Showing posts with label trees. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trees. Show all posts

Fircrest Chapel and Forest supporters gather at Dunn Gardens

Friday, May 28, 2021

Fircrest Chapel supporters gather at Dunn Gardens
Photo by Lance Young

Last Friday a wonderful group gathered to celebrate and defend the Fircrest Chapel and Forest. It was a beautiful May evening and over 25 garden and history enthusiasts came together to hear about the current challenges facing the historic Naval Hospital Chapel and its surrounding Forest Canopy at Fircrest School in Shoreline.

A legal appeal was filed on Thursday, May 20, 2021 by the Shoreline Preservation Society to the Shoreline City Council to challenge the last decision by the King County (Shoreline) Landmarks Commission. 

That decision was to give back approximately 1/5 of the historic forest which was recently landmarked just in January, to DSHS (Department of Social and Health Services), who implied it wanted an additional parking lot there.

Fircrest Chapel signs at the Dunn Gardens gathering place
Photo by Lance Young

This action would put the Chapel itself at risk potentially by removal of over 30 significant trees at the toe of the hillside where the historic building rests. The Chapel and its forest are potentially at risk from all sides because of possible development plans for new facilities and housing proposals.

The Chapel was built in 1944 during the height of WWII, and envisioned by Captain Joel T. Boone as a place for the injured sailors being treated at the hospital and their families to find a respite in the forest.

The beautiful Dunn Gardens was an inspirational
setting to talk about saving trees. Photo by Lance Young
Commander Boone was ahead of his time in his understanding that the forest has a restorative ability that soldiers returning from battle find curative after the trauma they may have suffered.

It was fitting to have the Garden event at Dunn Gardens because that site is on the National Register of Historic Places, as the Chapel and its Forest are eligible for as well.

The Chapel was the very first freestanding, inter-denominational Naval Hospital Chapel built in America.

It would indeed be an amazing asset for Shoreline to have this place recognized Nationally and SPS believes this should be the goal.

SPS is so grateful to Dunn Gardens and all of the wonderful folks who are supporting us in this effort.

Folks are invited to still donate as they see fit at our website here: www.preserveshoreline.org

--Janet Way



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Call for Volunteers: Lake Forest Park Tree board and Parks and Recreation advisory board

Thursday, May 27, 2021

Trees at LFP Presbyterian Church
Photo by Jerry Pickard
LFP Tree Board

The city is seeking applications for a vacancy on the Lake Forest Park Tree Board. 

The Tree Board provides outreach and education to the community on tree-related issues, organizes and facilitates public events involving trees, and provides advice to the City Council on policy and regulatory issues involving trees.

Tree Board meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month, at 7:00pm. Meetings are currently being held virtually. More information about the Tree Board is available on the City’s website.

Board members should live within the Lake Forest Park city limits, but it is not required. 

Interests or backgrounds in urban forestry, horticulture, and habitat restoration are encouraged, but not required. Membership terms are for three years.

If you are interested in applying or have questions, please contact Assistant Planner Cameron Tuck.

Blue Heron Park
Photo by Mary Jo Heller

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

The City seeks applicants for its Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, which is responsible for advising the City Council and Mayor on parks and recreation issues, including park master planning, recreation program evaluation, and park comprehensive planning. 

All board member terms are three years and members are limited to two consecutive full-term appointments.

If you are interested in serving on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board please complete an application and attach a resume and cover letter describing your experience and interest in parks and recreation. 

Completed applications, with resume and cover letter, may be emailed to Cory Roche, Community Volunteer Coordinator, or mailed to her attention at Lake Forest Park City Hall, 17425 Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155.

More information on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee is available here.



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KC Executive Dow Constantine kicks off the 3 Million Trees initiative for Earth Day

Friday, April 23, 2021


King County Executive Dow Constantine on Earth Day joined community partners to kick off 3 Million Trees, an initiative that will plant, protect, and prepare a combined three million trees throughout the region by the end of 2025.

The initiative is part of Executive Constantine’s proposal for the 2020 Strategic Climate Action Plan, which includes strategies to cut greenhouse gas emissions countywide in half by the end of this decade.

Under 3 Million Trees, King County will plant 500,000 trees, accelerate land conservation to protect intact forestland this is absorbing carbon today, and preparing forests for warmer, drier summers that are occurring as the result of climate change.

“Earth Day is a moment for reflection, for inspiration and, most importantly, for action, which is why we are kicking off 3 Million Trees today,” said Executive Constantine. 
“We will build on the momentum of our successful 1 Million Trees initiative to achieve even more ambitious goals: increase urban tree canopy, protect forestland that this absorbing carbon now, and prepare forests for climate impacts.”

More information here



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Cherry blossoms in Richmond Beach

Thursday, April 22, 2021

 
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

We celebrate the cherry tree for its effectiveness and for its beauty.

Photo by Wayne Pridemore

All those thousands of useless cherry blossoms look gorgeous,

Photo by Wayne Pridemore

then they fall to the ground and become soil again, so there is no problem.
 
--William McDonough 



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Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree Board meeting Thursday

Monday, April 19, 2021

Parks board 2020

Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree Board meeting, Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 7pm on zoom.

Link to zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/97515984680

Agenda Highlights
  • ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR
  • DIRECTOR’S REPORT
  • SOUND TRANSIT UPDATE
  • PROGRAM UPDATES-PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES
Link to Full Meeting Packet [PDF] here

Comment on Agenda Items here

About the PRCS/Tree Board here



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Cherry blossoms are spectacular this year

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

 
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

How about another shot of the Quad and the ornamental cherry trees at the UW? They're really lush this year. This view is from Lee Lageschulte.

Update: it should be noted that the UW is discouraging people from visiting in person because of the pandemic. So stay home and enjoy the photos.



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Op-Ed: Amend the Development Code to protect trees

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Op-Ed submitted by Shoreline resident Susanne Tsoming, on behalf of Save Shoreline Trees Advisory Board

When Shoreline became a city in 1995, it had to conform with the State required mandate that all cities develop and adopt a comprehensive plan (Comp Plan). This plan guides Shoreline’s growth management decisions and provides a common vision for the future.

Shoreline adopted its first Comp Plan in 1998 in response to Washington State Growth Management Act requirements. It is periodically updated and the current Comp Plan was adopted on 12/10/2012 (2012 Comp Plan) by City Ordinance 649.

Comp plans are (1) comprehensive, (2) general, and (3) long range. The City’s Comp Plan confirms that the larger community has an interest and right to participate in the planning process of the City and is “vital to shaping the future.” 

Among the numerous goals in the City’s 2012 Comp Plan, one of them is to protect our natural environment. Goal NE X states that Shoreline is to maintain and improve the City’s tree canopy. 

In accordance, to better protect and preserve our community’s mature trees and urban forest canopy, Save Shoreline Trees (saveshorelinetrees.com) submitted 11 code amendment proposals. Several of them are new and updated tree definitions and others concern the protection and preservation of our tall mature conifer and native trees. 

One proposed Development Code amendment is to add to Subchapter 5, SMC 20.50.290, “Tree Purpose.” The Tree Purpose describes the functions and benefits of trees. 

Should this, or any of the other 10 proposed code amendments, be approved by Council, the City’s ‘tree codes’ will acknowledge our trees as valued and important elements to our natural environment. 

We await the Planning Commission and Council’s review this year of these proposed code amendments.

CORRECTION: Headline should have read Amend the Development Code

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Cherry trees in bloom at the UW

Monday, March 29, 2021

Cherry trees in bloom in the UW quad
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The ornamental fruit trees are in full bloom right now - if the hail hasn't pounded the blossoms off the trees!

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Fortunately, Steve Robinson got to the University of Washington campus before that happened and is sharing his photos of the old quad with its spectacular blooms.

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Visitors were reminded of COVID protocols and it appears that most, if not all, were wearing masks.

Flowering plums on NE 165th
Photo by Steven H. Robinson 2017

Closer to home, the flowering plums are in full bloom in the Ridgecrest neighborhood. According to their Facebook page,"Blireana Flowering Plum trees on NE 165th in front of Ridgecrest Elementary School. These trees were planted by Ridgecrest Neighborhood volunteers in the late '90's."

A current photo of the plum trees here



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Photo: Water droplets on tree

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Photo by Tanis Coralee Leonhardi


Tiny water droplets hang from the branches of the Maple tree.



 

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DSHS and DNR challenge portion of Fircrest Chapel landmark status

Monday, March 22, 2021

Fircrest Chapel's wooded setting is part of its landmark
status - but DSHS wants to expand a parking lot.
Photo courtesy SPS
DSHS has filed an application for a Reconsideration of the Landmark Status of the Naval Hospital Chapel at Fircrest,  just secured by Shoreline Preservation Society and their many supporters in January of this year.

The Chapel is a nationally significant site since it was the very first freestanding, non-denominational Naval Hospital Chapel. It was built at the Naval Hospital Base in 1944 at what is now Fircrest School in Shoreline.

A hearing is scheduled this Thursday, March 25, 2021 starting at 4:30pm on Zoom to hear a challenge from DSHS to the recent landmark status for the historic Fircrest Chapel. 

At issue is not the chapel itself but the amount of forested land landmarked with the chapel. DSHS wants to adjust the boundary to allow them to expand the parking lot at Fircrest School.

This would be done in a section of native forest designated as a part of the Landmark landscape. This forest was originally highlighted by Captain Boone, the Commander of the Naval Hospital as his inspiration for building the Chapel.
  
The Shoreline Preservation Society invites the public to weigh in to protect this unique community asset, one of the few Landmarked elements in Shoreline.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS; SPECIAL TAX VALUATION APPLICATION; REQUEST TO RECONSIDER LANDMARK DESIGNATION BOUNDARY DATE, TIME, PLACE:

Thursday, March 25, 2021, 4:30 p.m. Zoom Conference Access Link:
Meeting ID: 896 9247 1595 
Passcode: 494361

If you have questions, please email or call Chair Janet Way janetway@yahoo.com, 206-734-5545.



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Sunrise: Trees are the view

Monday, March 15, 2021

 
Photo from Christine Southwick

A sunrise view from the Briarcrest neighborhood - the "Trees are the View."




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Gloria's Trees: Fisheye view

Sunday, February 28, 2021

 

Photo by Gloria Z Nagler

My favorite kind of social circle! 
(Used my new fish eye lens for fun the other day)
--Gloria Z Nagler



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For the Birds: Trees Are the View—Just Ask a Bird

Monday, February 8, 2021

Anna's Hummingbird nest. Photo by Dan Harville

By Christine Southwick

On the wing, looking down, treetops and branches offer respite, safety, and food.

Our resident birds, plus migrating birds, use trees for so many things: resting and safe sleeping; shelter from rain, wind, and cold temperatures; food - fruits, nuts, bugs and caterpillars; nesting - either on branches or in trunk cavities; and prime territorial perches (both for singing to attract and keep mates, and for sighting territorial invaders).

Red-breasted Sapsucker making sap holes Photo by Christine Southwick

Which trees are best--Evergreens or deciduous?


Depends on the species of bird — Bald Eagles, Merlins, Band-tailed Pigeons, owls, hawks, and crows need tall trees, preferably conifers. 

Many smaller birds also prefer evergreen pines, cedars, spruces and firs: chickadees, nuthatches, Pileated, Downy, and Hairy Woodpeckers, Northern Flicker, and Red-breasted Sapsucker, even our Anna’s Hummingbird will use the sap holes in the trunks of large evergreens made by sapsuckers for much needed winter-time sugar energy.

It’s a delight to watch Bushtits and Black-capped and Chestnut-backed Chickadees flitting from one hemlock or cedar branch to the next branch, hanging upside down gleaning tiny insects unseen by human eyes.

Red-breasted Nuthatch on Trunk (with grub) Photo by Elaine Chuang

Deciduous trees are mostly smaller and have seasonal color.


Fruiting trees supply extra energy and have the additional advantage of colorful blossoms which nourish bees and other pollinators. 

Finches, American Robins and warblers like Yellow-rumped Warblers prefer native deciduous trees. The birds recognize and eat beneficial insects and help keep your trees healthy. The branches provide anchors and cover for nests and help restrict access to those necessary bird structures.

Even “ground birds” like Song Sparrows, Golden-crowned and White-crowned Sparrows, Spotted Towhees and Oregon Juncos use trees to their advantage.

Bewick's Wren fledgling. Photo by Elaine Chuang

Evergreen trees provide year-round shelter and slow down winter stormwater runoff, much needed in this region, plus they bestow greenness to our gray winters. There is a reason why Washington is officially the Evergreen State.

Did you know that 72% of Shoreline’s tree canopy is privately owned in yours and your neighbors yards? 

Unless a specific tree is in danger of falling, please keep your trees, or even plant more. (Leaves create a protective barrier in the winter and enrich your garden soil.) You can take pride in keeping your share of Shoreline’s canopy. You really are helping our city breath better.

Want to plant an evergreen tree? https://www.seattle.gov/trees/planting-and-care/tree-selection

If you want to figure out the value of a specific tree here is the link to the tree value calculator used by City of Edmonds http://www.treebenefits.com/calculator/



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If a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it

Sunday, January 31, 2021

Photo by Seattle Poppy

... they would probably be in trouble.

This tree came down across one of the trails in Hamlin Park, date unknown. 

Suspect that the tree was diseased as it broke rather than pulling out by the roots.




 

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Shoreline Parks / Rec / Tree board meeting Jan 28

Sunday, January 24, 2021

Shoreline Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree Board 


Meeting via Zoom Webinar: https://zoom.us/j/97515984680
Thursday, January 28, 2021 7:00pm - 8:59pm

Agenda Highlights
  • Director's Report
  • Park Bond Update
  • Park Board Agenda Planner
  • Arts Subcommittee Update

Link to Full Meeting Packet [PDF]

Comment on Agenda Items

About the PRCS/Tree Board



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Keep Washington Green

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

 

Old mossback
Photo by Judith Muilenburg

My sidewalks are almost completely green. When it rains, they get a little squishy. But it is such a lovely glowing color!




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Photo: After the windstorm

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Found the Trail!
Photo by Seattle Poppy


This is why you don't walk in our parks during a windstorm.


There's a trail in here somewhere!
Photo by Seattle Poppy





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Volunteers needed to serve on the Shoreline Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree Board

Monday, January 18, 2021

Hamlin Park
Photo by Hitomi Dames


The City of Shoreline is now accepting applications for four volunteers to serve on the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree (PRCS/Tree) Board

Board Members must live, work, or own property in Shoreline and are appointed by the City Council to serve four-year terms.

The PRCS/Tree Board advises the City Council and City staff on a variety of parks, recreation, public art, and environmental issues including trees on public property; park operation and design; programs and events; property acquisition; arts opportunities; and development of rules and regulations.

The Board consists of seven adult members and two non-voting youth members and meets on the fourth Thursday of each month from January through October and the first Thursday in December from 7:00 to 9:00pm. 

The Board is currently meeting via Zoom, though this will be revisited when restrictions are lifted hopefully later this year.

Those interested in being considered must complete a Shoreline Community Services Application

Completed applications must be received by the City Clerk’s office no later than 5:00pm on February 5, 2021.

For more information visit the website: Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree Board | City of Shoreline or contact Colleen Kelly, 206-801-2251 or ckelly@shorelinewa.gov



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Tree danger averted with quick action by City of Shoreline

Friday, January 15, 2021

 

Photo by Seattle Poppy

The windstorm was particularly hard on Northcrest Park in the Ridgecrest neighborhood. However, the City of Shoreline got to it quickly, removing the fallen and falling trees.

It's still a good idea to be aware of the trees and branches above you, after a big windstorm. 

Let the City know if you see any leaning trees or handing branches in City parks. Customer Response Team has a 24/7 phone number 206-801-2700.

You can also use the See- Click - Fix app on your phone.


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Tree danger

Thursday, January 14, 2021


Story and photo by Patricia Hale

Wear your hard hats over the next couple of days if you venture into any of our wooded parks. 

Latest info from Parks Dept. staff is lots of tree damage throughout the entire park system. 

The north end entrance of Northcrest Park and play equipment is being tagged as a dangerous area until they can get in with chain saws and a boom to take out two tree trunks that broke off in the wind and are snagged up high in overhead canopy. And at least one trail blocked by a downed tree.



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