On the edge of the West Duwamish Greenbelt, Seattle’s largest remaining contiguous forest, the Nature Consortium rallied staffers, volunteers, and community members to a Saturday celebration. At the heart of it was a mayoral proclamation held above by NC’s Monica Thomas (right), with founder/executive director Nancy Whitlock: It was “Soundway Day” (proclamation closeup here) in honor of the years-in-the-making rescue and restoration of WDG land once earmarked for homes and roads. It was also a chance for the group to hold its annual “Golden Shovel” presentation recognizing an exceptional volunteer – this time, Tim Jaureguy:

We recorded video of the official presentation, following some words on behalf of Soundway, and recognition for two others before and after the giving of the “Golden Shovel”:

Funding for the party was part of a grant related to the ongoing work at the site; Marination (WSB sponsor) brought the food, and NC brought plenty of activities, including art for the smallest attendees:

This is a big summer for Nature Consortium – not only bringing back the Arts in Nature Festival (August 10-11 at Camp Long), but also, recruiting a successor to Whitlock, who recently announced her plan for a sabbatical. She told us Saturday that the executive director job is scheduled to be officially posted July 1st.

P.S. The Nature Consortium could use YOUR help in the West Duwamish Greenbelt – just about any time. Here’s how to join in.