HELPING: Undaunted by drizzle, West Seattle volunteers dig into Puget Park trail work

| Environment | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Puget Park got some TLC on this soggy Saturday – and you can help next time. The photos and report are from Matthew J. Clark (thank you!):

Amidst the towering cedars, hemlock, and alder, with a slight drizzle, a small group of volunteers worked in Puget Park today clearing brush and invasive species to make way for a new trail. The Forest Steward for Puget Park, Christine Clark (below right), led the group as they methodically worked through the process of clipping, digging, pulling, and cutting debris.

The goal of today’s work is to reroute the existing trail to avoid a muddy section. Clark was happily surprised by the turnout. “I was worried that the little bit of rain would scare people away from showing up.” But eight volunteers did show up, and the group made quick work of clearing over 140’ of new trail.

The trail improvements in Puget Park have been on going for the last 4-5 years. Through volunteer work, partnerships with Green Seattle and guidance by Seattle Parks, the trail has taken shape to be a draw for the neighborhood and the broader West Seattle Community affording a great path for walking and running.

The Puget Park trail connects with trails between Pathfinder K-8 to the north and Highland Park to the south. You can easily stitch together an 8-mile round-trip walk in the woods and never cross a road.

What are the next steps for the Puget Park trail? Clark says they’ll work on drainage along the new path, then add a top layer of gravel. There will be work parties throughout the summer.

Check with the Green Seattle website for future volunteer opportunities. “You don’t need any experience or tools,” Clark say. “Just show up and we’ll help you learn the ropes. It is so much fun meeting new people from around the neighborhood and from around the community.”

The next event on the schedule for the greater Duwamish Greenbelt, which Puget Park is a part of, will be on Sunday, May 2nd. This will be a fun trail-cleanup work party. The group will meet up at 14th Ave SW and SW Holly.

sc April 24, 2021 (7:45 pm)

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Joe Z April 24, 2021 (8:03 pm)

Fantastic work! Amazing how much progress has been made back there.

Kathy April 25, 2021 (8:37 am)

I’m very curious about the route described in the announcement: “The Puget Park trail connects with trails between Pathfinder K-8 to the
north and Highland Park to the south. You can easily stitch together an
8-mile round-trip walk in the woods and never cross a road.”I can’t see a route like this on any map. Anyone know of a resource that documents this or can describe the route? Thanks.

christine April 25, 2021 (9:37 am)

Hi Kathy – thank you for reaching out. Great question! Here is our website with trail maps, fun history, hikes, educational videos, work parties… West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails Group https://wdgtrails.wordpress.com/ If you click on “Trails” and scroll down to “Trails Map: South Half” and “Trails Map: North Half” it will map out the trails. We also have printed maps we are happy to send you, just contact us wdgtrails@gmail.com and we’d be happy to send you one or answer more questions. There are seriously a ton of trails right in our backyard, we are working hard on getting more established.
- Kathy April 25, 2021 (11:28 am)
  
  Thanks Christine! I’ve explored some of the Greenbelt and am eager to explore more.

SlimJim April 26, 2021 (9:12 am)

Nice that they’re doing this work, but when will the people who organize these things learn not to do it in the spring when birds are nesting? Such a shame to see good efforts put in with such potential for damage to wildlife, which I assume are meant to be one of the main beneficiaries.

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