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

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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Lake Forest Park – “We’re Living the Dream!”

Friday, June 15, 2018

Official ribbon cutting for 5 Acre Woods
Photo courtesy City of Lake Forest Park

By Donna Hawkey

The Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation (LFPSF) held a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5 Acre Woods on Saturday, June 9th, in partnership with the City, and handed Deputy Mayor Catherine Stanford a giant $100,000 check from residents!

5 Acre Woods is now an official City park with almost 90% of the total purchase price of $1 million secured; the remaining gap still needs funding by November 2018.

Julian Andersen, President Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation, said that while LFP is “living the dream,” he noted that this dream has come true with the help of many.

Deputy Mayor Catherine Stanford and councilmembers
thank the 46th district delegation
Photo by Gary Hawkey

Generous residents made substantial contributions and they are very thankful for that. The support of the 46th District Legislators was also a key factor, and Mayor Deputy Catherine Stanford remarked how lucky the citizens of Lake Forest Park are to have these very supportive elected officials for the 5 Acre Woods project, and also for the many ways they have stepped forward to support other LFP City needs. She stated that this is a hard-working delegation, and further acknowledged the 5 Acre Woods champion efforts made by LFP Councilmember Mark Phillips. 

Besides resident contributions, the purchase price was largely secured – more than 50% of it - through State and the King County Conservation Futures grants. Julian Andersen from LFPSF noted that we thank all the taxpayers of King County for this. 5 Acre Woods belongs to more than the residents of Lake Forest Park – it's a regional asset.

The LFP Stewardship Foundation led the fundraising drive
Photo by Gary Hawkins
 

A recent Tulalip Tribe grant helped to realize that fact, too. Lake Forest Park is also about historic efforts to return the salmon to its streams in higher numbers. These streams run throughout the City and 5 Acre Woods; together residents and educators have been dedicated to preserving them.

Seattle City Light previously owned 5 Acre Woods as surplus land. It was the last undeveloped parcel left in Lake Forest Park and contains a large wildlife corridor that is now protected.

Julian Andersen noted that the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation consistently hears through polls that the residents care most about “being in nature, the trees, and the community. Those are the high values that this project represents,” said Julian. 

Many organizations held employee work days in the park
Photo by Polly Saunders

5 Acre Woods purchase has been diligently led by LFPSF board member, Natalie-Pascale Boisseau. Natalie-Pascale described to residents what keeps her motivated to pursue the strong and steady effort that accomplished the purchase. She said in her usual warm and sincere way, “It’s because you all keep showing up.”

In a City budget primarily made up of property taxes to support its many services, public parks are a bit of luxury. There is a need for residents to step forward and help create and preserve such treasures. This is one big show of residents stepping forward for sure. The LFP Stewardship Foundation had done it before with the purchase of Grace Cole Park which was a model for the 5 Acre Wood City partnership.

With the crush of new development, it is a gift of foresight that was greater than what was known four years ago when the project to purchase 5 Acre Woods began. The land has sensitive areas that cannot be built upon or accessed except by the diverse wildlife living there. It was in jeopardy of partial development that could have disturbed the natural balance that has been untouched for over 40 years.

The achievements of project lead Natalie-Pascale and the entire Stewardship Foundation is what they have done so well in the past – they get the citizens a big win! Many thousands of volunteer hours went into making this purchase of a forest a reality.

Deputy Mayor Stanford holds a photo of volunteers
who worked in the park
Both photos by Gary Hawkey
 
The volume of work added for all the new development and Sound Transit planning also consumes City staff and City Council. However, Mayor Jeff Johnson and the City Council saw the strength of the project and its value to the citizens and were able to offer help in areas where City staff were needed to support the Stewardship Foundation officially. An example of an all-community run non-profit and City government coming together in an innovative partnership!

Residents’ financial help and follow-through are also something that received the attention of LFP City Councilmembers and Senator David Frockt, Representative Gerry Pollet, and Representative Javier Valdez. When residents open up their own pockets and help to build the community too, City officials take notice.

Fundraising is still needed to make 5 Acre Woods into the kind of park and environmental education program necessary for helping to maintain the legacy of Lake Forest Parks’ natural and diverse eco-system. The City will continue to seek other grants for future park development.

Support the LFP Stewardship Foundation in any way you can. If you can’t help close the funding gap, then try to come on out and give a hand during a call for the many monthly workgroup opportunities.

Or a thoughtful last minute Father’s Day gift for that nature loving dad, could be a pledge in time or money to 5 Acre Woods Close the Gap Fund!

Windermere Northlake volunteers blaze a trail
Photo by Polly Saunders
1,000 volunteer hours by 200 individuals have been logged in since January in clearing ivy and creating trails. It’s a lot of work, so many hands make it lighter, and there is always a big smile on someone’s face there to greet you, and usually donated hot coffee and other treats, too.

Honey Bear Bakery has been a long time supporter and provided coffee and treats for this second year.

Also, there has been an increase in organizations such as the Boeing Company, Windermere Northlake, Davido Consulting, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Bastyr University, and the Scouts, scheduling trail-making workgroup and team building events at the site. These kinds of events help solidify and strengthen employee team building – some employees are just meeting for the first time - and say they are having fun!

If you work for an organization that supports volunteer programs and you would like to organize a workgroup date, contact Polly Saunders who is the 5 Acre Woods restoration lead - polly@the saunders.net.

The giant work effort continues and will leave a legacy - about many citizens who make a positive difference - and that is a good thing for all! Please join them, support them and thank them!

To contribute to help close the over 10% fundraising gap, and also to discover more about the over 20-year old Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation.

5 Acre Woods is located at the 1900 block of 40th Place NE in Lake Forest Park.



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5 Acre Woods – Urban Forest - Natural School

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

We Love 5 Acre Woods
Photo by Jerry Pickard
By Donna Hawkey

A little 5.6 acre of urban forest has remained untouched for forty years and the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation (LFPSF) is leading an effort to help acquire it.

The goal is to preserve “5 Acre Woods,” as it is lovingly referred to by residents, and to establish public trails within this nature gem.

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) acquired the land many years ago for a water reservoir site but never developed it for that purpose, so they intend to sell it; the property hasn’t been used by anyone for forty years - except the wildlife!

The 5 Acre Woods vision is for low impact trails and a small playground, but the entire forest is a natural school or laboratory for both children and adults, and a sanctuary for many wildlife species.

Tony Angell leading the May Event with 5 Acre Woods
Lead and LFPSF board member Natalie-Pascale Boisseau.
Photo by Jerry Pickard


The LFP Stewardship Foundation and “Friends of 5 Acre Woods” held a May educational event with a walk to the SPU property led by resident Tony Angell, master sculptor and past supervisor of environmental education in the Office of the State Superintendent of Schools.

“Kids glued to a computer screen are facing the possibility of atrophy of the muscles that are required for full vision, not to mention those large muscle groups that allow us to walk and run and do something with our eye to hand coordination that is beyond punching buttons,” said Angell. "We have never seen anything quite like these potential changes in our children.
“This is a perfect place," Angell continued, "for kids to develop and strengthen their senses – sight, touch, smell and auditory capacity. And here is a laboratory location to apply some of the classroom facts, figures and mechanisms for these measurements first hand. These sensory moments are pathways for discovery of what’s going on in our natural world and will be of singular use throughout our lives. The forest gives us all these free services!”

You can almost hear the birds singing
Photo by Jerry Pickard

This is undoubtedly a nesting place and corridor for many wildlife species since it has been undisturbed for so long. Hawks, eagles, owls, coyote, deer, mountain beavers and even long tailed weasels have been found on this site.

“Steep slopes, a stream, riparian wetland, and hillside seep wetlands all serves as a restorative nursery for the wildlife of our community. Other free forest services are the water purification and containment of run off, the CO2 absorption and noise abatement,” says Angell.

As a master artist and author, his home in Lake Forest Park, where he has lived for half a century, has served as a source of inspiration and type of outdoor studio for his work, so he has a passion for the city’s forest.

So far the LFP Stewardship Foundation has contributed to raising close to $300,000 in conservation grant funds and private donations to purchase 5 Acre Woods so that it can remain a City of Lake Forest permanent nature school and park.

Laura Swaim from Friends of 5 Acre Woods
discovering the giant old growth forest.
Photo by Miguel Esteban
The property is the largest undeveloped site remaining in Lake Forest Park. More grant applications, donations and other sources of funding are pending.

LFPSF’s current activities include continuing monthly walks to 5 Acre Woods to educate the community about its environmental and community value.

Some residents are holding their own house parties to assemble neighbors and discuss how more money can be raised and to bring about further awareness of the project.

And in the summer, there will be other activities such as block parties to continue the efforts.

Another strong community connection and support for 5 Acre Woods took place in 2015 when the Seattle Green Spaces Coalition (SGSC) decided to help facilitate efforts along with the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation.

Mary Fleck from SGSC said when she heard of this property and knew of the history and culture of Lake Forest Park and how it has valued its connection to nature, she knew it could be a win-win situation.

“And when residents, strong organizations, and local government work together like this, anything is possible,” she says.

Tony Angell said “we really don’t know what the full diversity of life is in this forest. Clearly not only an abundance of song birds and raptors but reptiles, amphibians, insects and many plants have yet to be inventoried. 
"There’s an old Joni Mitchell song I used to sing when I went out to schools to share stories of nature. There’s a wonderful line that sums up what we’re looking at and it says… ‘Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone. They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.’”

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


The next two summer walk events are currently scheduled:
  • June 10th with Ben Pedigo, a birder who grew up in Lake Forest Park, will speak to his passion and knowledge of birds.
  • On July 8th Sarah Cooke, a wetland biologist, will discuss the benefit of wetlands.
  • The walks start at 10:30am from the Lake Forest Park Elementary School on Ballinger Way. See the 5 Acre Woods Facebook page for more information. 
Honey Bear Bakery provides complimentary pastries and coffee!
Seattle Green Space Coalition provides juice and fruits!
Come join the fun and learn!

If you want more information about the 5 Acre Woods project, see the projects tab on the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation website. LFPS is a 5013C non-profit and has been in existence for over 20 years.

~~~
Donna Hawkey, author of this article, is a 20-year resident of Lake Forest Park. Thank you to Tony Angell for his contributions.



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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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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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Walk to 5 Acre Woods on Saturday - listen to the birds sing

Sunday, June 4, 2017

5 Acre Woods
Photo by Jerry Pickard

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, June 10, 2017.

The month’s event features a bird walk and talk by Ben Pedigo. Ben is a Lake Forest Park native and birding enthusiast who is an active member of the University of Washington’s Birding Club.

Ben will lead a bird walk on the way to the woods, so bring your binoculars and bird guides and join the fun. Learn about the feathered residents of our urban forest and how to recognize their songs. Families are welcomed and encouraged. We will also provide updates on the latest progress for the project.

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.

The Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation (LFPSF), a community based nonprofit association, advocates strongly for the City of Lake Forest Park to purchase this property to develop an urban forest park with trails.

The Foundation has spearheaded grant writing and fundraising activities to assist the City toward meeting that goal.

Community matching funds for those grants are key to successful acquisition of the land.

If you would like to contribute to our fundraising efforts, contact Brad Keefe (keefeba@gmail.com) to donate, pledge or volunteer for fundraising.

Seattle Public Utility, the current property owner, plans to sell the property later this summer, so community support for the project is critical to our success.

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, June 10, 2017.

Remember to save the date for the July 8, 2017 walk featuring wetland biologist Sarah Cooke, who will speak about the importance of wetlands. See the 5 Acre Woods Facebook page for more information.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact Lisa Pedigo.



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

Friday, March 3, 2017

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,



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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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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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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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LFP City Council - 5-Acre Woods

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

5-Acre Woods
Photo by Jerry Pickard
By Diane Hettrick

The Lake Forest Park City Council will meet on Thursday, June 29, 7pm, City Hall Council Chambers, 17425 Ballinger Way NE, in a meeting postponed from June 22.

Main item on the agenda is Resolution 1620 /
Authorizing the Mayor to Sign a Letter Requesting a Waiver of Retroactivity from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office for the Seattle Public Utilities Property Known as 5-Acre Woods

The 5-Acre Woods property is the largest piece of undeveloped property in Lake Forest Park.  A citizen group spearheaded by the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation is raising money for purchase of the property and lobbying the city to take it over as a natural park. See previous article.

According to the citizen group, "Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) acquired the land many years ago for a water reservoir site but never developed it for that purpose, so they intend to sell it; the property hasn’t been used by anyone for forty years - except the wildlife!"

The City is considering alternatives to acquire the property. The agenda item pertains to paperwork necessary to acquire grant monies.

Should the City be successful in acquiring the properties, the City must submit a Waiver of Retroactivity request to the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office  (RCO) to remain eligible for RCO funds that could be used to reimburse acquisition costs. If granted, the City will be eligible for two RCO grant cycles (two year cycles).

What is not clear is whether the LFPSF and the City are in sync about development on the site. The citizen group wants to keep the entire property as woods with nature trails. The City may be considering development on part of the property.

Stay tuned.



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Progress being made on acquisition of 5 Acre Woods

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

5 Acre Woods –Making Progress!

Attend an update this Saturday, July 8th at 10:30am

Come hear an update from the Friends of 5 Acre Woods about the current process to acquire the property as a city park and preservation site.

Listen and learn from a special guest speaker, wetland biologist Sarah Cooke.

Meet at 10:30am in the Lake Forest Park Elementary School parking lot, 18500 37th Ave NE, Lake Forest Park 98155.

Then take a short group walk to 5 Acre Woods where there will be complimentary coffee, pastries and juice.

A question/discussion session will follow the update and presentation.

Lake Forest Park – buy this last piece of frontier land – get it done!

For more information visit the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation website



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