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Showing posts sorted by date for query 5 acre woods. Sort by relevance Show all posts

5 Acre Woods – You’re invited Saturday, June 9th

Friday, June 8, 2018

5 Acre Woods
Lake Forest Park's newest park
Photo by Jerry Pickard

By Donna Hawkey

5 Acres Woods in Lake Forest Park is officially going to be a new park with a ribbon cutting ceremony this Saturday, June 9th at 9:00 am. Kicking off the summer season for the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation’s monthly work parties is another community building event with times noted below.

But what is not noted below are the thousands and thousands of hours in overall planning, grant writing, resident outreach, fundraising, monthly educational walks and presentations, writing press releases, discussions with the City, and consultation for the new RCO grant. Whew, that was a lot of work done by LFP Stewardship Foundation volunteers!

Something is missing- oh yes - and the restoration and trail creation that began this past January have over 800 hours logged in by many LFPSF and beyond dedicated volunteers!

Much more needs to be done to make this the exceptional park and nature center the best it can be. So please come on out and bring your garden gloves and tools and good-natured spirit and give a hand and celebrate with other LFP residents this Saturday morning.

Once you step onto the unique forested land that was undisturbed for over 40 years, you may very well want to return!

LFP’s Honey Bear Bakery has also been supporting the purchase of 5 Acre Woods by keeping volunteers loaded up with donated warm coffee and sweet treats for these monthly events. And this month there will also be an ending lunchtime hot dog BBQ and potluck!

For more details see our previous story "Ribbon cutting, work party, and hot dogs"

You’re Invited!

The Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation (LFPSF) invites the community to join us for a celebration at 5 Acre Woods (located at 1900 block of 40th Place NE) beginning at 9:00am on Saturday, June 9, 2018.
  • Ribbon-cutting and Check Presentation at 9am 
  • Restoration Work Party 9:45 am-12 noon 
  • BBQ Potluck Celebration 12 noon 

6-8-18  Added address and map link

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Ribbon cutting, work party, and hot dogs at 5 Acre Woods Saturday

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

5 Acre Woods volunteers
Photo by Gary Hawkey

The Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation (LFPSF) invites the community to join us for a celebration at 5 Acre Woods (located at 1900 block of 40th Place NE) beginning at 9:00am on Saturday, June 9, 2018.

LFPSF will officially present a $100,000 check to the City of Lake Forest Park as part of their community fundraising efforts to purchase the park. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held with city, county and state legislative representatives in attendance to celebrate this milestone event in the creation of a new park in the largest remaining undeveloped tract of urban forest in Lake Forest Park.

The forest was formerly Seattle Public Utility surplus land that was recently sold to the City. Close to 90% of funding for park acquisition has been secured through State funding, King County Conservation Futures grants, a Tulalip Tribe grant and LFPSF fundraising.

The City has applied for additional grants to fund park development. This celebration will highlight the great progress that has been made over the past year in acquiring the land and beginning restoration at the site through a unique collaborative effort between the City and LFPSF.

Honey Bear Bakery, a longtime 5 Acre Woods supporter, will provide coffee and pastry treats for the ceremony.

Guests are invited to join in a regular monthly restoration work party to remove invasive plants from the site following the celebration at 9:45am.

The enthusiastic community response to monthly work parties has resulted in the removal of English ivy vines from hundreds of trees in the park. Temporary work trails have been installed and ivy and invasive plants have been cleared from multiple areas of the park. Volunteers ranging from nearby neighbors, school kids, local businesses and even people from surrounding communities, have all joined forces to begin returning the forest to optimal health.

After the work party, LFPSF is sponsoring a Hot Dog BBQ at noon to celebrate and acknowledge the contribution of community volunteers to the restoration accomplishments achieved thus far. Over 800 hours of restoration have been logged at 5 Acre Woods since the beginning of the year. Already native plants are beginning to make a comeback after being released from decades of neglect and choking ivy vines. The LFPSF thanks the many donors whose financial contributions assisted the City in funding park acquisition.

Bring garden tools, gloves, sunscreen and water bottles to join in the work party. You are welcomed and encouraged to bring a side dish for sharing at the BBQ. Come enjoy a day of celebration, continued restoration and community fellowship at 5 Acre Woods this Saturday.

To find out more about this project or donate to the park acquisition, go to the LFPSF website.



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LFP Council to vote on cluster housing and review plans for 5 Acre Woods

Thursday, April 26, 2018

The Lake Forest Park city council meets Thursday, April 26 at 7pm at City Hall 17425 Ballinger Way NE, 98155.

The meeting will be preceded by a volunteer reception.

The Watershed Company will present the preliminary plans for 5 Acre Woods.

The council will vote on a moratorium on cluster housing. (See staff documents).



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46th District Legislators meet with constituents in Town Hall

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

From left, Rep. Javier Valdez, Rep. Gerry Pollet
and Sen. David Frockt at Town Hall meeting

Photo and text by Steven H. Robinson

Legislators from the 46th District held a town hall Monday evening, April 16, 2018 in Kenmore to report on the recently completed state legislative session.

Senator David Frockt
Representative Gerry Pollet
Representative Javier Valdez

Report on the Washington legislative activity for 2018

Accomplishments 

Budget approved for Washington Education to include faculty raises and to pay fines levied by the Washington State Supreme Court for not fully funding public education. Projected end of local education levies which would impact Special Education if changes are not made to current funding.

Representative Pollet stated that there needs to be a progressive form of taxes in the state to cover funding needs.

The House passed, but the senate did not, a bill to cover NARCAN in high schools and dormitories to combat the issue of Opioid related deaths.

The legislature passed gun laws to ban “Bump stocks” and the banning of guns for individuals convicted of Domestic Violence. Also, individuals with mental illnesses may voluntarily have their names listed to not be able to purchase firearms. (Rep Valdez encouraged the audience to contact friends and relatives in other districts to contact their own legislators to influence them to vote for the proposed gun laws)

Voter registration legislation allows for people to register to vote as late as election day and youth can register to vote ahead of time if they will be 18 by election day.

Other accomplishments:
  • Green Act 2.0
  • DACA access to higher Education in the State of Washington
  • Breakfast after the bell to allow students to receive a free meal even after the school day starts.
  • Net Neutrality for internet access enacted for the state of Washington.
  • Funding for a Kenmore pedestrian pass over Bothell Way related to Sound Transit.
  • Funding found for LFP culvert replacements to return salmon runs
  • Acquisition funds for the 5 Acre Woods Park and maintenance
  • Funds for siting study for the Sound Transit 3 parking garage.
  • Funding for Public Boathouse in Kenmore
  • Funding for Rhododendron Park in Kenmore
Things not passed by the legislature

No repeal of the death penalty

No re-evaluation of Sound Transit evaluation for car tabs.

Not supported was Governor Inslee’s directive to prevent the Department of Licensing from giving information to the Federal Government without a Court Order or Warrant, when related to Immigrant's status or application for a Driver’s License.

A short question and answer period was allowed at the end of the meeting.

Topics related to air quality related to the asphalt plant, gun control, property tax reductions, funding for public works and thanks to the legislators for their work.



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5 Acre Woods work party and opportunity to comment on design - Saturday

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

On Saturday, April 14, from 9:00am to 12:00 noon, you are invited to volunteer with the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation at the newly acquired 5 Acre Woods property. 

Volunteers are asked to meet 9:00am, where the day’s tasks will be removal of invasive ivy and to restore the health of the new park property.

By joining Saturday, you will have the opportunity to comment on Preliminary Concept Design and Potential Park features with City staff and Consultant, the Watershed Company.

Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain/ mountain beaver holes. Some tools will be provided but feel free to bring your garden shears, loppers, folding hand saws or metal rakes. Leave your power tools at home but don’t forget your gloves!

Dress for the weather (rain or shine) and feel free to bring family and friends to help volunteer at the work party, no experience required! Children 14 yrs and under require parental liability waiver and must be accompanied by parents. There will be a volunteer table to check in and receive direction.

Questions? Contact Polly by email polly@thesaunders.net or phone (206-999-1406).

Directions to 5 Acre Woods Property



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Supplemental capital budget has money for 5 Acre Woods

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Gov. Jay Inslee signs the supplemental capital budget on Tuesday, March 27, 2018.
Sen. David Frockt, D-46, who wrote the budget, stands next to the Gov.
Photo courtesy LSS


A $414 million supplemental capital construction budget signed Tuesday by Gov. Jay Inslee makes significant investments in the Seattle area.

This new funding enhances earlier investments made in the $4.3 billion 2017-2018 capital budget passed in January.

Sen. David Frockt, D-46, who served this year as capital budget writer, was instrumental in breaking gridlock in January, and in drafting the supplemental budget signed today.

“With the new Democratic majority in the Senate, we were finally able to complete the first phase of the capital budget in January,” said Frockt. 

“This supplemental budget builds upon those efforts, focusing on mental health in particular. We also have significant investments in clean water projects to help Puget Sound and the endangered Orca. Additionally, the budget invests in metro Seattle, which is something I have always tried to prioritize during my eight years in Olympia.”

Frockt is particularly pleased with the $2.5 million investment in the modernization and renovation of the Lake City and Magnuson community centers in the North End, the support for Mary’s Place and families experiencing homelessness in the area, and the record investments made in Seattle public schools in both of this year’s capital budgets.

Capital budgets passed this year also make a significant investment in K-12 education. During the 2017-19 biennium, the Seattle School District will receive about $20.8 million in School Construction Assistance Program (SCAP) funding, and about $28 million in distressed school funding.

Projects in the Seattle area include:
  • Mount Baker property cleanup, for the purpose of creating affordable housing in Seattle, $5.1 million
  • Five Acre Woods park acquisition in Lake Forest Park, $300,000
  • Lake City Community Center in Seattle, $500,000
  • Rhododendron Park float and boardwalk in Kenmore, $400,000
  • North Seattle Community College library building renovation, $3.4 million
  • Arboretum waterfront trail renovation in Seattle, $475,000
  • Town Hall historic restoration in Seattle, $1 million
  • Northwest African American Museum exhibit in Seattle, $200,000
  • South Seattle Community College automotive technology renovation and expansion, $260,000
  • A Mary’s Place hub in Burien, which will provide emergency shelter for families, $500,000
  • The Valley Cities modular housing project in Auburn, which will help people transition out of homelessness, $1.5 million
  • Expansion of Evergreen Treatment Services in King County for increased behavioral health capacity, $3 million

Sen. Frockt represents the 46th legislative district which includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, and Lake City.



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Volunteer gardening opportunity at 5 Acre Woods Saturday

Thursday, March 1, 2018

On Saturday, March 3, from 9:00am to 12:00 noon, you are invited to volunteer with the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation at the newly acquired 5 Acre Woods property.

Volunteers are asked to meet 9:00am, where the day’s tasks will be removal of invasive ivy and to restore the health of the new park property.

Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain / mountain beaver holes. Some tools will be provided but feel free to bring your garden shears, loppers, folding hand saws or metal rakes. Leave your power tools at home but don’t forget your gloves!

Dress for the weather (rain or shine) and feel free to bring family and friends to help volunteer at the work party, no experience required! Children 14 yrs and under require parental liability wavier and must be accompanied by parents. There will be a volunteer table to check in and receive direction.

Questions? Contact Polly by email or phone 206-999-1406.




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5 Acre Woods February celebration

Monday, February 5, 2018

Celebration at 5 Acre Woods
Photo by Gary Hawkey

By Donna Hawkey

Lake Forest Park residents from various neighborhoods came together on Saturday, February 3rd to celebrate the City’s acquisition of 5 Acre Woods (5AW).

This effort has been very community driven with lots of contributions of hard work, and generous donations from LFP residents which currently total $113,000.

Mayor Jeff Johnson announced that the City is getting ready to include 5AW into Lake Forest Park’s future parks plan.

A family from Bothell attended who have helped out at four work parties. The teens were looking for Honor Society volunteer hours and saw the 5AW posting on NextDoor.

Residents had the opportunity to hear about the current visions for 5AW. Described as a forest preserve and wildlife paradise, an educational haven, a nature retreat, and an environmental wonder, 5AW is becoming a community project for everyone.

5 Acre Woods was previously owned by Seattle City Light, who never used it for any purpose so the land has been untouched for over forty years. The purchase is being made possible by conservation grants and LFP residents' donations.

If you have ever tried to pull ivy,
you'll know what an accomplishment this is!
Photo by Polly Saunders
 
The Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation (LFPSF) has been spearheading this project and encouraged residents to get further involved by attending a monthly work party or by holding a “friend- raising” or fundraising gathering at private homes.

If you’re interested in sponsoring a home gathering, contact LFPSF Fundraising Chair Brad Keefe at keefeba@gmail.com. LFPSF will help you in setting up your gathering.

The next regularly scheduled first Saturday of the month restoration work party will be on Saturday, March 3rd from 9:00am until noon. Refreshments and snacks are provided.

More information on the webpage or Facebook page

5 Acre Woods is located on 40th Pl NE at 45th Pl NE.



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Volunteer Saturday at 5 Acre Woods

Friday, February 2, 2018

5 Acre Woods volunteers
Photo by Donna Hawkey
On Saturday, February 3, from 9:00am to 11:00am, you are invited to volunteer with the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation at the newly acquired 5 Acre Woods property.

Volunteers are asked to meet 9:00am, where the day’s tasks will be removal of invasive ivy and to restore the health of the new park property. The Stewardship Foundation will also be hosting a celebration for the new park property following the work party.

Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain / mountain beaver holes. Some tools will be provided but feel free to bring your garden shears, loppers, folding hand saws or metal rakes. Leave your power tools at home but don’t forget your gloves!

Dress for the weather (rain or shine) and feel free to bring family and friends to help volunteer at the work party, no experience required! Children 14 yrs and under require parental liability wavier and must be accompanied by parents. There will be a volunteer table to check in and receive direction.

Questions? Contact Polly by email or phone 206-999-1406.

Directions to 5 Acre Woods Property



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Fill Up the Hill at 5 Acre Woods Feb 3

Sunday, January 28, 2018

Fill this hill Saturday with workers and supporters
Photo courtesy LFPSF
On Saturday, February 3rd from 9am until noon, there will be a 5 Acre Woods Restoration Volunteer Work Party and Community Celebration.

At 11am, a photo will be taken of gardeners and supporters to send off to Olympia.

So let’s fill up this hill with LFP residents that day whether you are coming for the work party or the celebration only. 
Our state legislators, such as Senator David Frockt, recently told Lake Forest Park residents how really impressive it is to see the community working together like this.

LFP residents have made substantial financial contributions to help the City purchase 5 Acre Woods.

Senator Frockt and other legislators are supporting a $250,000 grant at state level to help the City’s purchase and restoration efforts.

Let’s work together to help get that funding into our own community. Let's get enough people Saturday so we can create a photo showing all the community that comes together at 5 Acre Woods.

5 Acre Woods is located on 40th Place NE (at 45th Pl NE).
Refreshments and snacks will be served.

Saturday, February 3rd
  • 9:00am-11:00am – Work party at 5 Acre Woods (5AW)
  • 10:30am – Walk to 5AW (For those coming to the Celebration portion at 11:00am.) 

To join the gathering, meet in the LFP Elementary School parking lot at 10:30am. (18500 37th Ave NE, LFP.) Departure will be from the LFP Elementary School parking lot, where you can park your car.

Supporters will walk the short distance together up 40th Place NE to meet with everyone for the 11am Celebration and photo op.

  • 11:00 am – Gathering and Welcome. Refreshments served, compliments of Honey Bear Bakery 
More information on Facebook

5 Acre Woods by Jerry Pickard

Caution about stepping into this special place – you may not want to leave! Previously untouched for over 40 years when owned by Seattle City Light, it is now to become a LFP City forest preserve and nature-oriented educational playground.  

5AW - A Magical Place
By Jean Bryant

Calling all you citizens
Calling all you friends
Let's all see what we can do 
Before the MAGIC ends

From the folks up in the Heights
To the Beach below
And don't forget Horizon View
And everyone you know

5 Acre Woods-a special prize
A Treasure without alloy
Let's all dig deep and do our part
To embrace its special Joy



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5 Acre Woods volunteers remove three truckloads of ivy, branches, and logs

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Photo by Rick Bender

Photo by Rick Bender

LFP Public Works gathered three truckloads of ivy, branches and logs that came from the Five-Acre Woods volunteer cleanup efforts.

More than 50 volunteers attended the cleanup event in January.

And there's lots more where this came from! Look forward to future gardening events.

See previous story

5 Acre Woods property is located just north of where 40th Pl NE and 45th Pl NE intersect in Lake Forest Park.


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Happy New Year to 5 Acre Woods

Sunday, January 7, 2018

Volunteers large and small
gathered at 5 Acre Woods Saturday

Text and photos by Donna Hawkey

Happy New Year to 5 Acre Woods!

This place seems to bring together community in unique ways. Fifty dedicated Lake Forest Park residents showed up in the cold and rain on Saturday morning to help clear invasive ivy off the beloved giant trees of now Lake Forest Park owned 5 Acre Woods.

Tug of war with vines
One volunteer, Katie, drove in from her home in North Bend to participate. She grew up right across the street from 5 Acre Woods and when she heard about the work party, she said “I just had to come, I have such special memories here.”

Katie is now a children’s environmental teacher and would be interested in helping to develop possible educational programs at 5 Acre Woods.

The work party events will take place throughout 2018 on the first Saturday of the month from 9am until noon.

Everyone is invited to join in, as a permanent forest preserve is shaped for generations of LFP residents and the many species of wildlife who live there, and also to help maintain and build on the integrity of LFP’s stream health.

Children and teens were working together happily learning about how and why ivy needs to be trimmed off trees.

Did you know that ivy will eventually suffocate a tree if not removed at least three feet up from the base? And that will cut off enough of the ivy to establish its die-back further up the tree? Overhearing these explanations to the children’s many questions already establishes 5 Acre Woods as an educational haven and playground for all.

Mark Phillips with a fistful of ivy
Here’s a place for the imagination to wander and widen. And for residents from all of Lake Forest Park to gather and get to know each other better while working in the woods with family members, friends and neighbors.

It doesn’t get much better than this in building community. Experiencing the deep pride that goes along with this effort is a real example of the history that has made this and the many other preservation efforts possible in Lake Forest Park.

Mark your calendars for the next monthly work party on Saturday, February 3rd and please join in, too! 

 The Friends of Five Acre Woods do a great job of providing drinks and food snacks to keep the energies going throughout the morning.

For more information about the 5 Acre Wood project that was purchased by the City with much support, time and efforts on the part of the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation, see their website.

Donna Hawkey, a 21-year resident of Lake Forest Park, can be reached at dhawkey@comcast.net



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Gardening: Ivy removal at 5 Acre Woods Saturday

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Ivy removal at 5 Acre Woods Saturday, January 6, 2018, 9am to noon -- 
Help us take back the Forest from Invasive Plants

Join Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation for the 1st official Saturday work party to remove ivy and restore forest health at Lake Forest Park’s new park.

5 Acre Woods - Lake Forest Park - 19000 block of 40th Place NE (located west of the 40th Place NE and 45th Place NE intersection). Parking along 40th Place NE.

Come dressed for all weather – rain or shine. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain and mountain beaver holes.

A limited number of tools will be available so bring your garden shears, loppers, folding hand saws or metal rakes but leave your power tools at home. Don’t forget your gloves – some people are sensitive to ivy sap. Children 14 yrs and under require parental liability waiver and must be accompanied by parents. Snacks and water provided.

Check in at the volunteer table to sign a liability waiver and learn what to do. No experience required.

Regular work parties will take place 1st Saturday of the month unless specified otherwise.

More information here. Donations here

Questions: Contact Polly -  206 999-1406


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Lake Forest Park finalizes purchase of 5 Acre Woods - now to pay for it

Saturday, December 16, 2017

5 Acre Woods

In September, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) accepted the City of Lake Forest Park’s $1 million purchase offer for two adjoining, undeveloped parcels near the intersection of 40th Place NE and 45th Place NE, at approximately the 19000 block.

On Friday, December 15, 2017, the City took ownership of the 5.6 acres known as "5 Acre Woods.".

In partnership with the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation, planning is underway to create an urban forest park with trails and an outdoor education space.

The city borrowed from a capital improvement budget to make the purchase and will be paid back with donations.

Grants, pledges, and donations now account for roughly two-thirds of the million dollar cost, including more than $500,000 in grants awarded from King County. The City will seek funding from the state.

During the final push to encourage the City to purchase the forest, the Stewardship Foundation made an agreement to raise funds for the shortfall. If these funds are not raised by late 2018, the City could put a portion of the land up for sale for sale for development.

The Stewardship Foundation reached its first fundraising goal and is now calling for the pledges to come in.

They have expressed great appreciation for the support of the community and are asking for continued financial and volunteer support to help make the park a reality. 
"We have raised over $135,000 to date" and "will need more individual donations to help meet the shortfall."

The Stewardship website has contact information, suggestions for raising funds, and information for making donations, including an online donation site.

Volunteer work parties will begin soon to remove invasive ivy from the trees in the park. They will provide tools and training. If you'd like to join in, email the Stewardship Foundation to join the volunteer list.



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Standing tall among the Tree Canopy

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

5 Acre Woods
Photo by Jerry Pickard

By Donna Hawkey

InvestigateWest reported in 2016 and once again earlier this year, that Lake Forest Park, Sammamish and Portland all have stronger tree protections (and thus tree canopies) than Seattle, which is playing catch-up, amending tree policies during their now record breaking City development period.

With its unique preservation qualities, Lake Forest Park (LFP) makes news again – being compared favorably with Portland, Oregon. (Will Seattle finally protect its tree canopy - Seattle Weekly)

Earlier this year, LFP Councilmember John Resha worked with the rest of the Council to strengthen the Environmentally Critical Areas ordinance. LFP resident Richard Saunders, who worked with Councilmember Resha on the City’s Planning Commission, reports that

“John played a major role in enhancing the Critical Area Ordinance which increases buffers and enhances restrictions. 
"This ordinance prevents inappropriate development next to streams, steep slopes, wetlands and preserves what most of us feel is the special part of Lake Forest Park.”

The City and its many conservation-minded residents showed their deep respect for the tree canopy with the recent purchase agreement for 5 Acre Woods.

Councilmember Mark Phillips was instrumental in helping to partner the City with the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation (LFPSF). These local volunteers worked tirelessly to help the City secure this special hidden forest gem, which is slated to be a City park as long as all the funding is secured by November, 2018.

If you would like to donate or can help with final funding strategies, contact the LFPSF Fundraising Chair Brad Keefe


Donna Hawkey is a 21-year resident of Lake Forest Park and can be reached here



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Learn about community efforts to create an Urban Forest Park with Trails in LFP

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Stewardship Foundation raising money
to purchase 5 Acre Woods



Walk to 5 Acre Woods Saturday

The Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation (LFPSF) invites the community to join us for “A Walk to 5 Acre Woods” event at 10:30am on Saturday, October 14, 2017.

Lake Forest Park now has a very special reason to celebrate this October which was proclaimed Urban and Community Forest Month in Washington by Governor Jay Inslee. The City of Lake Forest Park recently submitted a competitive bid of $1 million which was accepted by Seattle Public Utility for purchase of the 5 Acre Wood property located in the 19000 block of 40th Place NE.

The 5 Acre Woods site is the largest remaining mature forest within the area. It includes a wetland, a tributary of Lyon Creek, and serves as an important wildlife habitat.

Join us to celebrate the purchase of 5 Acre Woods and find out how you can help create this new park.

Thank you to all the citizens who expressed their desire to save 5 Acre Woods to the mayor and city council. The mayor and city council heard your voices and worked diligently to pass resolutions to purchase the property. 

The City has entered an agreement with LFPSF which will allow the foundation to get more funding to repay the purchase of the land by late next year. If LFPSF is unable meet this deadline then the city will sell the property for development. Although the purchase represents a momentous milestone, it only temporarily forestalls development of the property. Your continued support is needed now more than ever to help with fundraising.

With assistance from the LFPSF, the City has applied for King County Conservation Future grants, one of which was awarded in 2016 and another that is recommended for approval this year. These grants will cover about 50% of the purchase price.

The incredible outpouring of citizen support for 5AW in the form of pledges or donations for the acquisition is now over $135,000. Together these funds meet roughly 65% of our fundraising goal of $1 million [BDP1] so a great deal of work remains to make 5 Acre Woods a reality.

In addition to fundraising, LFPSF will be involved in developing plans for enhancement of the property and managing the intensive volunteer effort necessary to remove invasive plant species.

Regular visitor to the Woods
Not suitable for apartment living

Next Steps and How You Can Help

  • If you would like to contribute to the LFPSF’s community fundraising efforts, contact Brad Keefe (keefeba@gmail.com) to donate, pledge or volunteer for fundraising. 
  • Get involved! Demonstration of a high level of community involvement is a positive factor during the grant application review process so you can contribute in a meaningful way to our continued success.
  • Learn about volunteer opportunities that will ensure this urban forest provides critical habitat for decades to come. LFPSF will coordinate volunteer efforts in a similar model to Grace Cole Park. 
  • Express your appreciation to the mayor, city council and city staff for appropriating city funds to use as a bridge loan so LFPSF can continue to work with the city to raise the remaining funds necessary to preserve this property as a community green space with trails. 
  • Spread the word about 5 Acre Woods. Tell your friends and neighbors about this project and encourage volunteerism and donations. 
  • Attend the Walk to 5 Acre Woods for additional information on the agreement between the City and LFPSF and the plans to enhance and manage our new community forest. 

To join us at the Walk to 5 Acre Woods, meet in front of the Lake Forest Park Elementary School (18500 37th Ave NE, Lake Forest Park – parking available in the school parking lot) and proceed along the pedestrian walkway on 40th Place NE, to take a short walk to 5 Acre Woods.

Refreshments will be provided at the end of the walk, courtesy of Honey Bear Bakery and the Seattle Green Spaces Coalition.

The walk will occur rain or shine at 10:30am on Saturday, October 14, 2017. All ages are welcome. See the 5 Acre Woods Facebook page for more information. If you are interested in volunteering,  contact Lisa Pedigo, email at lpedigo@comcast.net.



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Enjoy some great retro jazz Saturday night and support the 5 Acre Woods project

Thursday, September 28, 2017



Come on out to hear the talented "ZepTet" perform at Grinders at 19811 Aurora Ave N. on Saturday, September 30th 8-10pm.

Thanks to the generosity of band members, they will collect donations for the Stewardship Foundation's 5 Acre Woods project.

Catch the "Vibe" as ZepTet performs as a trio featuring Kevin Boyd on vibraphone supported by LFP's own Dan Benson on bass and Zep on drums.

This is an all ages, family friendly event and children are welcome. Grinders features enormous sandwiches and other dinner items.

PLEDGE donations to help fund the purchase of 5 Acre Woods. Contact Brad Keefe or info@lfpsf.org



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New park for LFP? Update and Saturday walk

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

No guarantee you'll see him Saturday
but he's a regular visitor
Learn about community efforts to create an urban forest park with trails

The Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation (LFPSF) invites the community to join us for “A Walk to 5 Acre Woods Event” at 10:30am on Saturday, August 12, 2017. An update on the project will be provided.

The City of Lake Forest Park is now streamlining a plan to acquire 5AW to develop as an urban forest park.

Seattle Public Utility (SPU), the property owner, has engaged a commercial real estate broker and the 5AW is now on the market. 

However, SPU and its broker confirm that they will not evaluate bids until the first week of September.

The City of Lake Forest Park has been working hard to put together a plan that will allow the City to place a competitive bid for 5AW within the time frame.

With much assistance from the LFPSF, the City has applied for King County Conservation Future grants, one of which was awarded in 2016 and another than is recommended for approval this year.

Together these grants will cover about 50% of the purchase price. The incredible outpouring of citizen support for 5AW in the form of pledges for the acquisition, is now over $125,000, approximately 10% of estimated purchase price.

From a previous Walk Through The Woods

There are other funding sources to which application has been made, and will be made, to secure funding for the remainder. Some of these, especially those related to legislative action, can’t be applied for yet.

The City’s willingness to find a way to make an offer now, if successful, will create a window of time in which to secure the final funding. The outpouring of communication to the Mayor and Councilmembers from the many LFP citizens who favor the 5AW park creation has been another essential factor in the City decisions and commitment supporting the acquisition of 5AW. The community support to preserve this space as a park is needed now more than ever.

The 5 Acre Woods site is the largest remaining mature forest within the area. It includes a wetland, a tributary of Lyon Creek, and serves as an important wildlife corridor.

If you would like to contribute to the LFP SF’s community fundraising efforts, please contact Brad Keefe to donate, pledge or volunteer for fundraising.

To join us at the Walk to 5 Acre Woods, meet in front of the Lake Forest Park Elementary School (18500 37th Ave NE, Lake Forest Park – parking available in the school parking lot) and proceed along the pedestrian walkway on 40th Place NE, to take a short walk to 5 Acre Woods. 

Refreshments will be provided at the end of the walk courtesy of Honey Bear Bakery and the Seattle Green Space Coalition.

The walk will occur rain or shine at 10:30am on Saturday, August 12, 2017. See the 5 Acre Woods Facebook page for more information. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Lisa Pedigo

--LFPSF



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Poem: Five Acre Woods

Saturday, July 8, 2017

5 Acre Woods
Photo by Jerry Pickard


Five Acre Woods


Five Acre Woods a magical spot
A remnant of our Past
I hope and pray with all my heart
That we can make it last


Seattle it is changing
Lake Forest Park is too
But Magic still abounds in here
Let's see what we can do


The wildlife does reside in here
We wait with baited breath 
Will this last vestige of our Past
Now face a certain death


In Nature we find refuge
From all that Life may bring
For it is true- right in our heart
We're part of Everything


So let's all link our hearts and minds
To see what we can do
The dearest Gift-what Nature brings
That's true for me and you


There is a Presence you will feel
Not in the daily rush
But in the beauty of the space
The lilting of a thrush


Jean Monce Bryant
Lake Forest Park



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5 Acre Woods - the Last Frontier?

By Donna Hawkey

5 Acre Woods (5AW), the largest parcel of undeveloped property in Lake Forest Park, gained strong support from the LFP city council at their June 29th special meeting.

Jean Reid, Vice President, Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation (LFPSF) said she thinks “the council was very impressed with the outpouring of support shown at all the council meetings, but when the over $100,000 in resident pledges came rolling in, that may have been the deciding factor showing further that this community is very committed.”

But what really led to all this are the many, many volunteer hours from the passionate and dedicated work of the LFPSF and the Friends of 5AW.

The 20-year-old LFPSF non-profit 501(c)(3) has been leading this purchase effort with grant writing efforts and helping to identify other funding resources for the city.

Currently LFPSF is in a negotiation process with the city for determining how LFPSF could play a future role in all this.

After the council’s executive session on June 29th, Catherine Stanford, LFP’s Deputy Mayor made an announcement. Here are some excerpts from that announcement, the full statement can be heard on the city’s website.

“The process with the Stewardship Foundation is going very well at this time… We are happy to say that we will continue to meet, and again, work towards our common goals for preservation.”
This buck returns to the 5AW every spring
Photo courtesy 5AW

LFP city council also voted unanimously on June 29th to sign a “Waiver of Retroactivity,” Resolution 1620, so they can remain eligible for funding that would help further defray acquisition costs. The city is also exploring a bridge loan that would be paid back from various future funds and grants. And both House Representative Gerry Pollet and King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski have expressed solid support of this project.

Seattle Public Utility (SPU) recently put the property on the active market, however “SPU has a history of long-standing ethos of environmentalism, so let’s hope that public ownership of the property as a park will be a factor when they evaluate bids,” said Julian Andersen, President, LFPSF.

To date, $625,000 in conservation grant funding has been acquired for a city purchase. A municipality must be the purchaser of this public land to be eligible for this and other funding. The $625,000 in grants require 100% conservation of the site.

Also, those that approve grants like to see community commitment. It was the brainchild of the Friends of 5AW and LFPSF to embrace the idea of a 10% worthy fundraising goal to help increase future chances of grant approval and priority in funding cycles. This 10% goal was met with much enthusiasm from the residents, but continued efforts would be good.

Besides the purchase price, other funds will be needed for site restoration and to create public access.

The city council approved a little over $11,000 budget item for the Watershed Company environmental consultants to perform a study to explore usage options and to determine the true value of the land.

Small streams run through 5AW
Photo courtesy 5AW
5AW contains many steep slopes and sensitive areas so city council will estimate such items as the creation of footpaths for public usage and the study will define the true market price by taking into account the city’s new Critical Areas and Tree Protection Ordinances.

The property was valued at $1.2 million over a year ago and this appraisal assumes the city’s now outdated ordinances.

Per Catherine Stanford, LFP Deputy Mayor, “The previous appraisal, I think it was about 15-20% of the land was developable, but they didn’t do the deeper dive or look at the current tree ordinances or critical areas.”

In addition, Julian Andersen, LFPSF, said “city council needs to be fiscally responsible for taking on this project and assure that it does not adversely affect the city’s current budget in anyway.” 

And since the city is considering a bridge loan to buy the property before a developer swoops down on it, they must also have an exit plan in place in case the funding cannot be fully accomplished. 

Thus, this exit plan, if funding is not met, could include the option of selling a portion of the property to a developer. This is not what anyone in LFP wants to happen, it is just the worst case scenario and protects the city’s budget.

Saturday walk in the woods July 8 10:30am
LFPSF and Friends of 5AW will continue to reach out to the community through their popular Saturday walk to 5 Acre Woods events (including one this Saturday, July 8th starting at Lake Forest Park Elementary parking lot at 10:30 a.m.) and through encouragement for residents to hold their own home gatherings with friends in which LFPSF will provide a 5 Acres project presentation.

A lot of good ideas are in the channels for getting this done! Please come get involved in any way you can!

LFP resident Jean Monce Bryant wrote a poem that she read to city council on June 29th. A stanza from that poem reads “Seattle is a changing, Lake Forest Park is too, But Magic still abounds in here, Let’s see what we can do.” More of the poem can be found here in this edition.

For more 5 Acre information visit the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation website



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