WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Restoration in the rain at Seola Pond

(WSB photos)

Earlier this week, on a rainy afternoon much like today’s, dozens of volunteers spent hours planting in the Seola Pond wetland [map], working with Arbor Heights resident Scott Dolfay, who’s been leading restoration efforts there for years.

This week, the volunteers included dozens of students and staff from Explorer West Middle School and The Bridge School (both WSB sponsors). Dolfay explains, “The planting was the culmination of previous work this year, beginning with site prep by Dirt Corps, funded by the King County Noxious Weed Control Program. When the restoration effort was started in 2017, 2 grants were received; one from The Washington Native Plant Society, the other from the King County Unincorporated Community Service Area Program. After a one-year hiatus, beginning in 2019, the KC Noxious Weed Control Program began to fund both site prep and native plant purchase. Additionally, volunteers have stepped up along with some local businesses.”

Dolfay is seeking another King County grant to keep the project going, adding that the community help has been invaluable: “As always, volunteers can stretch the budget. People have provided native plants from their yards, too.” As noted in our 2017 report, the site – along the Seattle/unincorporated King County line – is used as neighborhood open space, in addition to its official function as stormwater storage. It hosts wildlife, too – including the ducks we saw during the restoration work party:

5 Replies to "WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Restoration in the rain at Seola Pond"

  • WS Res December 18, 2021 (7:14 pm)

    Any links to where we could donate and follow the project if we want to help?

    • Scott Dolfay December 19, 2021 (10:08 pm)

      Anyone can come anytime to weed or add native plants of their own.  Thanks for asking.

  • Jethro Marx December 18, 2021 (8:59 pm)

    This is one of the best spots in West Seattle. Thanks to all of those making it even better.

  • StopCuttingDownTrees December 18, 2021 (9:48 pm)

    This is our neighborhood pond. It’s so nice to see so many taking care of it.

  • John Laconic@gmail.com December 19, 2021 (8:16 am)

    It’s a great place for an afternoon walk. 

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