Seattle Parks and Recreation will host a Natural Areas and Greenbelt Mini-Summit to talk to members of the public regarding the use of natural
areas and greenbelts in Seattle. The summit will be held from 9:30 am–12:30 pm on Saturday, April 4, at the Armory Loft at Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St.

The intent of this effort is to develop values-based guidelines for the appropriate use of Seattle’s natural areas and greenbelts. This process will result in a vision for natural areas and greenbelts that will maintain the native forest ecosystem, protect public safety and enhance positive uses over the long-term.

The event will include a panel discussion and an open house with at least
20 participating organizations.

Panelists include:

* Merica Whitehall, Executive Director Nature Consortium

* Mark Jordan, Seattle University Biology Professor – habitat analysis

* Peg Staeheli, SvR Design, Hydrologist, former Urban Forestry Commissioner

* John Barber, Parks and Open Space Advocate, former Park Board Commissioner

* Martin Westerman, Board Member, Seattle Green Spaces Coalition

This is an opportunity to engage with Seattle Parks’ staff and other local experts.

For more information on the Natural Areas/Greenbelt Mini-Summit, please visit
http://www.seattle.gov/parks/projects/naturalareagreenbeltuse/default.htm.