Of Paramount Importance

Mountains to Sound/Carter Subaru Partnership Helps Southwoods

2012-02-06T08:04:00.000-08:00

Southwoods Park next to Shorecrest HS has been adopted by the Mountains to Sound and local dealership, Carter Subaru.

Southwoods Park located next to Shorecrest
HS provides respite for Briacrest

Carters' "Carbon Neutral Project" is providing stewardship opportunities in Shoreline.

Southwoods Park was created in a grassroots effort by South Woods Preservation Group, and succeeded when the City of Shoreline purchased the nearly 16 acre parcel in 2007. This was after a multi-year effort by the organization and the successful 2006 Shoreline Parks and Recreation Bond passage. The property had previously been owned jointly by Shoreline School District and Shoreline Water District.

The park is one of the largest coniferous open spaces in Shoreline or Seattle. The property had been previously owned by the DNR (Department of Natural Resources) and before that had housed officers for the Navy hospital at what is now Fircrest School.

Now Mountains to Sound Greenway organization has held two work parties to plant native conifers in the park. Mountains to Sound is hosting a number of work parties this winter all throughout its territory, which stretches across the Cascades and 1.5 million acres and 800,000 acres of public lands.

http://mtsgreenway.org/explore-the-greenway

Mountains to Sound and is celebrating its 20th year and its mission is:

The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust leads and inspires action to conserve and enhance the landscape from Seattle across the Cascade Mountains to Central Washington, ensuring a long-term balance between people and nature.

Another goal of Mountains to Sound is to ask Congress to designate the "Greenway" as a National Heritage Area.

This past weekend, about 30 volunteers helped plant about 168 Western Red Cedar and Grand Fir trees. The trees and the program are supported in part by locally based Carter Subaru in its "carbon neutral project" campaign.

Western Red Cedar trees ready for planting

Carter Subaru has a dealership on Aurora Ave N and has contributed funds to support the planting of thousands of trees. The program offers automotive shoppers a way to help the environment

CARTER SUBARU'S CARBON NEUTRAL PROJECT
Planting a Forest….. One Test Drive at a Time.

Our commitment to doing something that off sets the 150+ cars that we sell monthly is our Carbon Neutral Project.

For each car test-driven at Carter Subaru, one tree will be planted in the Mountains to Sound Greenway, funded by Carter Motors. For each car purchased, three additional trees will be planted. So, if you test drive a car and buy it there will be four trees planted in the Greenway!

Kellogg Middle School student and her dad
planting a young Grand Fir tree at Southwoods

Since 2005, the SWPG has advocated for the Southwoods property, and worked to remove acres of invasive plants such as English Ivy, English Holly, Himilayan Blackberry, and others. The park provides trails and respite for the southeast section of Shoreline, including the Briacrest neighborhood. It also provides fresh air, water conservation and habitat for wildlife.

Forest canopy is a valuable resource for Shoreline

Late Afternoon Light - Greenlake

2012-02-04T16:28:00.000-08:00

A beautiful weekend in Seattle begins on Friday afternoon.

Crew teams practicing in late afternoon

The golden glow of late afternoon light gives Greenlake a magical quality.
The three mile walk is always a delight, as the ever changing scene unfolds, depending on the time of day or time of year.

Sun reflection between willows

Friday was busy at the path as hundreds of walkers, cyclists, moms and strollers and skaters enjoyed the sunshine.

Kayakers enjoying the afternoon on the lake.

Greenlake is a neighborhood and a destination. Greenlake Park is said to be the most frequently visited park in the State! On a beautiful afternoon, it is easy to see why.

Move Over Groundhogs - It's Also World Wetlands Day

2012-02-02T17:25:00.000-08:00

So what's so great about Wetlands? Thank you for asking.

Paramount Park Upper Pond in Winter Whites
Ph Credit - Janet Way

For me it's about extraordinary beauty and life!

But at the US Fish and Wildlife Service, they are celebrating because there are FIVE main reasons for

why we should celebrate and protect wetlands. Last year the World Wetlands Day celebrated its 40th anniversary.

It celebrates the day the Ramsar Wetlands Convention was signed in 1971. The Wetlands Convention promotes the conservation and wise use of wetlands through international cooperation. Today, 1,994 Ramsar sites covering more than 474 million acres have been designated as Wetlands of International Importance.

Paramount Park Natural Area is Shoreline's largest wetland at about 6.5 Acres. But we also have others such as Meridian Park, Ronald Bog, Cromwell Park, Twin Ponds and Echo Lake.

Great Blue Heron at Ronald Bog
Shoreline
ph credit - Janet Way

Beaver Pond Natural Area at Thornton Creek
ph credit - Janet Way

The US. Fish and Wildlife Service "Open Spaces Blog" wants us to know the top FIVE reasons and here they are. So visit your nearest beautiful wetland soon and get to know it and protect it. They are disappearing with alarming regularity due to development and other misguided policies.

5 Things You Need to Know About Wetlands

1. Wetlands give us drinking water! The groundwater that humans depend on for drinking and other uses is cleaned and purified by wetlands – bogs, marshes, swamps, and other wetland areas actually make our water drinkable. There are about 33 trillion gallons of groundwater in the U.S. today!

2. Wetlands provide amazing services that affect everyday life for humans and wildlife. They slow down floodwaters, they help stop erosion on beaches and riverbanks, and they make local weather patterns less extreme.

Wooducks and Hooded Meganzers at
Beaver Pond Natural Area at Thornton Creek
ph Credit - Don MacCall

3. The United States has 30 Wetlands of International Importance! These sites have received recognition from the international community for their unique biology, incredible diversity, and the important habitat they provide for species that migrate around the world. Ten of these are on National Wildlife Refuges

4. Wetlands host a variety of habitats and support a diversity of life including some threatened and endangered species. The Chinook salmon, the Northern spotted owls, and the Roswell springsnail all call wetlands home.

Vote Linda Stein's Solar Fest Image on Shoreline Facebook Page

2012-02-02T11:20:00.000-08:00

Local artist Linda Stein's image is up for a vote on the City of Shoreline's Facebook Page for the Parks Recreation Guide.

By voting for this image, you will bring attention to our great Solar Fest sponsored by Shoreline Solar Project.

https://www.facebook.com/ShorelineWA

Hope you'll vote for Linda's beautiful photo!

Stormwater Visionary Tom Holz Has an Opinion on Proposed Regulations

2012-01-31T09:25:00.000-08:00

Tom Holz is an engineer.

For decades he's been promoting the concept of "Zero Impact Design" to educate the stormwater community about the destructive impacts of stormwater runoff to our ecosystems and especially to Puget Sound. He was among a group called the "14 Scientists" that crafted a letter to Department of Ecology, that ended up rocking their world. The group was sounding the alarm to that the Northwest ecosystem was crashing into serious decline, with salmon and other iconic wildlife listed as "Threatened Species" by the ESA.

Tom Holz is a Board Member for
People for Puget Sound

To make a long story short, that letter and Tom's testimony in a case brought by People for Puget Sound and Earthjustice to the Pollution Control Hearings Board, ended up drastically changing the Stormwater Regulations for Cities. In the Boards ruling in 2009, cities were required to implement "Low-Impact Development" techniques. PCHB’s so-called Phase II stormwater ruling

The Board concludes the (Washington Department of) Ecology must modify the permit to require permittees to identify barriers to the implementation of (low-impact development) and identify actions taken to remove those barriers, to establish goals for the future use of (low-impact development), and to require other specific actions on reasonable and flexible time frames, both during this permit cycle and in anticipation of future permits.

In other words, cities must clean up their acts!

Now Tom Holz is raising the alarm again. The Department of Ecology is again asking for comments on their latest round of regulations. People for Puget Sound is urging citizens to submit comments by Friday to DOE to

Stop polluted runoff and save our Sound

http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5430/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=9366

Tom Holz says they are still not getting it.

Will DOE PLEASE LISTEN?

Washington State Department of Ecology Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington, 2012 Update

Thomas W. Holz

The manual is based on deeply flawed assumptions. Stormwater management depends on a computer program (WWHM) to impose a standard for development. Although the program is derived from HSPF, a venerable and reasonably reliable stream flow simulation program, it was modified (originally by King County) to become a pond-sizing program for development projects. The assumptions made in coding the pond-sizing program are unjustified, and the program is thus invalid for the purpose of serving as a test for acceptability of a development project.

For example, it is assumed in the coding of ECY’s program, that a stream flow model (HSPF), which requires calibration to two years of stream flow to be valid, can somehow be converted to model runoff on discrete sites. On such sites, stream flow data is non-existent and, more often than not, there is no stream to calibrate to. The most egregious and invalid assumption buried in the WWHM model is that predevelopment overland flow is defined as the sum of predevelopment surface overland flow (near zero) plus groundwater flow. This totally invalid assumption allows the developer to collect all precipitation on a site and route it as overland flow to the nearest stream (with catastrophic results on streams and aquatic life).

If WWHM is to continue to serve as the standard for development, it must be converted to a water balance model. The water balance model would recognize the predevelopment fate of precipitation that falls on most discrete sites in a watershed:

1. Evapotranspiration (ET) comprises about 18 inches per year (Beyerlein, 1999). Maintenance of ET is critically important to a healthy watershed.

2. Precipitation exceeding the volume evapotranspired is infiltrated (usually up to the 100-year storm event).

3. Overland flow runoff in a typical watershed is less than 1% of stream flow.

Thus the water balance model would provide the developer with the tools to assess whether the practices employed on his project will maintain a water balance in close approximation to predevelopment water balance. It is clear that, in this paradigm, evapotranspiration is the important parameter and its decline must be severely limited.

Without this change, and others that tend to reinforce low impact development practices, Puget Sound and its watersheds will continue on a path of steep decline.

Citizen Action Works! NWF Caves!!

2012-01-29T12:57:00.000-08:00

In a Stunning Reversal the National Wildlife Federation ENDED their misguided action to "partner with Scott's/Miraclegrow/Monsanto!!!

This was after a long few days since the original partnership was announced in which hundreds of members and supporters joined forces, creating a petition and additional Facebook Pages, with Boycotts and Refund demands underway. The petition had garnered nearly 500 signatures thus far.

On the NWF Facebook Page today is the following statement:

After learning of Scotts’ pending legal settlement, we've agreed to end the partnership.

National Wildlife Federation and ScottsMiracle-Gro Partnership

Joint Statement from ScottsMiracle-Gro and National Wildlife Federation

January 29, 2012

The National Wildlife Federation has worked together with ScottsMiracle-Gro over the past two years on programs to educate gardeners about global warming, connect children to the outdoors and help restore habitat following the Gulf oil disaster. Both parties recently announced plans for an even broader partnership that was based on our common interests.

Since that time, Scotts announced a pending legal settlement related to events in 2008 that predate our partnership, which has made it clear that the partnership is not viable. Therefore, NWF and Scotts will work together to end the partnership in a friendly and mutually beneficial way.

BUT..... NWF is still not entirely getting it. They are still trying to split hairs even as they first claim they're ending the partnership. In the latest chapter:

National Wildlife Federation For further clarification: this decision is about the recently announced settlement about the legal case – not about the philosophy about whether or not we should be working with companies like Scotts.

Stay tuned.........

National Wildlife Federation Deal with Scott's/Monsanto Leaves Supporters Angry and Grief Stricken

2012-01-28T14:48:00.000-08:00

"This makes me ill" said local garden expert Jennifer Rotermund.

Hundreds of shocked supporters of NWF lit up their Facebook Page in the last three days to complain, quit, and ask for refunds. Many local supporters posted their objections. NWF's self inflicted PR nightmare is going viral.

CEO of National Wildlife, Larry Schweiger held a webchat and stated they made the deal, a "partnership" and were trying to "help" Scotts' become more eco-friendly.

National Wildlife Federation and The ScottsMiracle-Gro Company are working together to help families reconnect with nature by using yards, parks and other green spaces as a starting point for outdoor play and nature discovery.

But most supporters were having none of it. Some pointed out that NWF had trouble with fundraising and needed the money. Apparently, there was a payment of $50k to NWF from Scott's.

A supporter named Ken complained,

I have been a member of the NWF since 1977. This whole story about NWF and Scotts makes me sick. This isn't the organization I joined 35 years ago. I can no longer in good conscience remain a part of an entity that has obviously corrupted it's original vision. I have a feeling I won't be the only one leaving.

The reasons for the ire became clearer, when articles surfaced yesterday. Scott's, a lawn chemical supply company had apparently been fined $4.5 million and plead guilty of lying in court records and selling 73 million units of "tainted bird seed".

Then a page on the NWF website proclaimed the "Save the Songbirds Selections" brand of birdseed was announced. This further enraged the NWF "ex" supporters. They could not believe the cynical and obviously well timed move on the part of a supposed "environmental advocacy" organization and the chemical giant.

Shoreline is among a number local communities that had enthusiastically and sincerely recruited over 300 new members to "certify" their yards as "Backyard Habitats", by replanting and creating special habitat areas to qualify. Several schools and businesses also participated. People here were proud of the accomplishment.

One angry former supporter has organized a nationwide petition to object.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stop-nwf-from-partnering-with-scottsmonsanto/ Over 400 signatures were gathered in just over 2 days. Anyone who is upset at this "partnership" is encouraged to sign.
Signers said:

"I cannot imagine what NWF was thinking. They have received their last donation from me and I plan to tell everyone I know about this situation" while another says "NWF should be ashamed to even consider such a partnership. Supporting Scotts and Monsanto when you claim to be for the long term protection of our wildlife and wild-lands. Ridiculous."

From the point of view of our blog, this is one of the most cynical cases of "astro-turfing" we've ever seen. It's also known as "greenwashing" and shows a contempt for the intelligence and trust so many sincere wildlife lovers had placed in this internationally known organization.
It's obvious they've been bought out and their reputation will probably never recover.

An article from the blog "SafeLawns" has the story on the guilty plea by Scott's.

The company, many folks believe, must have known this ruling in federal court was coming down for several months. The timing of the sponsorship with the National Wildlife Federation, announced by NWF on Jan. 18, was clearly designed to draw attention away from what is believed to be the largest fine ever levied on a pesticide company.

Amidst Wildlife Federation Firestorm, Scotts Miracle Gro Fined $4.5 Million for Toxic Bird Seed, Falsifying Records
Fri, Jan 27, 2012
Pesticide Toxicity
UPDATE: Petition Asks NWF to Say No to Scotts’ Sponsorship: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stop-nwf-from-partnering-with-scottsmonsanto/
HOW’S THIS FOR SUSPICIOUS TIMING?
On the same week Scotts Miracle Gro tried to buy an image upgrade by sponsoring the National Wildlife Federation, word has come out of a federal court that the company will pay millions of dollars in fines for selling bird seed it knew was tainted with pesticides toxic to birds.
Though the company had no comment yesterday, it pleaded guilty to charges that it sold 73 MILLION UNITS of tainted bird seed from 2005 to 2008. According to an article in today’s Columbus, Ohio, newspaper, the company continued to sell the bird seed “despite warnings in the summer and fall of 2007 from a pesticide chemist and an ornithologist, both of whom worked for the company.”
The company also pleaded guilty yesterday to falsifying documents with the Environmental Protection Agency so that it could rush new weed ‘n feed and ant killing products to market back in 2006. When Scotts’ fallacy was revealed — after the products containing cancer-causing agents had already been on the market for two years — the company blamed the actions on a single female employee, who was abruptly fired after years with the com

More Trees at Shorecrest at Risk

2012-01-28T09:58:00.000-08:00

Two More Trees at Shorecrest HS are slated for removal in site plans!

Neighbors were shocked to see four Giant Sequoias were cut last month by contractors in the Shorecrest remodel. They were permitted for removal as part of the driveway access project. They were not next to the new buildings.

Two Pines in front of
Remaining Sequoias at Shorecrest HS North Entry

Briacrest resident, Charlie Brown discovered the removal plans when studying the approved site plans.
The two pine trees, while not as large and iconic as Sequoias, are still significant. They are beautiful, probably the same age and make the entryway attractive. They are conifers, which makes them extra valuable for the services they provide.

One of two pine trees slated to be cut
at Shorecrest

One would hope that Shoreline School District would not want to double down on their needless treecutting action, when taxpayers are already upset.

Two Pines at front of North Entry to Shorecrest HS,
in front of Theater.

Snowy Owl!! In Edmonds!

2012-01-27T19:46:00.000-08:00

The year of the Snowy Owl -

Snowy Owl in Edmonds, WA
ph credit - Maggie Fimia

Across North America, the Snowy Owls have been popping up nearly everywhere across the Northernmost part of the US.

Maggie Fimia (former KC Councilmember and Dep Mayor of Shoreline) spotted this owl near her home.
She said there was a big commotion of crows in her backyard. And there was the owl in the tree. He stayed there all day until dusk and then flew off. What a thrill!

The Cornell Lab of Ornitholgy has a great site for information on all North American Birds, and particularly on this magnificent bird.

Watch this cool video of the Snowy Owls story on Youtube.

The Journeys of Snowy Owls

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Page.aspx?pid=1478&ac=ac

Snowy Owls are nomads; their arctic journeys can span continents as they search for food. This winter, bird watchers are reporting an exceptional influx of Snowy Owls from coast to coast in the Lower 48 states.

Thornton Creek Alliance General Meeting - Thursday

2012-01-25T08:12:00.000-08:00

GREENWAYS & URBAN FORESTS

Natural Area Restoration, Volunteers, Crime & Personal Safety

Public Welcome!

Bring your ideas to an open discussion! Participate in brainstorming sessions with neighbors and community leaders. Hear from others working to create better neighborhoods by integrating community interests.

January 26^th Thursday 7pm – 9pm

Meadowbrook Community Center, 10517 35th Ave. NE, Seattle 98125

ATTENDING:

Sally Bagshaw Seattle City Council Chair of Parks Committee

Terrie Johnston SPD Community Liaison

Joanna Nelson de Flores Green Seattle Partnership Project Manager

Chris Saleeba Seattle Greenways

Emily Lofstedt Seattle Parks and Recreation

ALSO PARTICIPATING:

Blockwatch + Educators + Park Stewards + Parks Department + Tree Ambassador Program + Community Activists: Maple Leaf, Pinehurst, Shoreline,..

AND

Anyone who wants to explore how we nurture our natural areas while enhancing our personal safety in and around them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The spring meeting is March 22. Call Judy Olson at 206-523-4384 with comments or post a message at facebook.com/Thornton.Creek.Alliance or write: TCA, PO BOX 25690, Seattle, WA 98165. All meetings are free and open to the public.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Agenda for Jan 26, 2012, General Meeting

Meadowbrook Community Center

10517 35th Ave. NE, Seattle 98125

7 to 9 p.m.

7:00 1. Announcements

7:04 2. Agenda Review

7:05 3. Program: Greenways & Urban Forests - Natural Area Restoration, Volunteers, Crime and Personal Safety

City Councilmember Sally Bagshaw

Seattle Parks’ Emily Lofstedt

Seattle Greenways Rep Chris Saleeba

SPD Community Liaison Terrie Johnston

Green Seattle Partnership’s Joanna Nelson de Flores

--Judy Olson, Program Vice President

8:40 4. Business meeting

Review minutes - Tom Cunningham

Membership report - Ruth Williams

Web Page update - Dan Mahler/Doug Bostrom

Facebook update - Brad Johnson

Treasurer's report - Gary Olson

Other issues as time allows

8:55 5. A 9:55 5. Adjourn

9:00 6. Room is empty!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Keep in touch with Thornton Creek Alliance! You can reach us at:

Frank Backus, Pres. - frankbackus1@gmail.com

Dan Mahler, 1st VP - kkmahler@earthlink.net

Ruth Williams, Membership VP - ruthalice@comcast.net

Judy Olson, Program VP - judyngaryol@msn.com

Gary Olson, Treas. – judyngaryol@msn.com

Tom Cunningham, Sec. - cunningham39@hotmail.com

Also find Thornton Creek Alliance on Facebook!

The Power of an Image

2012-01-24T13:46:00.000-08:00

According to a blog called "Open Spaces" published by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the image below was one of the main inspirations for President Theodore Roosevelt to create the first refuge west of the Mississippi in the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Finley and Bohlman's Three Arch Rocks photograph that later helped
Three Arch Rocks become the west coast's first bird refuge in 1907.

This shows the incredible power for change that an image can provide. This photo of Three Arch Rocks in Oregon was created by nature photographers William L Finley and Herman Bohlman in a series. The images were transformed into meticulously hand colored glass slides. Finley was disturbed that the plumage from birds such as picture in these photos was being used for womens hats and bird populations were being decimated. The skill and "daring-do" of these photographers is amazing, considering the equipment at the time. Also, the skill of "hand coloring" a slide is virtually unused any more, but it give the images a uniquely beautiful quality.

But President Theodore Roosevelt was apparently very moved by this photograph and the plight of the birds being affected. He was inspired in 1903 to create the very first refuge at Pelican Island, Fla. He apparently did this with amazing speed. The United States now has 553 Refuges in it's system.

President Theodore Roosevelt said,

“There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness, that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy, and its charm.”

http://www.fws.gov/news/blog/index.cfm/2012/1/22/Looking-Back--William-L-Finley#.Tx2U-ke78EM.facebook

Looking Back: William L. Finley

Posted At : January 22, 2012 7:00 AM | Posted By : Jonsson, Katherine E
Related Categories: news_blog, Refuges, Fish and Wildlife Service,NationalWildlifeRefuge

Dramatic photography, captivating lectures, memorable movie scripts and magazine articles – William L. Finley used them all to convince the American public that it was time to give birds a home of their own.

Finley, who was born to a pioneer family in California in 1876, and his boyhood friend Herman Bohlman hauled cumbersome camera equipment up cliffs and into marshes and trees along the Oregon coast. They used block and tackle to raise their equipment onto ledges. They followed the development of hawks, eagles, herons, murres and cormorants from egg to fledgling.
In a history of the Audubon Society of Portland, Tom McAllister wrote that Bohlman and Finley spent four months photographing a California condor nest.
“Bohlman was the reserved and skilled photographer … Finley was the clean-shaven extrovert who spread a message across the land of the need to save habitat as well as pass protective bird legislation. Their derring-do and the results captivated audiences and readers nationwide. Finley packed the lecture halls.”

Are We Shoreline, Innis Arden or Shorelinnisarden?

2012-01-22T09:43:00.000-08:00

A local resident with very deep roots here has christened us "Shorelinnisarden" and designed us a new logo for the City of Shorelinnisarden!

This inspired perhaps by a disturbing trend here. It seems we may be all forced to march to the Innis Arden Board Rules, if we are not careful. The upcoming discussions at the council to make Shoreline a "Tree City, USA" by instituting a tree cutting policy to suit the Innis Arden Board, will be something to pay attention to.

Maybe we already are?

Shoreline City Council is scheduled to take up the matter soon. But many are asking, really what would be the environmental impact of this proposal. Many are asking for a SEPA Review, to better understand what the impact would be. If you establish a Tree Board, with a pre-existing "Tree Management Plan" already in place, and a "Recommended Tree List" already established, how would this impact our whole Urban Forest Canopy? Especially if there are no conifers and most of the existing street trees not on the list?
Is it really better to have a Tree Board and a Tree City USA status, when having that moniker would really mean the Urban Forest would be diminished? Really?

Scene at Innis Arden's Bear Reserve where 46 significant trees
have been cut to please the "view conscious"

If so ................ All hail "Shorelinnisarden!" $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

More Snow, Ice and a Little Color

2012-01-19T11:16:00.000-08:00

And Snowmageddon Continues......

Ice -

Icy Rivulets on Back Porch Screen

National Weather Service issued an ominous emergency warning today.
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sew/

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SEATTLE WA
1039 AM PST THU JAN 19 2012

.A WARM FRONT WILL CONTINUE TO SPREAD RAIN OVER PORTIONS OF
WESTERN WASHINGTON THROUGH EARLY THIS AFTERNOON. TEMPERATURES
WILL REMAIN BELOW FREEZING WITH FREEZING RAIN EXPECTED AT THE
SURFACE. AREAS FARTHER NORTH INCLUDING EVERETT...ADMIRALTY INLET
AND EASTERN STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA WILL SEE SNOW AT TIMES.
PRECIPITATION WILL EASE THIS AFTERNOON. TEMPERATURES WILL
GRADUALLY MODERATE TONIGHT...RISING ABOVE FREEZING. ANOTHER STRONG
SYSTEM WILL BRING HEAVY SNOW TO THE MOUNTAINS ON FRIDAY.

WAZ504-505-508-509-511-512-192200-
/O.CON.KSEW.IS.W.0001.000000T0000Z-120119T2200Z/
SOUTHWEST INTERIOR-EAST PUGET SOUND LOWLANDS-
SEATTLE/BREMERTON AREA-TACOMA AREA-HOOD CANAL AREA-
LOWER CHEHALIS VALLEY AREA-
1039 AM PST THU JAN 19 2012

...ICE STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 PM PST THIS
AFTERNOON..

* SOME AFFECTED LOCATIONS...SEATTLE...OLYMPIA...TACOMA..
BREMERTON AND BELLEVUE.

But, on the fun side..........

Snowmen -
Double Snow People in Paramount Park
Meadow. About 4-5" Wednesday.
And more beautiful scenes.......

Littles Creek in Paramount Park

And more snow.....

Upper Pond at Paramount Park with Fabulous
Winter Style

Wetland color.....

Upper Wetland area has streaks of "peat color".
It is a true wetland that does it's job of retaining and cleaning
huge amounts of groundwater.

And a little more color.......

"High Bush Cranberry" in Paramount Park
wetland walk area.

It Seems Obvious!

2012-01-18T17:17:00.000-08:00

If S.O.P.A. or P.I.P.A were to pass, what would become of the internet as we know it?

Would censorship become the norm? It's something to ponder today.

Gray Fox Sighted Near St Edwards State Park

2012-01-17T13:23:00.000-08:00

Discover Outdoors Site
http://www.dto.com/hunting/speciesProfile/109

A "Gray Fox" was spotted near St Edwards State Park in Juanita area of Kenmore by local steward Anne Hurst.

St Edwards State Park in snow.
ph credit - Lynn Hurst

The Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) range from Southern Canada to Mexico and are relatively common in Washington State, though rare in the urban areas according to "Exploring Nature Ecological Resource. site."

http://www.exploringnature.org/db/detail.php?dbID=43&detID=1020

Habitat

They are found in mixed forests, brushy areas, and swamps.

Body Traits

The gray fox has a grayish coat, with reddish-brown fur on its neck, legs, ears and tail. They also have white on their neck and the sides of their faces. They weigh about 10 pounds and are shorter than the red fox but stockier (more solid). The top of the tail and its tip are black.

Habits

They hold their tail out straight when they walk, like the red fox. They are active at night (nocturnal) and are much shyer than the red fox, so seen much less. They can carry rabies.

Diet

They eat small animals, fruit and scavenge dead animals (carrion).

St Edwards State Park is the largest native growth area on Lake Washington. http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=Saint%20Edward

It is graced with miles of nature trails and many other species of wildlife, including deer and otter.

"Slushmaggedon" May Be Headed Our Way - Cliff Mass Prediction

2012-01-16T11:18:00.000-08:00

Cliff Mass' Weather Blog Prediction Sounds Ominous.

http://cliffmass.blogspot.com/

Weather graphic from
Cliff Mass Blog

Big snow dump in the mountains during the second period!   But the bigger story is what happens on Wednesday as a strong warm front approaches.

Dare I show it to you?

Here is the 24-h snowfall ending 4 PM on Wednesday.   More inches...and most of that falls in the lowlands in the morning...before temperature surges and it starts to rain.
SLUSHMAGEDDON.  A vision that should scare any mayor. And one I am sure will put a smile on the face of KING-TV's Jim Forman. If the warm/low goes farther south than forecast there could be much more snow.   Wednesday has the potential to be a very major snow event, but the uncertainty is still large....more tomorrow.

Cliff Mass is a renowned Climate Scientist based at the University of Washington. His predictions and outspoken style has brought a lively style to weather predictions in the Northwest.

Varied Thrush Sighting Near Paramount Park

2012-01-16T10:28:00.000-08:00

Steve Schneider, a professional photographer captured this very clear image of the Varied Thrush, in his yard just west of Paramount Park.

Varied Thrush feasting on sunflower seeds in backyard habitat
ph credit - Steve Schneider, Shoreline

Seattle Audubon has links to Bird Web and this description of the Varied Thrush.

Varied Thrush

Ixoreus naevius

Order: Passeriformes

Family: Turdidae

Status: Common resident west. Fairly common east.

General Description

Similar in size and shape to the American Robin but slighter in build, the Varied Thrush is a boldly patterned bird. In the male, the rust-colored belly and throat are interrupted by a black breast-band; the female has a lighter, grayish band. A similar band lines the face at the eye. A rust-colored stripe lines the head above the eye-band, and the crown is bluish gray, as are the back and tail. The wings are boldly patterned with slate, black, and rust. Female patterning is similar, but the back is brownish.

Habitat

The Varied Thrush is a bird of thick, damp, mossy coniferous forests. Although it prefers dense, wet, old-growth forests, it can be found in a variety of forest types, including mixed forests. During migration and in winter, it frequents ravines and thickets, especially near streams. In winter, it may also be found on lawns and road edges.

Behavior

The Varied Thrush is similar in behavior to the American Robin, but more elusive. Much of its foraging is done on the ground, usually in dense cover, although sometimes it forages on open lawns and roads. The Varied Thrush's song is a unique fuzzy, metallic whistle on different pitches.

Snowy Day at Paramount Park

2012-01-15T15:54:00.000-08:00

Winter reflections at Paramount Park's Upper Pond

Picture Postcard Views every way you look in Paramount Park on this Northwest Snow Day.
(All photos crdited tp Janet Way)

Memorial Bench with snow layer at Lower Pond

Paramount Park Natural Area has a myriad of moods. Today it was a veritable "Winter Wonderland" both for quiet contemplation and fun!

Cool sledding even with only 1" of snow in the meadow.

Logan's First Snow Ball - One year old
seems mystified by all this cold "white stuff".

Paramount Park offers natural wonders to photograph every day, but today it was mostly a Black & White album. Black and White is actually the most artistic medium anyway, in this photographers opinion.

Lower pond in simple B&W

Late Christmas Scene

Snow gives everything a distinctive outline and natures design is so easy to see and enjoy.

Vine Maple Grove near wetland entrance

Cedar bough design is highlighted

Birch, Cedar, Fir, Alder and Hemlock
are just a part of this Urban Forest Refuge

Paramount Park's wetland restoration has grown into a true nature preserve. Reflections are the extra bonus of a morning walk.

Hint of green "Duck Weed" shows life even
in winter here

Lower wetland has many "snags" and natural
elements built in. It's not "tidy" , but naturally
complex.
ph credit - Janet Way

There is no end to the variety of views in this jewel of the Shoreline Parks Department. Over the last two decades, Paramount Park Neighborhood Group has worked with countless volunteers to restore some of the integrity of this largest wetland in Shoreline.

Paramount Park was designated a Backyard Wildlife
Habitat in conjunction with the
Shoreline Community Backyard Wildlife Habitat Project.

Spectacular Sunset on Friday the 13th

2012-01-14T08:22:00.000-08:00

Yesterday evening, people stopped to stare in amazement at a stunning sunset, even as they were doing the business on a Friday the 13th.

Maybe it's a good omen for 2012?
"Red sky at night, Sailors Delight!"

Sunset seen from Ridgecrest Neighborhood
in Shoreline
ph - credit - Janet Way

Rare Seal Sighting

2012-01-13T09:22:00.000-08:00

Orca Network supporter Matthew Cleland sighted this rare "Ribbon Seal" a North Pacific species, on a dock in the Duwamish River.

It may look like a misplaced couch cushion, but it is actually considered a "species of concern" by the National Marine Fisheries. It is also a concern as to why this creature that normally frequents the far North Pacific and Arctic Ocean got to this spot? They are "one of nine species of seal that inhabit the Arctic".

Fun Fact from NMF site - While on ice, ribbon seals will run across using alternating front legs and swinging their hindquarters rather than using caterpillar movement like most seals.

Here's hoping this wayward creature finds it's way back home.

Ribbon Seal

(Histriophoca fasciata)

ph credit - Matthew Cleland

Matthew Cleland with APHIS submitted this photo of a ribbon seal, sighted on a dock in the Duwamish river yesterday, January 11th. NOAA Fisheries NW Region Marine Mammal Stranding Specialist Kristin Wilkinson asks that any sightings of this seal be reported to her at kristin.wilkinson@noaa.gov or 206-526-4747.

Ribbon seals inhabit the North Pacific Ocean, specifically the Bering and Okhotsk Seas, and parts of the Arctic Ocean, including the Chukchi, eastern Siberian, and western Beaufort Seas. NOAA lists them as a "Species of Concern" - more can be learned about their life history, habitat, distribution,threats, conservation efforts and regulatory review at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/pinnipeds/ribbonseal.htm.

Range of Ribbon Seals

credit - NMFS

Ribbon Seal in normal
Arctic habitat
cr - NMFS

Are We Shoreline or Innis Arden?

2012-01-11T21:58:00.000-08:00

"Friendly signage" warning pedestrians who
controls Bear Reserve

If Innis Arden has its way, we might as well all be living there, but without benefit of the view!

Some of 46 significant trees cut in Bear Reserve

46 Significant Trees being cut in IA's
Bear Reserve. Signage posted now
warns "the public" to stay out of Bear
Reserve.

Innis Arden is a "covenanted" community within Shoreline, with "restrictive easements". It was founded originally over 60 yrs ago on lands platted by William Boeing.

Right now, the Innis Arden Board is busy cutting a forested grove called Bear Reserve that generations have enjoyed as a community trail. Nearby residents and the City tried but failed last year to defend this grove of trees in an Environmentally Critical Area. The Innis Arden Board pursued a policy to cut these trees in order to benefit other residents "view corridor", and has aggressively pursued this "view policy" for decades.

Much of Innis Arden is devoid of large trees, but
a few remain. You can bet they are in some intrepid
home-owners yard who has stood firm to protect a
significant tree.

Many Innis Arden residents have been sued by the Innis Arden Board, and ordered to cut trees on their properties in order to please other residents. This policy enhances property values for the "view residents" but encumbers others with fines, liens, and destruction of their own landscaping.

Now, in an Orwellian twist, ironically, Shoreline City Council is considering a new ordinance to create a Tree Board. This is to allow Shoreline to become a "Tree City, USA". The current concept is to designate the Tree Board as a committee under the Parks Department and only consider the city's "public trees". This would mean all other trees would not be covered, and decisions about these public trees would be left to the Parks Department. THIS provision is being specifically inserted to benefit Innis Arden, in a blatantly political move which will satisfy a specific legal settlement.

So why is this a concern you ask?

It is a concern because nothing would be protecting the other trees other than some current codes (which are also up for change at the Planning Commission), and those under Parks control would be under new rules, where only trees on a specific list of street trees (which are only deciduous, that is trees which lose leaves, not "evergreens") would be "permitted" as street trees. So now all trees not on the list, including "conifers" could be easily cut down with a permit.

And this is what the Innis Arden Board has wanted all along. To be able to cut any tree that has the audacity to grow tall and is in the way of someone's million dollar view.

Conifer within the Right of Way

But what would be the impact of losing those conifers? It turns out that there are many, many conifers in the "right of way" or ROW now in Innis Arden and elsewhere in the City. Estimates based on city surveys indicate 40 - 50% of the Right of Way trees are likely conifers. Losing them could have a serious environmental impact to the community as a whole. All of those trees now provide huge benefits, not the least of which is stormwater attenuation, water quality and air quality.

The Innis Arden "Reserves" are open space areas, platted in the original design of Innis Arden to be trails and respite from the hub-bub of modern life. They are mostly in ravines with native growth, and often have steep slopes and "Critical Areas" with stream corridors. They have interesting names such as "Grouse" and "Heron" and "Bear" named after previous inhabitants. But they are not open to the public.

Lower Bear Reserve with newer native growth and
snags visible from previous cuts

Some members of Innis Arden have complained bitterly at Council meetings about concerns on stormwater impacting the downstream areas of Innis Arden and imploring the City Public Works to spend dollars on infrastructure upstream to stop the runoff. But, at the same time, the Board spends year after year pursuing tree cutting policies, even in their "Reserves" and filing lawsuits against citizens and the City to achieve its tree cutting goals.

It seems like a strange way to conduct business and a strange way to be a neighbor. And a strange way to ask the City to spend its resources.

Shoreline's trees are an incredibly valuable asset for all of its citizens providing "services" of at least $1.8 million. A moderate estimate would put replacement value for our trees at least at $180 million for the services they provide. Most people in Shoreline value them highly and would like to find reasonable ways to protect and enhance our urban forest infrastucture.

You can comment on this matter by contacting the Shoreline City Council before Jan 23rd.

It also makes one wonder what will be the outcome of this latest tree battle. Will Shoreline be forced to live by Innis Arden Board's rules or will Innis Arden be governed as a part of the City of Shoreline?

Rep Ryu Calls for Patient Safety

2012-01-10T09:14:00.000-08:00

Ryu calls for annual Patient Safety Day observance

OLYMPIA—In an effort to highlight awareness of medical errors and health-care caused infections that kill nearly 100,000 Americans annually, state Rep. Cindy Ryu (D-Shoreline) wants to establish an annual Patient Safety Day in Washington.

The annual celebration would coincide with World Patient Safety Day, which has been celebrated each July 25 since 2001.

“We could save thousands of lives and countless dollars by reducing deaths and injuries from medical errors and infections,” said Ryu. “The key is to heighten awareness of preventable threats that are killing and maiming patients.”

Rep. Cindy Ryu: http://www.housedemocrats.wa.gov/roster/rep-cindy-ryu/

World Patient Safety Day: http://www.patientsafetyday.com/

Consumers Union Safe Patient Project: http://safepatientproject.org/

New U.S. study on Medicare errors: http://oig.hhs.gov/oei/reports/oei-06-09-00091.asp

According to Ryu, many hospitals, doctors and nurses are already working to create a culture of patient safety to reduce mortality and suffering from medical errors, but much work remains to be done.

A new study released Jan. 5 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that just 14 percent of the medical errors that harm Medicare patients are being reported by hospital staffs. Reporting rates were even lower for errors that led to permanent disability or death.

“The new study of medical errors in the Medicare system is an alarm bell we need to hear,” said Ryu.

Patient Safety Day is not new to Washington. Ryu was instrumental in persuading Gov. Chris Gregoire to issue a proclamation honoring the observance in 2011.

Ryu’s House Bill 2225 would ensure that Washington honors Patient Safety Day every year on July 25, “in memory of patients who have suffered from preventable medical errors, to honor all people who strive to improve medical safety, and to raise the awareness of the paramount importance of patient safety.”

Stump Grinding Sequoias

2012-01-09T09:47:00.000-08:00

Update on Sequoias at Shorecrest:

Sequoia stump being reduced to sawdust.

Workers at Shorecrest remodelling site, who had cut four Giant Seqouias a week ago were observed "stump grinding" what's left of those trees. The trees were nearly 50 years old. They were located adjacent to the tennis courts, but SSD removed them in a permitted action by the City a week ago.
Many residents were very upset to see these trees removed.

Cross sections of the largest stump show the
age of these Sequoias

Are they trying to get rid of all evidence? Or maybe just advance their plan for expanding the access driveway which seems to be a high priority for Shoreline School District in the remodeling plans?

We will continue to monitor the actions of the Shoreline School District with regard to trees, the environment, revenue and otherwise.

It's too bad that the SSD can't just concentrate on educating our kids, and avoid getting into these controversies. Maybe if they'd just treat the public and neighborhoods with more respect for their intelligence, they could avoid these problems.

Tonite (1/9), at the Shoreline City Council meeting, 7pm, the proposed "Tree Board" will be discussed. These trees are just one more example of why Shoreline needs a more effective tree policy and Comprehensive Urban Forestry Plan.

What's left of the largest Sequoia stump that was
over 44" in diameter

Sharp-shinned Hawk in Hillwood - Update

2012-01-08T16:35:00.000-08:00

(Update: Some questions have been raised as to whether this might actually be a juvenile Coopers Hawk, which are very similar though slightly larger typically than the "Sharpies". We will try to confirm further and get back to you.)

Hillwood residents, David Matthews and Wendy Zieve captured this shot of a
"Sharp-shinned Hawk" today in Shoreline's Hillwood neighborhood.

Sharp- Shinned Hawk
ph credit - David Matthews

The hawk seemed very interested in some bugs located near their backyard pool. The Matthews/Zieve family live near CRISTA campus which has large sections of forested terrain.

Seattle Audubon's site has useful information about all our local birds -

Sharp-shinned Hawk or Accipiter striatus

Order: Falconiformes

Family: Accipitridae

Status: Fairly common winter. Uncommon breeder.

General Description

The Sharp-shinned Hawk is the smallest of the three North American accipiters. The female is larger than the male. Adults have solid gray upperparts and barred, reddish-brown underparts. Their long, square tails have gray and black bars with very narrow, white tips. Their eyes are red. Immature birds are brown above with diffuse brown streaking below; they have yellow eyes. Sharp-shinned Hawks have short, rounded wings that are set slightly more forward on their bodies than those of the larger, but similar-looking, Cooper's Hawk. Their heads are also relatively smaller and their gray caps less distinct than the Cooper's. The white tip of the tail of the Cooper's Hawk is usually wider than that of Sharp-shinned Hawk, especially in the fall. All of these differences are subtle, making it quite difficult to distinguish a male Cooper's Hawk from a female Sharp-shinned Hawk.

Rep Cindy Ryu's Video "Reaching for the American Dream" on White House Top 20 List

2012-01-06T12:45:00.000-08:00

Cindy Ryu, State Rep and former Mayor of Shoreline was the subject of a video, produced by WA House of Representative photographers and videographers, about her journey as an immigrant who pursued and achieved the American Dream.

She submitted it to the White House, which requested Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders stories.

Rep Ryu is Korean-American and has achieved a great deal in her life. She in a UW graduate with and MBA, lives in Shoreline with her husband, raised three children here and was elected by the Council the first Korean-American Woman Mayor in the United States in 2007. She serves the 32nd District as State Rep, elected in 2010.

Now her video has been selected by the White House as one of it's featured top 20 videos.

Rep. Cindy Ryu’s “Reaching for the American Dream” video makes White House top 20.

Jan. 6, 2012

OLYMPIA—When the White House asked Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to tell their stories in a nationwide video challenge, state Rep. Cindy Ryu (D-Shoreline) wanted to share her experiences as a Korean-American who is pursuing the American dream and working as a state lawmaker to help others achieve their dreams.

The White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders recently announced that Ryu’s “Reaching for the American Dream” video has been selected as one of only 20 semi-finalists in the national “What’s your story?” challenge, which gathered hundreds of videos from across the United States.

“I am deeply honored to be a semi-finalist in the White House challenge,” said Ryu. “My experiences in Shoreline and the 32^ndLegislative District show that America is still the land of opportunity. I think it is important for people, especially young people, to appreciate the blessings we enjoy as Americans, because we must all work together to preserve the American dream for future generations.”

The three-minute video notes that when Ryu was elected mayor of Shoreline she became the first Korean-American woman to be elected mayor of a city in the United States. She is also the first Korean-American woman to serve in the Washington State Legislature.

Ryu arrived in the United States on Christmas Eve, 1969.

“Coming to America was the best Christmas present my dad and my mom ever gave us,” Ryu says in a speech to the House of Representatives which is quoted in the video.

A group of judges will review the top 20 videos and select 10 that will appear on the White House web site. The public will then be invited to vote for their favorite videos, and the top winners of that voting will be invited to share their stories in person at the White House.

For interviews:

Rep. Cindy Ryu, (360) 786-7880

On the web:

Rep. Cindy Ryu’s video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yH7YJyNDEg

Rep. Cindy Ryu web page: http://www.housedemocrats.wa.gov/roster/rep-cindy-ryu/

“What’s your story?” challenge page: http://www.whitehouse.gov/webform/whatsyourstory

Let's Hear It 4 Advocates 4Culture!

2012-01-05T15:42:00.000-08:00

"Advocates" are Celebrated Today in 4Culture's Blog Post

4Culture is a PDA (Public Development Authority) and Cultural Organization that partners with King County and area cities to assist in promotion of cultural, arts and heritage efforts.

Chandelier and ceiling of Paramount Theater with
extra "starlight" added for the celebration

Last spring, 4Culture supporters celebrated a great win, when the legislature passed the funding to keep the organization and all of its partners in business. This is important, because our cultural and heritage goes hand in hand with the vibrancy of our local communities and their economies. The celebration was held at the historic and ornate Paramount Theater in Seattle. Hundreds of supporters showed up and were each given a white rose.
http://blog.4culture.org/2012/01/letter-from-the-director-person-of-the-year/

As is its custom, Time magazine’s final issue of the year names its Person of the Year. This year: “The Protester.”

That got me to thinking. What if 4Culture started an annual tradition deeming an artist or a historian (and I admit this is a bit clunky) “The Cultural Worker of the Year” in King County? Who would it be? Would it even be possible to honor a single individual from the thousands of cultural workers in King County? They are painters and sculptors, dancers and choreographers, musicians and composers, actors, directors, writers, curators, volunteers. They are preservationists, historians, museum directors, administrators and critics. All dedicated to the simple proposition that culture matters to people, neighborhoods, cities and beyond.

With that preface and taking my cue from Time, I will now boldly name “The Cultural Worker of 2011.”

The Advocate.

Something magical happened in 2011. The cultural community raised its collective voice to achieve a legislative victory in Olympia that many thought impossible. Literally hundreds of advocates decided to take action, emailed their legislators, attended hearings and Town Hall meetings, left messages with aides and staff asking the legislature to support arts and culture. With a stunning determination, the Advocates were relentless, increasing the volume as the session wound down. They organized themselves with impressive strength. And they won. They learned their voices do matter.

But their work is not done.

If they choose to remain active, secure in the notion that they have a collective power to affect change, there are many battles to be fought in the future.

The state arts commission will be fighting for its life in the next few years. Budget deficits and a reluctance to implement new taxes mean additional state services will be reduced or cut. Will Washington follow the path of Kansas?

Building for the Arts and Heritage Capital programs, by far the largest public commitment to cultural support made by the State of Washington throughout the past two decades, was reduced by tens of millions of dollars last year, with devastating impact to the organizations and communities who would have benefitted from jobs those cultural facilities would generate.

The City of Seattle has an ordinance directing 75% of admission taxes to the Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs. In the past two years, the city’s adopted budget directed that some of these funds go to the Parks Department for art programs in the parks that were previously funded out of the Parks budget.

There may be bills introduced in Olympia to eliminate the state Percent for Arts Program (again) and/or remove the property tax exemption currently in place for non-profits who own or rent real estate.

Many of the suburban city arts commissions are seeing staff reductions and funding cuts, eliminating local festivals and free performances in parks.

Advocacy on behalf of the things you believe in never ends.

Jim Kelly

P.S. Advocates looking for causes in 2012 are invited to turn to the Washington State Arts Alliance website for more info about the issues, and/or attend Arts and Heritage Day in Olympia on February 1st.

Thornton Creek at Beaver Pond Natural Area Will Get Facelift

2012-01-04T12:22:00.000-08:00

Next Wednesday, Jan 11th, Seattle Parks Department is hosting a public workshop to shape the future of the newly renamed Beaver Pond Natural Area.

Wooducks and Hooded Merganzer
are just two of the many birds and wildlife
that call Beaver Pond Park home.
ph credit - Don MacCall

Just across the street from Northgate Mall and Thornton Place, Beaver Pond Natural Area, was formerly known as Thornton Creek Park Six. The park stretches in contiguous parcels from NE 103rd and Fifth Ave NE north across Eighth NE to NE 107th and Roosevelt. It is a unique natural area in North Seattle, because it contains so many different types of terrain, flora and fauna. Beavers have transformed a section of the park into an amazing wildlife refuge.

Thornton Creek Alliance (TCA) is partnering with Seattle Parks and Rec with a $500K Opportunity Fund grant to reshape the park and improve the route of the creek.

Ruth Williams is a Park Steward, TCA Vice-president
and is and enthusiastic Tree Ambassador

The community is invited to participate in the planning meeting for the restoration project on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 from 7 – 9 p.m. at Northgate Community Center . Northgate Community Center is located at 10510 5^th Ave NE.

For additional information about the project, please visit http://seattle.gov/parks/projects/thornton_creek/naturalize_northgate.htm or contact Emily Lofstedt, Parks Planner, at 206-684-7047 or emily.lofstedt@seattle.gov.

Great Blue Heron is a frequent visitor at
Beaver Pond Park.
ph credit - Bob Barta

The beavers are active all the time engineering their habitat.
ph-credit- Janet Way

The Park is a fascinating place because it provides a close in opportunity, in a major urban center (Northgate Urban Center) to view a wide variety of wildlife including; cutthroat trout, waterfowl such as the wooducks and heron, songbirds, raccoons and of course the beavers. They are often the most elusive though, but you can easily see the results of their work.

Thornton Creek beaver comes out at night to search
for trees and branches for their dams and lodges.
ph credit - Don MacCall

There are many topics to be considered in the workshop including re-routing the creek so it is less impacted by the street grid. The parks southern section abuts NE 105th and crosses to the northern section under Eighth Ave NE. The TCA proposal and future investments aim to install a "box culvert" and other proposals from neighbors include possibly closing 105th to cars, since it is very narrow and hosts a huge drainage pipe leading from Norhtgate Mall.

This type of pruning is considered bad for trees since it leaves them
open to infection.

Another important topic will be vandalism, vagrancy and petty crime which is considered a problem by neighbors. Park stewards and many neighbors were appalled a couple weeks ago, when a neighbor took a vigilante action and permanently damaged a huge section of the southern section, by "limbing up" dozens of conifers and slashing the understory which had been previously planted in grant projects. Presumably, this individual thought it would decrease crime and vagrancy to increase "sightlines" in the area. Seattle Parks is investigating the incident and hopefully will send a strong message that this type of individual effort is not good policy.

Trees along the creek were damaged irreparably by
vigilante actions recently.

But the park offers so many unique benefits for passive recreation and excellent and refreshing natural

interactions, that Beaver Pond Natural Area is a spectacular resource that has survived urbanization.

Looking East, the creek begins it's plunge toward Roosevelt
and downstream towards Lake Washington

"Goofy Racoons"
at Beaver Pond Natural Area
ph credit - Don MacCall

View of Beaver Pond from NE 106th.
ph credit - Janet Way

Citizens are invited to give their input to Seattle Parks at the upcoming meeting. Stop by the park and explore its amazing diversity soon!

KC Councilmember Bob Ferguson Supports "Marriage Equality"

2012-01-04T10:19:00.000-08:00

KC Councilmember and AG Candidate Bob Ferguson announces this morning, he will support the Marriage Equality efforts being supported today by Governor Gregoire.

KC Councilmember Bob Ferguson talking to
supporter

In an email announcement from his campaign he states:

On Monday, the King County Council will vote on whether to support efforts to make gay marriage legal in Washington State. Both my opponent and I will have to choose a side on this important issue.
But I don’t need to wait for the vote to tell you that I support marriage equality.
I supported gay marriage during my first campaign for office in 2003, and I will vote to support it again on Monday. To me, marriage equality is the defining civil rights issue of our time. Any State that denies a committed couple the freedom to marry stands on the wrong side of history.
When marriage equality becomes law in Washington State, the Attorney General will defend it in the courts.

http://electbobferguson.com/index.php

Publicola has the story this morning -

Governor Gregoire is making an announcement this morning, coming out in support of the Marriage Equality proposals to be before the legislature this session.

Update: Sequoias Removal at Shorecrest Was Permitted by City

2012-01-04T09:10:00.000-08:00

A preliminary inquiry to the City of Shoreline has revealed that the cutting of four huge Sequoia trees last Thursday, was a permitted action by the Shoreline School District.

Charlie Brown reviews the damage.
He measured this tree stump which was
44" in diameter at the cut.

The SSD, Shorecrest site plan had been revised from the original version shown to the public. Originally, ALL of the Sequoias were scheduled to be preserved. But the District's final site plan which was approved and permitted called for the four removals, because an expanded space for access, parking and tennis courts was requested. The plans apparently meets the 20% tree retention requirement. However and inspection of the site plan shows that the landscape designer mis-labelled the trees as "Cedars".

This points up the very inadequate tree ordinance in existence in the code.

Also, the Shoreline/LFP PATCH Blog carried our original story AND yesterday a response from SSD public information officer Craig Degginger's response. There was also a vigorous series of comments following it. Folks can still add their comments as the discussion moves forward.

http://shoreline.patch.com/articles/sequoias-cut-at-shorecrest-school-district-responds

Many Shoreline area citizens are watching this situation closely and looking at options for responding and improving our tree codes.

Stay tuned!

Skagit River Eagles Are a World Famous Attraction

2012-01-02T21:52:00.000-08:00

The incredible migration and habitation by the Bald Eagles on the Upper Skagit River is a remarkable tourist attraction.

The eagles are attracted to the area each year by the migration of the salmon. It is very easy to spot the huge birds throughout the area as they feast on salmon.

Seattle arborist and wildlife enthusiast Michael Oxman captured this image there today.

Bald Eagle on Skagit River banks
ph credit - Michael Oxman

It's wonderful to see the eagles have made a comeback from near extinction. It's a sight that inspires hope for this new year and for all the creatures that need some help to get back to a healthy number.

Four Huge Sequoias Cut at Shorecrest HS

2012-01-02T09:52:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday, neighbors were shocked to see four enormous Giant Sequoia trees being cut next to the existing Tennis Courts at the northern edge of the Shorecrest Campus.

Four stumps are left after Sequoias
were cut at Shorecrest HS. The remaining five are in backround.

The school is in the early stages of its remodeling project, but the site plan for the Shorecrest remodel does not show any construction being planned for that section of the campus.

The four Giant Sequoias were nearly half of a long row of the conifers which had bordered the tennis courts at the top of the hill at the northern edge of the campus. They appeared to have been the largest of the total 9 trees which had graced this hillside. One had an over 3ft diameter.

Neighborhood forest steward Charlie Brown views
the huge stump left at the scene.

It is very unclear why these trees were cut since the area next to the Theater and Tennis Courts is not shown in the Shoreline School District Site Plans for Shorecrest. Both of the Shoreline HS are being remodeled after voters approved the Bonds in 2006 and 2010. It was not possible to contact the district of course over the holiday weekend.

There are five sequoias remaining at the crest of the hill where the tennis courts are located. The fencing on one side of the tennis courts has been removed and it appears they are slated for a parking purpose.

If citizens would like to ask the school board why these trees were cut, the School Board members can be contacted here.

Neighbors did call the City of Shoreline CRT (Customer Response Team), and were told that information would be sought on why the trees were cut. The SSD did receive permits of course from the City to proceed with their projects. We are not sure whether the cutting of these trees was included in this permit. Further inquiries will be made when City and SSD offices are open Tuesday.

Shoreline City Council can be contacted through the City website.
At the City council meeting, Jan 9th, the Council is scheduled to discuss the upcoming proposal to create a "tree board" to institute the "Tree City USA" designation. The Council has discussed putting a stronger tree ordinance in place but last year opted to leave only "voluntary" measures in place with regard to attempts to increase the Urban Forest Canopy goals.

Questions about this incident can be directed to the City of Shoreline Customer Response Team which can be contacted here.

Five remaining Sequoia Trees on Shorecrest Campus

The loss of these huge trees seems like an incredible waste and needless given that the site plans for the school remodel show no building will take place there. These trees appeared to have been at least 40 years old. Conifers like these Sequoias, provide numerous well documented benefits and services to the community including but not limited to, shade, air and water quality, carbon sequestration and of course beauty. Sequoias are native to California but do grow in the northwest successfully. The Giant Sequoias
(Sequoiadendrons) located in California are considered to be the largest living things on earth.

Of Paramount Importance Two Year Anniversary

2012-01-01T20:14:00.000-08:00

Thanks and Happy New Year to all who follow or check in to read our blog for local, environmental and public policy news and commentary.

Lower Pond at Paramount Park, Shoreline

We've enjoyed covering all manner of subjects and hope you will continue to visit us and also bring suggestions and content. We welcome your input and ideas. Please continue to send us announcements, news items, commentary and images of our local scene. We especially appreciate nature and wildlife photos.

Best Wishes for a great 2012!

Janet

Eagle's Perch

2011-12-31T19:02:00.000-08:00

The Greenlake Bald Eagle perches atop Duck Island in golden light.
Good way to spot fish or trouble.

Bald Eagle keeps watch over Duck Island at Seattle's
Greenlake Park

Wild Weather, Spectacular Skies at Greenlake and North End

2011-12-30T20:03:00.000-08:00

Varieties of weather today made for some amazing sights today in the "north end".

Greenlake did not disappoint today. A fabulous rainbow entertained hundreds of walkers and shutterbugs.

Could this be a good omen of good tidings for the upcoming New Year? We all need some hope!

A fabulous "Double-rainbow" was electrifying entertainment today
at Greenlake. Every color was visible in the "Rainbow Color Order",
even violet.

The sun broke through the clouds and lit up the lake.

Afternoon sunbreak lights up Duck Island and shoreline

But that wasn't all.......

After a short shopping trip in my neighborhood QFC grocery, I was greeted with another spectacular sky.

As if on fire!

A beautiful sight can appear anywhere.

But then, we were treated to a hail storm! What's next Seattle, Unicorns?

Popcorn snow on my front porch.

Cool Spider Photographed at Kubota Gardens

2011-12-27T12:00:00.000-08:00

This spider is fascinating from this angle. She looks scary from this close, but she's more scary to other bugs who fly by.

Unknown spider seen at Kubota
ph credit - Michael Oxman

If you know the name of this one, let us know and we will add to the post.

According to the "Abstract" of: An Annotated Checklist of the Spiders of Washington by Rodney L. Crawford
http://www.tardigrade.org/natives/crawford/index.html
from the Burke Museum

A checklist is presented of 760 spider species currently known from Washington State; 393 are first verifiable records from Washington, 14 are first records from the United States, and 4 are first records from North America.

The Burke Museum has an extensive collection of spiders and other insects. It is located at the University of WA campus and is a great place to visit during this holiday week with the family.

Two Ducks Wish You a Happy Holiday

2011-12-26T09:23:00.000-08:00

Hope you and yours are having a lovely holiday season!

Two Ducks at Beaver Pond Natural Area
Ph Credit - Bob Barta
Seattle

These pair of mallards were seen by former Shoreline resident Bob Barta at Beaver Pond Natural Area in Northgate neighborhood. This is the park formerly known as Thornton Creek Park #6 at 8th NE between NE 105-104th Sts. A beaver clan has transformed this park into an amazing urban wildlife refuge.

It's a great place to do some bird and wildlife watching during this holiday season.

Bob and Ingrid Barta now live at Alijoya Senior housing at Thornton Place and enjoy visiting the park frequently. Thornton Creek is the largest watershed in Shoreline and Seattle. Beaver Pond NA is located near the headwaters of the South Branch of Thornton Creek.

Happy Holdiays everyone!

Bags: Darn, Forgot to Bring Mine!

2011-12-22T19:41:00.000-08:00

So, the conundrum is:

Single use bags?
Ban them?
Bag Fee?
Paper bags?

Reuseable bags?
• Remember to bring?
• Forgot mine?
• Always have one?

Answer - the Chico Bag

Holiday promotion page from Chico Bag site
(no - I do not work for Chico Bag)

As many readers may know, banning "single-use bags" is the latest trend. Seattle City Council just voted to ban them UNANIMOUSLY. Edmonds, Mukilteo and Bellingham have also banned them.

We've all seen photos or heard the stories about innocent wildlife dying or seriously threatened by the "single use plastic bags" which are so numerous they are almost uncountable.

People for Puget Sound and many other groups have championed the ban passed in Seattle and other local cities.

Well, many of us face the problem of getting to the store check out or hopping out of our vehicle and
"Doh! Forgot my bag, DARN!"

I have many, many (dozens) of beautiful reusable bags, in my broom closet and all over my office and full of books and papers. It seems like you pick one up every time you attend a public meeting! For FREE!

My broom closet FULL of beautiful, reusable bags!

But fortunately, at one of these wonderful meetings, I was given a freehttp://www.chicobag.com/ Chico-Bag! And now I'm "hooked" (literally). I even bought one when I saw it for sale. I always have it hooked to my purse.

So, I always have it with me, and virtually never have to resort to a single use plastic bag. (I know I'm not that virtuous, but this really works!!!) Try one! They are cheap, handy, durable, hold a lot of groceries, and small when curled up in their little pouch. And they are CUTE!

So now Shoreline - How about it? A few years ago, several of us on the City Council suggested trying it. We were told by staff, we should wait till Seattle does it so as not to penalize our small businesses. So NOW Seattle, Edmonds, Mukilteo, and Bellingham have done it.

Yesterday, Shoreline/LFP PATCH Blog did an informal poll. Banning the bags is now at 57%. Granted it's not a scientific poll, but there does seem to be support for the idea.

http://shoreline.patch.com/articles/should-shoreline-ban-plastic-bags

Here is the recent press release on the "Bag Ban" passed by Seattle City Council from

People for Puget Sound

Environmental Groups Applaud Seattle City Council for their Leadership on Bags

Bag ordinance passes: plastic bag ban, 5 cents on paper bags. goes into effect 7/1/12

Seattle. The Seattle City Council today unanimously passed the Seattle Bag Ordinance (Council Bill 11734). This vote was applauded by the coalition of environmental groups – Environment Washington, Surfrider Foundation, People For Puget Sound, Sierra Club, Zero Waste Seattle, and others – who have been working to develop grassroots support for the ordinance.

Special praise goes to Council Member Mike O’Brien for his leadership on the bag ordinance and the phone book opt-out ordinance last year.

“This ordinance to ban plastic bags is part of a larger Zero Waste initiative that also includes a ban on styrofoam, citywide residential organics composting, and providing our residents and businesses with a chance to stop unwanted yellow pages deliveries. These are all concrete steps towards reducing unnecessary waste in Seattle,” said O’Brien. “We are saving the city money and we are reducing impacts on the environment. Building towards our waste reduction goals are also a key part of our overall efforts to be a carbon neutral city by 2050.”

The Bag Ordinance passed by Seattle City Council bans thin single-use plastic bags at checkout stands. The ordinance includes a pass through fee of 5 cents for paper bags. .

The Seattle bag ordinance has the same requirements as the Bellingham ordinance passed in July. Edmonds and Mukilteo have banned plastic bags and did not include a 4 cent carry-through fee.

Good News on Forest Preservation at North Creek

2011-12-17T19:13:00.000-08:00

A 35 Acre stretch of Urban Forest next to I-5 in Bothell is now preserved!

Brian Zemp (Boy Scouts); Joy Johnston, Bothell Public Information Officer; Jim Freese, Friends of North Creek Forest

A non-profit organization, which formed to preserve the unique chunk of forest, wedged between a suburban neighborhood and I-405, has succeeded in a remarkable preservation success. This is an outstanding accomplishment for a local non-profit. It was overall a ten-year effort.

With efforts by individuals, families, and other partners, the group preserved this unique forested area that hosts North Creek, an important salmon stream to prevent development that could have consume this property.

The effort sets a great example for other cities in the region for preserving precious open space.

Congratulations to Bothell and Friends of North Creek!

Friends of North Creek is celebrating an early Christmas.

The Seattle Times covers the story -
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2017026406_bothellwoods16m.html

Friends of North Creek has a blog with the full story and the account from the last few years of their efforts.

"Merry Christmas Bothell"

We are grateful to announce Bothell now owns 35 acres of North Creek Forest. The deal was completed at 2:00 PM today. Please see Bothell's press release HERE.

This phase of conservation started 10 years ago when a group called Help Our Woods sought to save the forest. Many of Friends founding members were associated with HOW. They raised the funding for wildlife and wetland studies that have been very important for getting the first King County Conservation Futures grant 2 years ago. Matching funds for that grant could not be sustained with the recession.

In 2010 one family (Robinson) purchased 6 acres in the center of the forest. That energized many of us. A gift of $3000 from one of our members enabled us to hire Woody Wheeler, a conservation consultant (see Conservation Catalyst). After several meetings we decided to pursue a new direction and strategy. Friends of North Creek Forest grew out of HOW and had it's first official meeting on February 23, 2011.

In two months we assembled our promotional materials, web site and other infrastructure, obtained key endorsements and applied for a Snohomish County Futures grant. We only had 5 days between learning of the grant and the deadline for application. We worked hard on it, pausing only to ask the Bothell City Council for permission to make the application. By the end of April we won $200,000. The forest also attracted the attention of Representative Derek Stanford and six days after winning the Snohomish grant we won another $200,000 for the Department of Commerce.

Mysterious Big Red Duck

2011-12-15T20:21:00.000-08:00

A gigantic red duck has arrived on Greenlake's Duck Island

Mysterious Red Duck nesting on Duck Island

It is unknown how or why or what species. All the other ducks seem to be ignoring it, and so are the humans.

All the other ducks are heading the other direction?

Please advise.

Forrest Sargent, Fircrest Resident New Photography Show

2011-12-14T14:40:00.000-08:00

A Fircrest School resident, Forrest Sargent is celebrating the season with a new photography show at a Bellevue Gallery.

Forrest Sargent

Forrest has Autism, but has made great progress while living at Fircrest and is able to express himself through his photography.

The show is titled "The Light Within".

Forrest Sargent's Art Photography is on display at Stargazers. You can meet
this amazing soul on Sunday, December 18th from 12-2pm and stop in anytime
to see his transformational art. (Through Winter)

(In Bellevue, WA)

http://www.stargazersbooks.com/class1.php?ClassID=12182011

Parakeets Are Back in Mapleleaf!

2011-12-14T14:23:00.000-08:00

From Maple Leaf Life Blog -

Scarlet-fronted parakeets
(Aratinga wagleri)Scarlet-fronted parakeets, courtesy Dennis Paulson

Lynda emails that Maple Leaf’s resident Scarlet-fronted parakeets returned on Monday.
“I heard and then saw three of our Scarlet-fronted parakeets flying over my yard at 12th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 90th Street about 9:30 this morning.
“Why any bird would want to migrate for the winter to the north and higher elevation (from Seward Park) I don’t know, but I’m glad they still are around to do it.”

The parakeets, while a semi-tropical species, seem to find the habitat in Seattle's Maple Leaf neighborhood good habitat. Apparently, they've also frequented the Seward Park area.

The "Waldo Woods" on 15th NE has been noted even in Wikipedia as habitat for the "parrots".
Local birders Simone Lupson-Cook, a birder and Maple Leaf resident and Dennis Paulson with Seattle Audubon have confirmed these sightings.

Solar Installations in the Last Quarter Now Surpass 2009 Levels

2011-12-14T11:51:00.000-08:00

So why not celebrate?

An article titled

"Record US Solar Quarter at 449 MW Installed"

A great Q4 is expected as well, but uncertainty looms. "Greentech solar" states -

A record-setting third quarter is in the books, with the U.S. installing 449 megawatts of PV, more than the U.S. installed in all of 2009. The total solar installed this year in the U.S. is already over one gigawatt, according to a recent report by SEIA® and GTM Research. The 2010 U.S. total was 887 megawatts.

But, there is still a worry about the upcoming threat to investment in Solar from the federal government.

http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/record-solar-quarter-for-u.s.-at-449-mw-installed/

Well, in addition to the good news from the SEIA and GTM Research, the report cautions that "the U.S. solar market faces substantial market uncertainty with financing and political risks, including the looming expiration of Section 1603 Treasury Program."

But, in general it sure sounds like a hopeful sign to have such a significant increase in solar installations.
Right?

Today's Sunrise at Paramount Park

2011-12-13T12:39:00.000-08:00

A Paramount Sunrise! Rise and Shine!

Sunrise over Paramount Park Natural Area
December 13, 2011

Sometimes it pays to wake up and look out the window!

Greenlake - A December Afternoon Walk

2011-12-13T12:04:00.000-08:00

At Greenlake in Seattle, people can enjoy a vigorous walk, run, stroll, bike or skate. According to some stats, it is possibly the most widely used park in the state.

Walking south towards the bathouse. Winter sunshine is
a joy!

On a near winter's sunny day, it is just a beautiful place to enjoy. People of all ages and many kinds of birds are out, even on a cold Monday afternoon.

Bright and almost blinding sunshine make it a
happy habitat for some Hooded Merganzers.

Historically, Greenlake was created in the early part of the 19th century. It was also the site of an Inter-Urban Trolley stop.

Vintage, hand colored postcard labeled Greenlake.
photographer unknown

The boat rental/fishing dock at Greenlake make a lovely destination even on a winter day.

Famous fishing dock at NE side of Greenlake

Fishing Dock is a familiar desitnation

On a beautiful day, the just over 3 mi walk is envigorating and satisfying on so many levels. It is a popular exersize destination for thousands of users weekly.

Hooded Merganser makes her way across the cold waters, as
seen from the East side near pool

Last sunny rays creep over the hillside near West parking area.

A guaranteed way to lift your spirits and get some moderate excersize is a brisk walk around Greenlake.

Recommend another local blog called My Greenlake for more news, history and images about that neighborhood.

Melinda Wellsandt Glass Artist - House Show, A Beautiful Way to Show Your Work

2011-12-09T11:22:00.000-08:00

Glass Artist, Melinda Wellsandt is holding another House Gallery Show this Sunday, 12/11.

Melinda Wellsandt in her home based gallery

Melinda's show is a spectacular array of glass art. Her holiday show is based in her home in a Colombia City neighborhood.

Home-based art or craft shows are a great way for artists to host sales and keep the costs down.

Mary-Melinda Wellsandt

4305 South Ferdinand

Seattle, WA 98118

206.725.3582

It's an old gray farmhouse sitting high on the SE corner of 43rd and S. Ferdinand Street.

Melinda uses a unique techniques of decoration of her glass ware, which involves glass etching, sandblasting and meticulous hand painting.

This is a reminder that the last day of my holiday shows is this Sunday, Dec. 11th, from 10 am until 3 pm. Last week I had shoulder-to-shoulder shoppers around the bargain areas, and people went home after sipping, nibbling, and visiting with bags of lovely things. THIS Sunday there will be even lower prices on most of the pieces so even if you came last Sunday you may want to swing by again... just sayin'!

It's worth a trip to Colombia City, (a beautiful, historic neighborhood in South Seattle) to support a local artisan and find unique gifts for your holiday list.

It's also a great example of a time tested sales technique for home-based artists. Open up your home artists, and hold a sale!