Esperanza Speaks: Growing Hope Through Art & Action October 17, 2026

Spruce Elementary Tree Protection Club
Photo by Dr. Jennie Warmouth

You are invited to “Esperanza Speaks: Growing Hope Through Art & Action,” a special one night only event at Graphite Arts Center in Edmonds.

A beloved Douglas fir, named Esperanza, once stood on the grounds of Spruce Elementary in Lynnwood. Why did she come down? This open question became a year-long investigation by an after-school student art and ecology club hosted by teacher Dr. Jennie Warmouth.

Join us for a special evening of student artwork, creating, and sharing. Graphite Arts Center is open to the public on Saturdays from 12-5pm. Guests for this event are invited to visit, create and look at artwork from 4-5pm. From 5-6pm, student artists and special guests will share stories and poems of how they have been impacted by the trees we love.

Do you have a tree story of your own? Bring it with you! After you hear our students share, you can sit down and record yours. It will be preserved alongside Esperanza’s in a living community archive.

With special guests:

• Nalini Nadkarni - National Geographic Explorer at Large, tree ecologist 
• Rena Priest - WA state Poet Laureate and National Geographic Explorer
• Kiliii Yüyan - National Geographic Photographer

When: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 4-6:30pm
Where: Graphite Arts Center, 202 Main Street, Edmonds, WA

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Shoreline Planning Commission to discuss Tree Code updates

L-R: Matt Souza, Leslie Brinson, Julie Povick, Janice Gedlund,
Bradley Cabe, Katie Lorah and Chris Mosier
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

City of Shoreline Planning Commission Meeting

Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 7pm
Location: Shoreline City Hall, Council Chambers, 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133

Zoom Link Webinar ID: 812 6102 3492

Agenda

Discussion of the Tree Code Update #2: Emergency, Hazard and Nuisance Tree Removal.

What trees can always be removed regardless of size, and what type of documentation is required, with a focus on how exceptional trees are treated.

The role of the Planning Commission

The Planning Commission provides guidance and helps shape Shoreline’s future growth. They make recommendations to the city council on various policies and plans such as the Comprehensive Plan and the zoning code. The Planning Commission is made up of seven residents or property owners and appointed by your City Council for four-year terms. Planning Commission meetings are opportunities for community members to be engaged and voice their opinions on future policy updates.

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Tree removal along NE 145th St in Seattle and Shoreline

During October 2026, crews will be removing trees along NE 145th St between SR 522 and I-5. These trees are being removed to prepare for roadway improvements as part of Sound Transit’s Stride S3 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. 

Sound Transit has worked to minimize tree removal where possible while meeting the project requirements.

Crews will remove only the trees that have been identified as conflicting with the project, and will also remove invasive and overgrown vegetation, such as ivy and blackberries, to improve the health of the corridor. 

Following construction, Sound Transit will plant new trees and landscaping throughout the area based on local requirements. The final landscape designs will feature a mix of native and non-native plant species selected to support long-term corridor health, fit in the available space, and reduce environmental impacts.

For more information on Sound Transit’s commitment to the environment, visit the following resources:

• The Platform: Growth beyond transit
• Stride fact sheet: Transit and trees: Sound Transit’s tree and vegetation landscape program

What

• Removing approximately 120 trees along NE 145th St to prepare roadway improvements for Stride BRT.

When

• October 2026

Where

• Along NE 145th St between SR 522 and I-5 in Seattle/Shoreline.

More info

• These tree removals may require periodic lane closures along NE 145th St.
• Contractors will remove only those trees that have been identified as incompatible with the Stride S3 project.
• Dates and times are subject to change due to inclement weather or unforeseen issues.

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Colors of Fall

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Now why does this remind me of pumpkin spice lattés?

Lee Lageschulte found a lot of these trees in Richmond Beach.

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Here's another one.

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Plant a Tree, Grow Lake Forest Park October 10, 2026

Have a little room in your yard for a new tree? The Lake Forest Park Tree Board, in partnership with the Lake Forest Park Water District, is giving LFP residents a chance to put down some roots—literally.

On Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 10am to 1pm, residents can pick up a free, high-quality native tree at the Water District offices, 4029 NE 178th St.

Sixty nursery-grown trees will be available, each approximately 3–4 feet tall and growing in a one-gallon container. Residents can choose from three native species:

1. Douglas fir
2. Cascara
3. Saskatoon serviceberry

Each species has different needs when it comes to sunlight, water, space, and eventual size, so take a little time to consider which tree will be the best fit for your yard. And because supplies are limited, it’s a good idea to have a second choice in mind.

The trees are intended for fall planting and will need regular watering during dry periods for the first several years as they become established. Watering bags will also be available, although some trees may need to grow larger before they can be used with them.

A few things to know: 

• The giveaway is for Lake Forest Park residents only, with a limit of one tree per household. 
• Trees will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and 
• residents will need to provide proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill, when picking up their tree.

Sixty trees may not sound like a forest—but every big tree starts somewhere.

For more information contact cbishop@cityoflfp.gov

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Time to Tackle English Holly in Lake Forest Park

A holly-choked understory (left) blocks the sunlight and water native plants need to survive, leaving barren ground beneath. A healthy native forest floor (right) lets light through to support ferns, salal, Oregon grape, and other understory species.

By Richard Saunders and Ross Baarslag-Benson

Lake Forest Park Tree Board

English holly (Ilex aquifolium), also known as common holly, may look festive, but King County classifies it as a non-regulated Class C noxious weed, meaning removal isn't legally required, but it's officially recognized as invasive and control is strongly encouraged.

The urgency is real: a University of Washington Bothell study at nearby Saint Edward State Park found wild holly populations doubling in area roughly every 5 to 6 years, spreading not only through bird-dispersed berries but also by root shoots and stem layering, which lets individual plants expand into dense thickets (Dick Olmstead, Washington Native Plant Society blog, November 2025). 

It's quietly reshaping our forests: as it spreads deep into greenbelts and backyards, its dense evergreen canopy shades out native plants and suppresses the trees and shrubs our ecosystem depends on.

It also carries real risks at home: its berries are toxic to children and pets, its spiny leaves can cause skin irritation or allergic rash, and its pollen can trigger hay-fever-like symptoms.

Removing it: Manual digging is best, remove the entire root system, since leftover roots resprout. For larger specimens (over 6" DBH, diameter at breast height), a City tree permit is required in Lake Forest Park; cut the trunk flush and treat the stump promptly with a systemic herbicide (see the King County English Holly Fact Sheet for guidance). 

Late summer/early fall is the ideal season, and cleared spots make great spots for a native replacement from LFP's Approved Tree List.

Lake Forest Park has long taken tree stewardship seriously. The City has been a Tree City USA for 45 consecutive years. Much of that legacy is thanks to local environmental groups, involved citizens, our all-volunteer Tree Board, which provides community education, organizes planting events, and advises City Council on tree policy, working alongside our staff Urban Forest Planner, a certified arborist who oversees permitting and tree health citywide. 

Together they help implement LFP's tree canopy ordinance (LFPMC Chapter 16.14), which protects significant trees while guiding smart replacement and removal.

Want to learn more, get involved, or ask about a tree on your property? Visit the Tree Board page 

Reference links:

• King County common holly identification and control
• Tree Board page
• LFP Approved Tree List

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Shoreline residents, schools, churches, and businesses can receive free trees

Choose your trees from the 2026 Tree Guide

Communi-trees: Last Call to Sign Up for a Free Tree Now Through August 31

Shoreline residents, schools, churches, and businesses can receive a free tree through Communi-trees — the City’s tree giveaway and planting program!

Trees provide many benefits to our community. They clean our air and water, create shade, reduce stress, and make Shoreline more beautiful.

New this year:

In addition to your property, this year, Communi-trees will offer residents free street trees to plant in the right-of-way adjacent to their property. Street trees are trees planted in the public right-of-way. This is typically the space between a road and sidewalk, but can also extend past the sidewalk, or include space in easements and alleyways.

When you sign up for Communi-trees, you get: 

• Up to three free trees per property 
• Help picking the right tree for your space 
• Free planting supplies 
• Training on tree planting and care 
• Planting assistance for individuals with disabilities (subject to volunteer availability)

Full details on eligibility, available trees, and more can be found at ShorelineWA.gov/Communitrees.

Applications close on August 31!

Questions? Contact us at communitrees@shorelinewa.gov or 206-801-2488.

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Preview of Autumn at Sky Nursery

 

Photo by RJ Perna

RJ Perna got a preview of Autumn when he visited Sky Nursery.

Photo by RJ Perna

Note the beautiful blue sky in the background. No signs of wildfire smoke.

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

However, the sunset was a mixed message. The sun is yellow (good) but the sky is gray (suspicious). There still many be smoke in the atmosphere.

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Communi-trees: Sign Up for a Free Tree Now Through August 31, 2026

Autumn Gold Ginkgo
Photo by Ellen H.

Shoreline residents, schools, churches, and businesses can receive a free tree through Communi-trees — the City’s tree giveaway and planting program!

Trees provide many benefits to our community. They clean our air and water, create shade, reduce stress, and make Shoreline more beautiful.

New this year:

This year, Communi-trees will offer residents free street trees to plant in the right-of-way adjacent to their property. Street trees are trees planted in the public right-of-way. This is typically the space between a road and sidewalk, but can also extend past the sidewalk, or include space in easements and alleyways.

When you sign up for Communi-trees, you get: 

• Up to three free trees per property 
• Help picking the right tree for your space 
• Free planting supplies 
• Training on tree planting and care 
• Planting assistance for individuals with disabilities (subject to volunteer availability)

Full details on eligibility, available trees, and more can be found at ShorelineWA.gov/Communitrees.

Sign Up Now!

Sign up anytime between now and August 31 at 11:59pm. It doesn’t matter when you sign up — just make sure it’s before August 31!

Questions? Contact us at communitrees@shorelinewa.gov or 206-801-2488.

 

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Water your big trees this summer

Trees at LFP Presbyterian
Photo by Jerry Picard

In Lake Forest Park, we are fortunate to live in a rich urban forest that shades our homes and streets, keeping our community cooler even on the hottest summer days. 

These trees do so much for us—they clean our air, provide habitat for wildlife, and make our neighborhoods more livable. In return, they depend on us for care.

It is easy to remember to water gardens when plants begin to droop, but our large trees—such as evergreen fir, cedar, and hemlock—show stress more slowly. 

Even so, they need water during extended summer heat. Without it, they can suffer from slowed growth, and increased pests and disease. 

-As our climate changes, bringing hotter temperatures and less summer rainfall, the need to support our trees becomes even more important.

Remember to water your big trees and you will help protect the health, beauty, and resilience of our entire community.

Read more about how best to water big trees at Arbor Day.org

--Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation

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Op-Ed: Citizen Action Saves 14 Elm Trees

Story and Photos by John Hushagen

After the removal of 1400 trees for the construction of the two light rail projects in Shoreline, Sound Transit was to plant 7400 replacement trees. 

Some of these trees are at risk during the drought, a condition exacerbated by hot weather. Today I'm writing about a glaring example of this just south of the Shoreline North station at the corner of NE 185th St, and 5th Ave NE. 

In 2024, Sound Transit's landscape contractor installed hundreds of trees and shrubs on the public rights of way and along 5th Ave NE. 

Among these trees are 14 large elms that were planted as street trees. 

The Elm is one of the toughest trees in the world, but trees as large as these need supplemental irrigation to help them get established. 

The landscape architect that chose these trees failed to provide any means of watering them. 

Big mistake! From what I have seen, the trees received no irrigation except rainfall for the balance of 2024, all of 2025, and none thus far in 2026. 

The dry grass had grown to knee high and the corner had become both an eyesore and a fire hazard, highlighted by rapidly defoliating trees.

I began to complain about this neglect to public officials at both the City of Shoreline and Sound Transit in mid-June of this year. 

Just yesterday I learned from Sound Transit that the prior landscaper's contract expired in April, and no one took his place. 

A new landscape contractor is now on the scene and the trees are finally being watered. I raised a ruckus with Shoreline and Sound Transit, and the trees are now getting much-needed attention. 

The 14 Elm trees, that cost nearly$50 Kto install, represent an example of how we sometimes take our urban forest home for granted until it is too late. 

Plant trees! Water trees! And raise your voice until you are heard!

John Hushagen
Shoreline Resident, Retired Arborist

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Tree View with Rainbow

 

Photo by John Imholt

Picture taken from our house, today, 7/20/26 at 1:00pm.

Photographer- John Imholt

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Letter to the Editor: Proposed tree code will not support the maintenance of the existing tree canopy

To the Editor:

Save Shoreline Trees recognizes the effort on the tree code update, led by City staff with input by the Community Advisory Group (CAG) and the public.

The proposed draft tree code relies on the Tree Density Credit Method (TDCM) for retention of trees on all zones. The TDCM is based on the square footage (SF) of a lot divided by 1,000 and multiplied by the assigned zone multiplier. This calculation determines the Required Tree Credits for each lot.

See the Engage Tree Code Update page for information.

It is incorrect to refer to the TDCM as a “tree retention method”. Upon close evaluation, the TDCM requires less tree retention on the seven primary development zones, 20% of land where development will take place, while residential zones, about 80% of land, will be allowed to cut down many of their trees. As stated in staff presentations, the tree code cannot “treat homeowners and developers differently”.

How will this draft tree code maintain and increase the existing tree canopy? The City’s goal is to increase the tree canopy, currently 37%, to 40% by 2050. Maintenance of the tree canopy is not possible with minimal tree retention.

On March 7, 2026 Kevin Hickenbottom, Shoreline’s Urban Forester, informed Council that to increase the tree canopy to 40%, 12,000 trees would have to be planted. It is doubtful that the proposed tree code will support the maintenance of the existing tree canopy or the increase of the tree canopy to 40% by 2050.

The Planning Commission will review the proposed tree code on Thursday, July 16 at 7 p.m. at City Hall. Shoreline residents have the opportunity to protect our tree canopy by asking for adjustments to the proposed tree code to retain more trees.

Kathleen Russell, Susanne Tsoming
Save Shoreline Trees Co-chairs

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Communi-trees: Free Trees for the Shoreline Community July 15 - August 31, 2026

Mark your calendars! On July 15, 2026 Shoreline community members, schools, churches, and businesses can sign up for a FREE tree through Communi-trees! Communi-trees is the City’s tree giveaway and planting program.

Trees provide many benefits. They clean our air and water, create shade, reduce stress, and make Shoreline more beautiful.

New this year:

This year, Communi-trees will offer residents free street trees to plant in the right-of-way adjacent to their property. 

Street trees are trees planted in the public right-of-way. 

This is typically the space between a road and sidewalk, but can also extend past the sidewalk, or include space in easements and alleyways.

If you are interested in planting in the right-of-way, contact us at communitrees@shorelinewa.gov to see if your space is eligible.

When you participate in Communi-trees, you get: 

• Up to three free trees per property 
• Help picking the right tree for your space 
• Free planting supplies 
• Training on tree planting and care 
• Planting assistance for individuals with disabilities (subject to volunteer availability) 
• Ongoing tree care reminders

Full details on eligibility, available trees, and more can be found at ShorelineWA.gov/Communitrees.

You can sign up for your free tree between July 15-August 31! It doesn’t matter when you sign up — just make sure it’s before August 31!

Questions? Contact us at communitrees@shorelinewa.gov or 206-801-2488.

You can download a tree guide from this page in a pdf format.

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Big changes proposed for Shoreline tree code rules - open house June 25, 2026

Draft Tree Code Open House

Date: June 25, 2026
Time: Doors at 6:00pm, 

Presentation from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Location: Shoreline City Hall 17500 Midvale Avenue N, Shoreline, WA 98133

Based on community input and feedback from the Tree Code Update Community Advisory Group, we have drafted an update to the Tree Code. We want to know what you think!

The draft update proposes big changes to the rules. We are collecting input from the community on those changes to see if they meet the community’s priorities for how the City regulates trees on private property.

We will be hosting an open house and presentation as part of our CityLearn series on Thursday June 25, 2026 at Shoreline City Hall, It will be an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and provide feedback on the concepts proposed.

Doors will open at 6:00pm. At that time, you will be able to view informational boards about the code at your own pace. The presentation will start at 7:00pm.

We will record the presentation and link it online for those unable to attend.

More information here

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Trees of Dunn Gardens with Taha Ebrahimi May 23, 2026

Taha Ebrahimi

Trees of Dunn Gardens 

with Taha Ebrahimi

May 23, 2026 at 2pm

Dunn Gardens

13533 Northshire Rd NW, Seattle, WA 98177

Purchase tickets here

Trees are interconnected with our cultural histories and Seattle happens to have one of the most diverse street tree programs in the country -- double the diversity of the East Coast, and triple the diversity of the Midwest.

Join Taha Ebrahimi, author and illustrator of Street Trees of Seattle: An Illustrated Walking Guide, for a brief talk about the city's history as told through some of its notable street trees, followed by a walk through the garden to visit a few of the notable trees.

Taha is the author and illustrator of Street Trees of Seattle: An Illustrated Walking Guide (Sasquatch Books, 2024). She serves as a member of the council for Historic Seattle and has been named “Seattle’s Coolest Street Tree Expert” by The Stranger.

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Not so crabby competition

Photo by Toby Tobler

Our crabapple trees are competing for best in show, with the bigger ahead of the smaller.

But both are amazingly beautiful and not in a crabby mood at all.

--Lis Johnson

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Celebrate Arbor Day – Walk Among the Trees April 25, 2026

The Lake Forest Park Tree Board and Stewardship Foundation invite you to a guided tour of the trees in one of our neighborhoods on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 10:30am.

The tour, led by UW Professor Emeritus, and former Tree Board member, Richard Olmstead, will begin at LFP City Hall, 17425 Ballinger Way NE, 98155, and focus on the nearby neighborhood. Richard will identify the trees along the route and provide information about them.

The walk will follow part of one of the four self-guided tree walks available from the LFP website. The four walks were originally developed in 2008 by LFP resident, David Hepp, and distributed in a popular booklet. Three of the four have since been updated by David and Richard.

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“Canopy Award” given to Save Shoreline Trees

SST co-chairs Kathleen Russell and Susanne Tsoming with the Trees & People Coalition award.
Photo by Jonelle Kemmerling

By Kathleen Russell

At their inaugural “Canopy Awards” on April 9, 2026, the Trees & People Coalition “celebrating innovation, stewardship, and community through trees” recognized Save Shoreline Trees in the category of Community Outreach and Educational Programs. 

This award acknowledges Save Shoreline Trees' work on the retention of the 94 trees lining Dayton Ave N between N 155th and N 160th retained by the PermaTrak boardwalk which protects the roots of the trees.

Save Shoreline Trees was formed in late 2019 when the WA State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) was renovating its headquarters at 15700 Dayton Ave N. 

WSDOT's remodel permit required frontage improvements and 133 trees, mostly Doug firs, were at risk. SST supporters called attention to a potential environmental disaster.

WSDOT, not wanting to cut down the trees, took the lead to resolve the conflict. In 2021, the City of Shoreline approved the WSDOT alternative for the elevated PermaTrak boardwalk. 

PermaTrak boardwalk along Dayton Ave N and the trees that were saved
Photo courtesy PermaTrak

A memorandum of agreement was reached between WSDOT and the City that these trees are managing the stormwater infrastructure, making a man-made structure unnecessary. The 94 tall trees along Dayton are standing today due to the efforts of the community, WSDOT, and the City working together to find a solution.

SST continues to work for the retention of tall and native trees in Shoreline. 

This effort is in accordance with Shoreline’s 2044 Comprehensive Plan Natural Environment goal to: “Maintain and increase the urban tree canopy to provide wildlife habitat, support community resilience, mitigate urban heat, manage stormwater, conserve energy, protect and improve mental and physical health, and strengthen economic prosperity.” 

Year round, these trees sequester carbon, clean the air and cool our neighborhoods.

Additional honorees recognized by the Trees & People Coalition included Crow Woods Cohousing Community, A Windermere Garden, Valley School Outdoor Classroom and Amphitheater, and Robert Eagle Staff Forest. 

Appreciation to the Trees & People Coalition and Seattle Parks Foundation for celebrating community through trees.

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More cherry blossoms at the UW

 

Photo by Shixing Wen

The cherry trees are spectacular when they bloom. These fill the Quad at the University of Washington.

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