A Walk to 5 Acre Woods - learn about community efforts to create a new park in Lake Forest Park

The Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation (LFPSF) and its group of volunteers and friends supporting the efforts of the project 5 Acre Woods invites the community to join them for “A Walk to 5 Acre Woods Event” at 10:30am on Saturday, March 4, 2017.

As the population of Puget Sound continues to grow, many urban forests are disappearing due to increased development pressure.

Deep within the heart of Lake Forest Park lies a rare opportunity to save one of the last remnants of mature second growth forest.

In 1975, Seattle Public Utilities purchased 5.6 acres located on 40th Place NE with the intent to build a water reservoir. An alternate site was eventually chosen for the reservoir and now the City of Seattle will sell the property.

Because of this the City of Lake Forest Park has a chance to purchase the largest remaining undisturbed second growth forest within its borders.

The site includes steep slopes, a stream and critical areas and their buffers which cover approximately 90% of the property. The forest is home to over 800 trees, mostly native, with dense stands of Douglas Fir, Big-Leaf Maple, Western Red Cedar, Spruce and Pacific Madrone. They provide high carbon sequestration, and flood mitigation for Lyon Creek.

The site has become an important wildlife corridor and deer, coyotes, raccoons, fox, mountain beavers, along with over 20 bird species have been spotted there.

The Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation (LFPSF), a community based nonprofit group, would like to preserve the parcel as wildlife habitat, develop the open space for low impact passive recreation, and create an area for active recreation as a playground.

LFPSF was successful in shepherding a grant application to King County Conservation Futures, and $250,000 has been awarded to the city for acquisition of this land, if matching funds are obtained.

A second grant application to King County Conservation Futures is due March 8th and it is likely that further funds can be allocated. LFPSF is committed to assisting the city of Lake Forest Park with additional grant applications and a capital fundraising campaign for matching funds to purchase the property.

LFPSF has a successful track record of purchasing land for public green space as they were instrumental in the acquisition of the Grace Cole Nature Park for the city of Lake Forest Park. The LFPSF continues to provide volunteer based maintenance and restoration for the property and they envision a similar model for the 5-Acre Woods site.

The community is invited to join for their first monthly “A Walk to 5 Acre Woods Event” at 10:30am on Saturday, March 4, 2017 to walk along the property and learn more about the efforts to conserve this parcel as a park and wildlife sanctuary.

Meet in front of the Lake Forest Park Elementary (18500 37th Ave NE, Lake Forest Park) and proceed along the pedestrian walkway on 40th Place NE, to take a short walk to 5-Acre Woods for a brief tour. Refreshments will be provided at arrival. LFP Elementary School has allowed us to use their parking lot.

If you would like more information about this topic or are interested in volunteering, contact Lisa Pedigo,