come May, Fauntleroy Watershed Council volunteers will host 18 field trips to Fauntleroy Park, where students will release their fry and explore habitat.

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COUNTDOWN: 2 weeks until West Seattle recycle/reuse/shred event
February 22, 2025 10:59 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

Exactly two weeks until the annual “Beyond the Cart” free recycling/shredding event presented by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and West Seattle Junction Association with partners. It’s happening 9 am-noon on Saturday, March 8, in the north lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor). If you’re driving there, this year rather than have you idling in a long line waiting to unload, they’ll direct you to park and walk your stuff to the dropoff station(s). We verified, after the previous announcement raised questions, that assistance will be available for those who need it. Meantime, here again is the list of what they’re taking and not taking:

ACCEPTED ITEMS:

• Foam blocks
• Household batteries (no damaged batteries)
• Florescent tubes and bulbs (no broken bulbs, limit: 4 ft.)
• Small, empty propane camping canisters
• Small electronics (TVs, computers, etc.)
• Small appliances (non-freon)
• Paper for shredding (limit: 4 boxes of paper)
• Clothing, accessories, bedding, and curtains in good condition
• Home goods and toys

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED:

• Stained, ripped, or worn-out fabrics
• Mismatched items (single shoes, etc.)
• Furniture
• Hazardous waste
• Automotive waste
• Construction waste
• Car seats
• Mattresses
• Household garbage, yard waste, or recycling

Trucks will leave when full.

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Become a Master Composter Sustainability Steward!
February 13, 2025 9:13 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Gardening | West Seattle news

Seattle Tilth has a training program coming up and asked us to help circulate the announcement so that West Seattleites are aware of it too. Half the sessions are online, and half are in-person in other parts of the city, but it’s for everyone in Seattle:

If you are a, or know a, Seattle resident interested in learning about compost and preventing waste, and then teaching others, here’s how to become a Master Composter/Sustainability Steward. This free training program is looking for individuals who want to learn more about these topics and then share what they learned in their communities.

Starting on March 19, we will teach 12 classes via Zoom and in person in both Seattle’s Wallingford and Rainier Beach neighborhoods, followed by volunteer activities throughout the city. Our teachers are subject-matter experts but there is no expectation of prior knowledge. A more detailed description of this year’s volunteer training and the link to the application form can be found on our webpage at tilthalliance.org/our-work/environmental-stewardship/master-composter-sustainability-stewards/mcss-training.

Application is open until February 21.

We strive to put together a diverse cohort that represents all of Seattle’s communities.

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COUNTDOWN: ‘Big changes’ for West Seattle recycling/shredding event, now 1 month away
February 6, 2025 4:44 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from 2024 recycling event)

One month (and two days) until the annual “Beyond the Cart” recycling/shredding event presented by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and West Seattle Junction Association. We first told you about it last month; today, they sent the official announcement, including word of “big changes”:

Have stuff to recycle that doesn’t go in your cart? Bring it to the West Seattle Recycling & Reuse Collection event on Saturday, March 8 between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM! We host this event every year to collect items for recycling and reuse that can’t go in your home recycle carts or dumpsters. Events are free and open to all Seattle residents.

We heard your feedback and made big changes! This year, you’ll park your car in the South Seattle College north parking lot and walk your material to each truck instead of waiting in a long line of cars. Early and late drop-offs will not be accepted, and trucks leave when full.

ACCEPTED ITEMS:

• Foam blocks
• Household batteries (no damaged batteries)
• Florescent tubes and bulbs (no broken bulbs, limit: 4 ft.)
• Small, empty propane camping canisters
• Small electronics (TVs, computers, etc.)
• Small appliances (non-freon)
• Paper for shredding (limit: 4 boxes of paper)
• Clothing, accessories, bedding, and curtains in good condition
• Home goods and toys

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED:

• Stained, ripped, or worn-out fabrics
• Mismatched items (single shoes, etc.)
• Furniture
• Hazardous waste
• Automotive waste
• Construction waste
• Car seats
• Mattresses
• Household garbage, yard waste, or recycling

The SSC campus is on Puget Ridge at 6000 16th SW.

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Annual report summarizes record-setting year in Fauntleroy Creek and its watershed
January 30, 2025 5:34 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

(2024 photo by Tom Trulin)

“(W)e set multiple salmon records in 2024 – for participation in our annual drumming, spawners coming into Fauntleroy Creek, salmon watchers, and students learning in the watershed.” That’s the headline from the Fauntleroy Watershed Council‘s annual report for 2024, just released today. Fauntleroy Creek [map] is one of the few salmon-bearing creeks in Seattle city limits, after a volunteer-led effort revived it around the turn of the millennium; every year it gets various volunteer assists, from counting spawners to watching for “home-hatch” fry to helping hundreds of schoolchildren learn about the fish’s lifecycle through the Salmon in the Schools program. See the full report (only eight pages – not your typical “annual report”!) here, and find out how to get involved with the watershed here.

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FOLLOWUP: New information about combined-sewer overflow in Fauntleroy
January 26, 2025 8:59 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

(January 6 WSB photo, Cove Park entrance)

Three weeks ago, warning signs like that one were up at and near Cove Park south of the Fauntleroy ferry dock after a combined-sewer overflow sent a mix of stormwater and sewage into Puget Sound. The King County Wastewater Treatment Division told WSB that an “electrical issue” at the Barton Street Pump Station was to blame. We’ve been asking for more specifics and obtained additional information from KCWTD, which also now says the spill was about half the size first reported. Here’s what we received after our latest followup inquiry to KCWTD spokesperson Akiko Oda:

On Jan. 5, the Barton Street Pump Station experienced a power loss to one of the phases from the inbound utility power line. This caused the variable frequency drives, which control the station’s pumps, to shut down as a protective measure — similar to a circuit breaker. The overflow lasted only three minutes because an on-call wastewater operator arrived on site and was able to manually reset the variable frequency drives and bring the equipment quickly back online. Approximately 1,660 gallons of stormwater and wastewater was released — far less than the initial 3,500 gallons we conservatively reported.

We are working with the vendor of the variable frequency drives to help improve their resiliency to different types of power fluctuations. Our pump control system is complex, and we have to continuously look for ways to update and improve these systems so we can prevent overflows.

The pump station on the north side of the ferry dock was upgraded a decade ago, and electrical work was part of the project.

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YOU CAN HELP: Plant a ‘Miyawaki Forest’ in West Seattle
January 22, 2025 3:15 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Plant a ‘Miyawaki Forest’ in West Seattle
 |   Environment | How to help | West Seattle news

With a heightened interest in volunteering and donating opportunities right now, we’re spotlighting this one that’s just out of the WSB inbox. You’re invited to help plant a “Miyawaki Forest” – William Khadivi explains:

I’m partnering with Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association to plant a Miyawaki Forest near Longfellow Creek. This exciting project will take place near the intersection of 29th Ave SW & SW Brandon St.

Our first work party is scheduled for Saturday, February 1st, from 10 AM to 1 PM, and we’re looking for volunteers to join us. During the event, we’ll focus on removing invasive species to prepare the site for planting native trees and shrubs. No prior experience is needed. We’ll provide tools, gloves, and guidance! Volunteers should bring sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and plenty of enthusiasm for greening our city.

A Miyawaki Forest is created using the methods pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. This approach plants a dense mix of native species in small areas, fostering biodiversity and creating thriving ecosystems. Similar projects have been established in Georgetown and at North Seattle College.

Interested participants can RSVP here: dnda.org/events/miyawaki-forest-at-longfellow-creek

The Georgetown site mentioned in the announcement is this one we covered a year ago – we’ll get back there soon to see how it’s going.

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SAVE THE DATE: 2025’s first announced recycling/shredding event
January 15, 2025 12:53 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, March 2024)

We always get questions about free recycling/shredding events in West Seattle, so we’re passing along what we just heard from the West Seattle Junction Association, that they’re again co-sponsoring a big drop-in event with the WS Chamber of Commerce. It’ll be Saturday, March 8, likely 9 am-noon, at the usual place, the north lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor). They’re working on some improvements to avoid the big dropoff backup, but otherwise, it’ll likely be the same arrangement of options – shredding, electronics and other small home items, styrofoam, and more. Watch for full details later this winter. (If you can’t wait that long to recycle something, there are options for various kinds of items – try the “Where Does It Go?” lookup.)

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FOLLOWUP: See how first-ever Alki event factored into regional International Coastal Cleanup success
January 12, 2025 10:18 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | How to help | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, September 21)

Back in September, dozens of volunteers gathered at Alki for an International Coastal Cleanup event. There are certainly everyday cleanup heroes working in our area year-round – like A Cleaner Alki – but the September event was the first time regional organizations held their flagship event here, and now Puget Soundkeeper has released a report on the regional results:

In an exceptional display of community commitment, more than 741 volunteers removed 2,600 pounds of debris during International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) events across the Puget Sound from August through December 2024. Across 13 cleanup events from Seattle to the San Juan Islands, volunteers collectively tackled the growing impact of litter and plastic pollution, making an impact on the health of Puget Sound.

Since its inception in 1986, the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) movement has been a global initiative by the Ocean Conservancy to document and remove debris from beaches and waterways globally. Every year, Puget Soundkeeper serves as the regional coordinator for ICC events across Puget Sound and works alongside several partner organizations who make these efforts possible.

“In a time where it seems like there’s a lot of negative news spreading over social media, it’s truly inspiring to see so many volunteers and people come out to commit their time and energy toward making our waterways safer and healthier for future generation,” said Tanya Balaji, the Stewardship and Education Manager at Puget Soundkeeper.

2024 was a special year for the ICC movement as for the first time in history, the Ocean Conservancy hosted its flagship ICC event in Seattle and more than 200 volunteers gathered at Alki Beach on September 21st to celebrate the movement. “Despite 2024’s cleanups showing the power of collective action, it highlights the importance of advocating and fighting for legislation that targets pollution at its sources,” added Balaji. For more information about our 2024 ICC report, click here.

Puget Soundkeeper Alliance remains committed to continuing our cleanup efforts while advocating for policies that prevent pollution at its source, including working on the 2025 Recycling Reform Act. Moreover, Puget Soundkeeper Alliance, alongside its partner organizations across the state, will also continue organizing ICC events throughout the Fall of 2025.

Though the total weight wasn’t huge, as our September 21 coverage showed, volunteers were encouraged to look for small debris, which post the most harm to marine life from potential ingestion and other risks. The full report, including the list of top types of debris, and how to report what you might find year-round, is embedded at the bottom of this page. Best way you can help reduce the need for this? Use less plastic. Even if you think you’re disposing of it properly, it has a nasty way of ending up as pollution just the same.

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FOLLOWUP: Safe to go in the water at Cove Park again, after overflow
January 8, 2025 10:33 pm
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: Safe to go in the water at Cove Park again, after overflow
 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

That red warning sign should be down now, because the King County Wastewater Treatment District says the water’s safe again in the Cove Park vicinity north of the Fauntleroy ferry dock. As we reported on Monday, an estimated 3,500 gallons of stormwater and sewage went into Puget Sound because of an “electrical issue” at the Barton Pump Station. Signs were posted by the beach to tell people to stay out of the water Now, with water testing showing no problems, the county has lifted the warnings. But the question remains, what went wrong? The pump station was upgraded a decade ago. KCWTD spokesperson Akiko Oda told WSB today that they “know there was a power sag” but are “still investigating how that affected the pump station.” The last notable overflow at the station, 101,000 gallons almost two years ago, was explained as an event where the station didn’t have a “complete” power outage, so the backup system wasn’t triggered

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BEACH WARNING: Stay out of the water at Fauntleroy’s Cove Park, after pump-station overflow
January 6, 2025 2:24 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

(Added: WSB photo, Cove Park entrance)

The King County Wastewater Treatment Division says its pump station next to Cove Park, north of the Fauntleroy ferry dock, had an overflow on Sunday, so warning signs are posted now to tell people to stay out of the water. Here’s what we received from KCWTD:

The King County Wastewater Treatment Division responded to an overflow at the Barton Street Pump Station in West Seattle on Sunday, restoring the pump station to normal operations within 3 minutes [of arrival].

At about 12:50 p.m., the pump station located in the 9000 block of Fauntleroy Way Southwest, just north of the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal, overflowed after equipment inside the facility experienced an electrical issue. A wastewater operator reset the pumps and restored the pump station.

King County notified the Washington State Department of Ecology and Public Health – Seattle & King County on Sunday.

Because combined flow of stormwater and sewer was released into Puget Sound through an emergency outfall, King County is working with Public Health to monitor water quality in the area. King County posted closure signage at Cove Park on Monday. The beach at Cove Park is expected to be closed until water quality testing indicates it is safe. The public is urged to avoid contact with the water until the signage is removed.

The announcement didn’t mention the volume of storm/sewer overflow that was released – nor is that mentioned on the KCWTD incident webpage – so we have a followup inquiry out about that.

UPDATE: KCWTD spokesperson Akiko Oda tells WSB that they estimate 3,500 gallons went into Puget Sound.

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South of the West Seattle Bridge, Ash Grove Cement now offering community tours
December 27, 2024 11:38 am
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy Ash Grove Cement)

The industrial facilities on the Duwamish River often evoke a great amount of curiosity, and sometimes concern. Unless you work at one, they tend to be a mystery. One plant is offering to lift the veil a bit; we heard from plant manager Andy at Ash Grove Cement, just on the other side of the river and south of the West Seattle Bridge, asking if we could let you know they’re offering community tours starting next month:

When: Thursday afternoons from 1-2 pm. Starting January 2025.
Who: Anyone (above the age of 12) who is interested in learning more about what Ash Grove Cement does. Anyone under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult. We can accept up to 15 people per tour.
What: Depending on age, a full tour of the plant, including brief presentation on the cement-making process.
Why: Ash Grove Cement is the only cement plant in Washington state that takes the raw materials to produce cement. There has been a cement plant n the location for almost 100 years and the company would like to spend time with the community to allow them to see what we do firsthand.
How to RSVP: Reply to Allen Block, Environmental Manager, at allen.block@ashgrove.com. We’d like around 1 week’s notice.

Like other industrial facilities in the area, Ash Grove (3801 East Marginal Way S.) is regulated by a variety of agencies. One of them, Puget Sound Clean Air, has just extended the public-comment period for a requested change in how Ash Grove operates, involving the burning of tires as part of its kiln fuel (an industry alternative to fossil fuels) – you can read about it here.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Toy swap success!
December 15, 2024 2:34 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Toy swap success!
 |   Environment | Holidays | West Seattle news

The photos were sent by Lindsey Pearsall, an organizer of the Holiday Toy Swap that brought families to Fauntleroy Schoolhouse/Hall at Fauntleroy on Saturday. She reports the first-time event was a success:

We had great participation at the Kids’ Holiday Swap Shop at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse.

We intend to make this a regular event, potentially quarterly, going forward. People have expressed appreciation for being able to offload things. They want to shop for things without spending money, being able to reuse amongst the community.

We’ve had a few people come by who really needed items and weren’t going to be able to provide for their family otherwise, so that was really meaningful.

Here’s some photos in case you’re looking for content for the blog. Thanks for all your support!

Lindsey Pearsall

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HELPING: Local Girl Scouts solve a problem, as ‘Agents of Change’
December 11, 2024 11:44 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Troop co-leaders Robin and Jess shared this news:

Our Girl Scout Troop made up of Junior Girl Scouts from local West Seattle schools, all in 5th grade, recently completed a huge project … at a camp we attend for Girl Scouts, St. Albans. They had to come up with a problem to solve, one that would result in the change being lasting and substantial. When we went camping at St. Albans we couldn’t figure out the recycling, so that was our problem that we then spent a year “fixing” for future campers.
It took a lot of creative thinking for outdoor signs (waterproof paper!) and how to make sure animals wouldn’t get into the bins (“put your CLEAN can in here”).

They received a donation of recycled milk crates from Smith Brothers Farms, courtesy of a former Girl Scout. “Those 25 crates saved us hundred of dollars on bins, and helped us up-cycle plastic in our recycling project!” Here’s the troop’s official announcement:

Junior Girl Scout Troop 40028 is excited to announce the completion of our Agents of Change project at Girl Scouts of Western Washington property Camp St. Albans.

This yearlong project started with a problem to solve, not understanding how and what to recycle when we camped at St. Albans.

With engineering, teamwork, and design, we created a framework that will help campers at St. Albans dispose of waste correctly. This system will sustain for many seasons to come, rain or shine.

Thank you to Smith Brothers Farms for donating milk crates, an essential tool in our project.

Thanks to future Girl Scout Campers who will maintain and sustain this project for St. Albans and for helping to make this world a better place.

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Bringing the Duwamish River ‘back to life’: Milestone in long-running cleanup
December 11, 2024 5:08 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | South Park | West Seattle news


(King County photos)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

You’ve probably heard many times that the Duwamish River – running along much of West Seattle’s eastern boundary – is a “Superfund site,” referring to a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program, and that a multi-billion-dollar cleanup has long been under way.

Tuesday, we got a rare chance to hear specifics, as the cleanup of decades-old industrial pollution – really, more than one cleanup – marked a milestone.

A media briefing was held on the river’s shore at Duwamish River People’s Park (itself a cleaned-up site), days after work began.

The last speaker, Duwamish River Community Coalition director Paulina López, offered the most relatable context, reminding those gathered that the cleanup was about bringing the river “back to life”:

(WSB videos)
López followed representatives of government agencies and Boeing, all talking briefly about what role their agencies play. The cleanup section where polluted sediment is being scooped out right now – much of it contaminated by PCBs – is managed by King County, said Jim Bolger, whose brief words of introduction were followed in this clip by Elly Hale, (updated) one of the EPA’s project managers along with Nasrin Erdelyi:

We talked with Hale after the briefing to get details on exactly what’s happening right now. Contaminated sediment is being scooped up, placed on a barge, towed to shore, transferred to land, then loaded onto trains bound for the Columbia Ridge Landfill in Oregon.

How deep the scooping goes depends on how deep the pollution goes – the goal is to get to clean sediment, Hale said, which could be anywhere from one to six feet down. An important point she had mentioned at the microphone was that people are still advised not to eat any fish from the Duwamish River but salmon. Wondering why that’s OK but others aren’t? It’s because the others are residents, living out their lives in the polluted river, while salmon spend most of their lives out in cleaner sea water before showing up here.

Another key point of the work that’s under way is “source control” – keeping new pollution out of the river. The lead agency in that work is the state Department of Ecology, whose representative Dr. Kim Wooten spoke briefly too, along with Boeing‘s Katie Moxley and the City of Seattle’s David Schuchardt:

The in-water work that’s under way now can only last through February before taking a break until October, to protect fish. Because of that short work window, it’ll take 10 years for the operation to get to the south end of Harbor Island.

The cleanup work – planning, design, and execution – has been a quarter-century in the making. This is, to be technical, the Upper Reach of the Lower Duwamish Waterway. This page has more detail on exactly what’s happening now; Pacific Pile & Marine is the lead contractor.

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VIDEO: Students explain their visions of how Schmitz Park’s creek could be brought fully back to life and light
December 8, 2024 9:10 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

If you didn’t get to Alki Bathhouse Friday or Saturday to see UW students’ visions for Schmitz Preserve Park Creek‘s future – we can show you what you missed.

Their professor, landscape architect Paul Peters, explained that the inspiration for the “studio” in which his master’s-degree students created their proposals began when he read about the grassroots effort Schmitz Park Creek Restore on WSB, shortly after their launch event last May. Peters is a West Seattle resident and had been looking for something to assign his students to work on. Over 10 weeks, amid site visits, his nine students worked on plans for how the creek could come back to life.

Friday afternoon, on the first day of a two-day open house, the students presented their concepts. We recorded each group’s presentation so you can see for yourself, starting with the two-part introduction and acknowledgments by Daniel Nye from Schmitz Park Creek Restore:

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Nye turned it over to professor Peters, who told the story of how the project launched, and how – when they saw the creek undergrounding – they all agreed “there’s a lot of opportunity here”:

Peters explained that the students worked in three groups, focused on the forest, on the park (Whale Tail to Alki Playground), and the beach. The forest group gave their presentation first:

The forest presentation continues in this clip:

Next, the park group:

They continued in the next clip (as everyone switched locations to see the second set of renderings) and explained how they’ve designed their idea to a “100-year storm surge” situation:

Finally, the students who reimagined Alki Beach:

Keep in mind, none of these ideas is an official proposal yet – they’re ideas, visions, even dreams of what could be, so there’s no official feedback process, though Schmitz Park Creek Restore would certainly love to hear from you about these or anything else relevant to their dreams and goals – here’s how to reach the group.

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New way to immerse yourself in Seattle’s largest forest, even when you can’t be there
December 1, 2024 2:50 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails)

West Seattle’s biggest green treasure is now alive online as well as in real life. The folks working to help you learn about, enjoy, and protect the West Duwamish Greenbelt sent this announcement today:

There’s a new way to engage with the West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails group (WDGT) and explore the trails in Seattle’s largest remaining contiguous forest.

The West Duwamish Greenbelt covers 500 acres spanning more than four miles north to south. A large network of trails lead from the Duwamish Longhouse and Highland Park Way to Puget Park, Pigeon Point Park, and Riverview Playfield, passing the South Seattle College campus. As part of WDGT’s ongoing commitment to promote use of the greenbelt, restore the forest, and develop sustainable trails, we’ve developed a new website at wdgtrails.org.

The new website makes it easier for visitors to learn about the trails, with links to an updated map and articles about the history and ecology of the space.

The goal of this website is to not just share information about the trails and connect the community with the West Duwamish Greenbelt but also to tell the story of the greenbelt from the perspective of the community and other trail users.

This living website will be actively updated with new content, including history articles and information about guided hikes, volunteer opportunities, and other events.

Open Call for Contributions

Do you have a story of the West Duwamish Greenbelt? A memory of playing in the forest as a kid or knowledge of the history of the land? Insights into the life and geology of the area?

We welcome your contributions to the History and Nature articles, either writing your own or reaching out to our team and giving us an interview for an article.

The new website also features community-contributed photos. Whether it’s scenes of the forest, bird shots, macro photography, or snapshots of hikes, you can submit your own photos to share with the community.

Send us your contributions via the Get Involved page or to wdgtrails@gmail.com.

Who is WDGT?

WDGT is a collection of neighbors who guide creation, maintenance and promotion of walking and hiking trails in the greenbelt. We have been working in partnership with the Duwamish Tribe and the Ridge to River coalition to draw people to the forested land. We meet monthly on the second Tuesday of the month. All are invited. See Get Involved for the time, place, and medium of the next meeting.

Hosting for the website was funded by the Neighborhood Matching Fund from the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, and the website was developed by WDGT volunteer and Puget Ridge resident Jay Speidell. The same grant funded a current exhibit, “Seattle’s Forest,” at the Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s Log House Museum, 3003 61st Ave. SW.

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Restoring Schmitz Preserve Park Creek: Next step! And you’re invited
November 27, 2024 6:10 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Schmitz Preserve Park is the forest in the center of pilot/photographer Long Bach Nguyen‘s 2012 image)

Back in May, a new community-led effort to restore Schmitz Preserve Park‘s creek debuted at a memorable gathering on which we reported. Now Seattle Parks is joining forces with community advocates and UW students “to explore the unique identity of landscapes, fostering designs that celebrate and revive the wild within Seattle’s urban fabric.” A two-part open house is planned: First, on Friday, December 6, meet the design team at Alki Bathhouse (2701 Alki SW). Then, on Saturday, December 7, they’re offering “self-guided explorations.”

The backstory here is that Seattle-based landscape architect Paul Peters, a principal at Hood Design Studio and UW lecturer, “is leading graduate UW students in “an in-depth exploration of Schmitz Park’s ecological, historical, and cultural narratives … to develop designs that restore the connection between Schmitz Park’s 53-acre old-growth forest and Alki Beach.” Right now, the Schmitz Preserve Park creek goes underground before getting to Elliott Bay, but the students are envisioning “restoring the creek’s natural flow, creating a continuous ‘wild corridor’.” To learn what’s possible here, you’re invited to the bathhouse one or both days of the open house:

To showcase the students’ work and engage with the community, the UW Studio, Schmitz Park Creek Restore, and Seattle Parks and Recreation will host an open house at the Alki Bathhouse in West Seattle. Join us on December 6th, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, for discussions with the project team, or visit on December 7th, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM for a self-guided experience. This event will offer the public an opportunity to explore the students’ designs and understand the possibilities for restoring Schmitz Creek’s natural flow.

Restoration, of course, will cost money, so, Parks says, the project “plans a public fundraising initiative in 2025 to support Seattle Parks and Seattle Public Utilities in advancing restoration efforts. Additionally, a significant capital campaign titled “53 for 53” will seek to establish a $53 million endowment, providing one million dollars per acre of Schmitz Park to preserve its wild landscape for future generations.” Find out more about the project here; learn more about Schmitz Preserve Park’s history here.

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