IT IS EXTREMELY RARE for us to publish anything not directly tied to North Creek Forest. This may or not be an exception, depending on how you see things.
The Citizen Action Training School is a deep and broad immersion into the whole scope of Puget Sound recovery. You will learn about the functions of forage fish habitat, sand transport, estuaries, rivers, streams and watersheds. This is not theory. You will go there and see it. You will be taught by experts in a wide array of fields, all focused in on Puget Sound recovery. This is not a class that shows how how bad things are. It's a class to show you how to fix it and it offers you the knowledge to make it all deeply meaningful. Two members of FNCF took this course because we wanted to understand the context of our own volunteer work. We are saving a forest that is is significant watershed feature and an active element in the water quality of a salmon stream, North Creek. But we wanted to see the big picture. Boy did we! The field trips alone opened up a new world. Do you realize how engaged and effective tribes have been in protecting and restoring Puget Sound? Do you realize how energized and well thought out the whole recovery of Puget Sound has become under the guidance of Puget Sound Partnership? There is something gigantic going on. We are part of it. Check it out. Enrollment is going on right now. It's free. It's a fascinating 50 hour experience. The pay back is for you to spend 50 hours designing and implementing your own project in your community. Sound hard? Our view was that everyone was so charged up with knowledge and good intentions they could hardly wait to start their projects. We graduated last night. Everyone gave a 5 minute presentation about their project. It was so great we decided to make this RARE EXCEPTION and tell you about it. Applications are due by September 5th and our class was full early so don't wait. contact Kelley Govan at Sound Salmon Solutions soon to get application - [email protected] or 425-252-6686. Our Sound ~ Our Community ~ Our Chance want more info? HERE Tell us about your experience if you take the class. We would love to publish your story FNCF PS The forest is doing fine with the last half of summer coming on. Our YMCA team is three weeks away from finishing up their own project inspired by the CATS. More on that next time!
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YMCA! (and some other cool things) ![]() These trees are threatened by English ivy. Wildlife habitat is being destroyed. The Northshore YMCA has a weekly Teens Summer Camp. It includes a day of community service every week. We are pleased the Y chose North Creek Forest. Every week this summer an army of teenagers descends on the forest to reverse the damage done by invasive plants. While the interior of the forest is pristine, wildlife habitat is being threatened by invasive plants on the forest margins. A short distance away from the ivy patch it looks completely different. Where they work on ivy, only one species is present. Here YMCA volunteers found up to 15 different plant species under a stretched out string only 5 meters long! If you were a forest critter where would you want to live?
A few more pics of our first two weeks... THANK YOU YMCA SUMMER CAMP VOLUNTEERS! SEVEN WEEKS TO GO.... SOME OTHER COOL THINGS.... THINGS EVERYONE CAN DO TO HELP ![]() AMAZON SMILE Shop local when you can. But when you shop at Amazon we receive .5% of every qualified purchase you make. Go HERE to help us! FRED MEYER / QFC Again, we receive a quarterly payment based upon your purchases. Go HERE to help us! Hundreds of volunteers are involved in the effort to save this amazing forest. Future generations will be befit from every hour you give. For this we are grateful. ------------------------- PS This note has been added the morning after this article was published. Sorry that I can't typically help you guys out in the field. I have linked you to my Rewards card, so you will now get a portion of my purchases! I know you all do great work. Keep it up. Sincerely, David R Irons Jr www.flickr.com/photos/fresnatic/ We have never met David. On line we saw a photo of the State Capitol Building we wanted to use and he gave us permission in the Spril 2011 by email. He endorsed us (see Endorsement Page) has been following the forest ever since. This is the kind of community it takes. Thank you David! We are grateful for grants from the Tulalip Tribes and the Rose Foundation, Puget Sound Mitigation Fund, a grantmaking fund created by the Puget Soundkeeper Alliance.
THANK YOU - FNCF ![]() SOUNDVIEW Soundview International Baccalaureate School 5th and 7th grades finished their year of service on May 16th. ![]() Remember what the forest looked like when you started? If you take the virtual tour at the end you will see rich forest habitat growing from your site and the ones to the south. It's all because of people like you. You are in the news! My Edmonds News ================================================================================================= ![]() LOCAL NEWS Bothell Reporter (About grants we are pursuing) It is time to ask Congress to renew the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The impact is right here! Bothell Reporter (About a bond that would save the rest of the forest) ================================================================================================== ![]() Our First VIRTUAL TOUR There are no trails in the forest and won't be unless we are successful with all of the purchases and then only after a master use plan has been completed. Maybe by June 2017. Research interns have been granted permission, have a state license for wildlife research and are under the guidance of academic advisers. But..... Now you can walk through the restoration sites and wander into the adjoining forest. This is the first. What do you think?
![]() The Northshore YMCA begins summer service in North Creek Forest June 26. The forest will be the location for eight Summer Camp Service Days. We anticipate 36 kids age 13 to 17. Summer stewardship will be significant this year! No English Holly can stand up to these guys! >------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------< Our Last Service and Learning day (for this school year) with Soundview: ![]() The end of Spring Quarter means the last of six forest visits by Soundview International Baccalaureate School 5th and 7th graders. It was a perfect day for observing the details in the forest. photos by: Alice Tsoodle ![]() When you are in a healthy forest it's surprising what you see. Just look. ![]() Drawing and writing down our observations engages our minds and sharpens our senses. ![]() Be still and see. ![]() "Look... heart shapes!" ![]() We got a lot of work done on the restoration site this year. Everyone also got a chance to look at things we usually miss. Thank you Soundview! It was a great year. One Big Family Event.... ![]() Whale Watchers and Evergreen Karate and Jui-Jitsu This was one of the most fun events yet. Our goal was to plant a lot of trees, plants and shrubs. We had around 30 people on site of all ages. photos by: Carolyn Freese ![]() It was great to see so many families working with their kids and using the time to to teach new things. ![]() Many kids were Jiu-Jitsu and Karate students. We didn't see anyone flying through the air so we couldn't tell the masters from the beginners. ![]() When did you last get a chance to plant Skunk Cabbage? Thank you everyone, FNCF Whitney sent this great card and let us eat her Oreo Whale! We are grateful for grants from the Tulalip Tribes and the Rose Foundation, Puget Sound Mitigation Fund, a grantmaking fund created by the Puget Soundkeeper Alliance. THANK YOU - FNCF Fifty eight volunteers - but first to arrive... well, can you see us? Better? ![]() Things started quietly. Friends from Starbucks were first to arrive. Bothell Mayor Joshua Freed stopped by just before the crowd showed up (missed the photo opp). And then... ![]() People started flooding in, on foot and by car. ![]() Safety briefings and introductions to the 2013-14 UWREN Team ![]() UWREN Team members lay out the task for the day. This was repeated several times as people came in waves. It was really well organized, especially for such a big turnout. ![]() Team member Carolyn Stapp going over planting tips. ![]() Lots and lots of pots. ![]() Six wheelbarrows going all day... ![]() ... and six pitchforkers to fill them. ![]() All sizes of planters and plants... ![]() ...some laughter and skill left nothing to chance. (really bad poetry huh?) ![]() Team Liaison Ryan Isaacson was everywhere all day. ![]() There were people everywhere you looked. Our previous record was 54 volunteers two years ago. ![]() This is about the limit of our tools, some being borrowed from neighbors. The site changed before our eyes. ![]() Plants were staged in many locations around the site. ![]() The only way the grills kept up with the lunch crowd was to feed people 15 at a time. ![]() Post lunch the pitchfork crew took a short break for a conversation with Professor Amy Lambert. ![]() Toward the end of the day Dr. Lambert took groups for a short hike to a basin where forest succession could be easily observed. The signature ending. About twenty five people already left before we could get the shot. Credits: Alice Tsoodle took all the good photos but they got mixed in with the rest :) You all made a big difference this day. Thank you.... - Friends of North Creek Forest Like what you see? Don't miss April 19th! Our Stewardship and Education programs are made possible by grants from the Tulalip Tribes and the Rose Foundation.
A Perfect Day in the Forest ![]() April 4th was a near perfect day to be out in the forest. Erin Smith's class from Canyon Creek Elementary showed up to help us plant trees and to learn about science. 20 kids broke into 3 teams. Quotes are from letters written by the students. You may read all of those letters HERE. ![]() "You are very generous to our community by turning what used to be a dump into a nice peaceful forest." (note: We did remove 4000 pounds of junk from this site + a car, a truck and a camper) Ranger Carolyn sets up a lesson on tree identification. How do you think kids managed to ID trees without leaves on them? "I learned how plants make stuff similar to antifreeze. " "I learned about how to plant and how plants survive in the winter. " ![]() "My favorite part is making names for the plants. There’s Tim, penea, Bob and leafa." Students learned how to identify trees and shrubs by studying buds through a magnifier and comparing what they saw with a table of drawings depicting buds from native plants. "I learned about deciduous and evergreen trees." "I learned how to test water and how to plant plants and how to observe plants!" ![]() "I learned that trees have lots of homes for the insects." Another team passes through the moss door. "I hope you can have us over again soon!!!" ![]() Ranger David (a killer whale scientist and our Vice President) shows students how to test the pH of water. "I am still wondering where can I get the test tubes and chemicals?" (Note: it is easier to find pH test strips and they are easier, but a little less accurate, to use.) ![]() And the results are in. By laying their test tube next to a color chart students identified the pH of the surface water. It was 6.6 Students all got nearly the same reading. Good field work. Good science. ![]() Students made observations in the ditch at the edge of the restoration site. They had to write up their observations. "I also learned about diseases in plants." ![]() "I learned so much! " It's very important to write good notes about what we see. "I had a great time learning how to tell if water is clean" ![]() "I loved the experience of nature. " How many third graders does it take to circle this cedar tree? "Thank you for letting us look at the native plants an letting us go there for free." ![]() "I learned that plants die if you bury their roots too deep." Ranger Kent shows this team how to build a cone of soil in the hole and fan the roots down over that cone. He also explained something called a "moss line" which helps to determine exactly how far up the trunk the soil should go. "I learned not to fill the dirt to the trunk!" "Thank you for teaching us so many facts about plants, letting us get some fresh air, get a little dirty, and have fun! " ![]() "It was awesomely awesome planting!!" This team gets their picture taken in front of the first cedar tree they planted. Hey Patti An, that's one you donated! "Best field trip ever!" Great job kids. Your trees will grow to be giants some day! Our Stewardship and education programs are made possible by grants from:
New Funds ![]() If you have been following along you probably know a $500,000 King County Conservation Futures (KCCF) grant was awarded over a year ago to help save remaining forest land in North Creek Forest. Within the last week KCCF reallocated additional funds of $181,000 and $303,000. This brings the total commitment from King County to $984,000. All dollars from King County require a 1:1 match from another source. Toward this end the city has a Recreation and Conservation grant of $197,500 from the Land and Water fund. This enables $395,000 in purchase funds with $786,500 remaining to be matched. Our Capital Campaign to find these matching funds is about to launch. The Signs
Event 1: Tulalip Members - Marysville School District ![]() February 26th The Tulalip Higher Education Program brought over 40 students from the Marysville School District to meet with UW Bothell Admissions department staff Rachael Meares, Admissions Advisor and Native American Outreach, to participate at a restoration site with Friends of North Creek Forest and the UWREN program. This event was to inform high school students from the Tulalip Tribes and Marysville School District about the UWREN program. Prior to arrival Professor Warren Gold met with past and present members of UWREN, Friends of North Creek Forest and a Bothell City Council member. We each reflected on the value of UWREN from our unique perspectives. ![]() In the foreground former UWREN graduate and current City Council Member Andy Rheaume (left) talks about the way UWREN serves the city. FNCF Executive Director, Jim Freese, (not shown) discussed the value of UWREN's contributions to the community. In the far background former UWREN member and FNCF Volunteer Coordinator, Kent Parkinson, joined this years UWREN team member, Carolyn Stapp to share their personal UWREN experience. ![]() Up next was a tour of UWREN sites finished in 2011-2012 and 2012-2013. Students were able to see planting designs and get a hint of the science behind those designs. They were also able to see changes from year to year. ![]() UWREN Site 3 Arriving at this years site we broke into 8 student teams. These teams planted about 100 Pacific Willow and Red Twig Dogwood "live stakes". ![]() Pacific Willow (yellow bark) and Red Twig Dogwood (red bark) will grow to 50' and 15'-20' respectively. ![]() It is not lost on some of us that up until 1855 the Sammamish People occupied this area from Kenmore to Lake Sammamish. After smallpox and a treaty halved their numbers and dislocated the rest, most Sammamish People were absorbed into the Tulalip Tribes. We wonder if great great grandchildren of the Sammamish People were among these students, restoring native vegetation where it was once complex, rich and balanced... where Chinook salmon, once plentiful, have all but vanished. Tulalip Higher Education and Marysville School District chaperones were pleased with the activity, “It was great to see the students learning outside of the classroom,” comments Matt Remle (Lakota), Native Liaison for the Marysville School District. UW Bothell Admissions Department’s Rachael Meares describes reaching out to community partners to collaboratively develop programs for high school student visits, “The students will remember UW Bothell because it was an experiential visit – usually, they just get flooded with PowerPoints and pamphlets at most college visits.” We can't think of a better example of North Creek Forest serving students. It was a fulfilling day. FNCF Event 2: Dr. Amy Lambert's Class: Beginning Restoration ![]() March 6 This day we were short on photos but long on work. A combination of 30+ students, UWREN members and several FNCF members can change things fast. ![]() Spreading mulch and rooting out the last of the Himalayan blackberries, often in mud, was our chore for the day. We logged 127.5 hours. Thank you for coming out. Now you know about restoration at it's most difficult stage. If you return in two weeks you will be surprised at the changes. Plants are going in and mulch is going down. Event 3: Soundview is back! ![]() March 7 Soundview International Baccalaureate School is back. These 5th and 7th grade kids mowed down some of the last remaining blackberries on the three sites. They are getting really good at pacing themselves. And they are very aware of safety. Our number one responsibility to not get hurt or hurt someone else.
![]() At another station kids learned how to use a monocular magnifier. ![]() The goal here is to learn how to identify trees by their buds. This is the beginning. Kids soon discovered they could place the magnifier up to their eye and hold it in place by squinting, thus freeing both hands to hold the branch steady. ![]() With a little creativity who knows... We might discover the world is much more interesting that we realized. [The photographer had to try this himself after everyone left. Couldn't see much but you don't know unless you try.] From the FNCF Ranger Team: Thank you students for your hard work! |
Tulalip Tribes | The Rose Foundation Puget Sound Mitigation Fund a grantmaking fund created by Puget Soundkeeper Alliance |
Hi,
Please check our just published schedule to the right. There are many choices. We have tools, gloves, beverage and often a BBQ. You bring forest and weather appropriate clothes and footwear. We have fun and serve the forest!
![Picture](/uploads/6/8/5/3/6853956/8842625.jpg?453)
The following week our regular crew returned to straighten up the site for a pending wave of students.
Below is a small tribute to some of the volunteers who worked hard in winter weather to get things ready for the pending burst of activity. Thanks All!
![Picture](/uploads/6/8/5/3/6853956/631723.jpg?444)
Mike Hughes (right) solved a big problem. A large cherry tree had fallen on an old abandoned truck. Mike and his friend Ian Melanson cut the tree out of the way.
Then they proceeded to cut it into slabs about 3" thick.
![Picture](/uploads/6/8/5/3/6853956/4946223.jpg?455)
This cherry will someday make a beautiful dinning room table and other furniture.
Mike donated these cherry slabs to Friends. He also donated some big slabs of beautifully figured maple. We are selling it with all proceeds going to FNCF.
Mike also brought in another friend, Rod Styles, who cut up the truck and another car. He cut it down to pieces small enough to be hauled out by hand.
Mike happens to be a land developer who envisions a balance between the built and natural world.
Mike, thank you for your time, tools, sweat, ingenuity and generosity.
![Picture](/uploads/6/8/5/3/6853956/1392733349.jpg)
Rod Styles used a gas powered "rescue saw" to chop up this truck and another abandoned car.
Rod's bill was so low his work was basically a donation.
Thank you Rod!
![Picture](/uploads/6/8/5/3/6853956/2041312.jpg?455)
The calm before the storm...
Krystle Minerich, our former Executive Director Intern, getting back to it after she anchored herself into a fine post grad job.
We have a special appreciation for the students who return now and then.
![Picture](/uploads/6/8/5/3/6853956/8232707.jpg?456)
John Pearson, probably holds the record for most events attended. John has attended almost every public event for the last year.
![Picture](/uploads/6/8/5/3/6853956/7973524.jpg?460)
Kent Parkinson rockin' to his tunes.
![Picture](/uploads/6/8/5/3/6853956/8249317.jpg?457)
Lisa Johnson, is becoming a regular. Attending UW Bothell, Lisa finds this a refreshing break from the books.
![Picture](/uploads/6/8/5/3/6853956/4353090.jpg?458)
Natalie Gonzales, another most frequent volunteer began last year while an Honor Society member at Bothell High School. She is currently attending Cascadia CC.
![Picture](/uploads/6/8/5/3/6853956/4592471.jpg?459)
Community member Maggie Lovell brings her own loppers to events. After this storm hit we suggested we gold plate them.
No one was expected to stay in this weather. Everyone did.
![Picture](/uploads/6/8/5/3/6853956/8515901.jpg?457)
BTW the tree behind her was completely invisible under the blackberries last fall.
Thanks UWREN for planning events and logistics. They have a big job both on and off the site.
Not shown today but always present: Jared Parkinson, Ryan Isaacson and Spencer Murray.
![Picture](/uploads/6/8/5/3/6853956/1392611267.jpg)
We express gratitude to the Rose Foundation, and the Puget Sound Stewardship and Mitigation Fund for supporting our programs.
![Picture](/uploads/6/8/5/3/6853956/1392611189.jpg)
The Tulalip Tribes for their generous support.
Thank you for making the dream real.
FNCF
![Picture](/uploads/6/8/5/3/6853956/1390861405.jpg)
First: Please join us Saturday
This Saturday, February 1st, we will need some extra help. It should be great working weather and a great way to shed adrenaline buildup preceding the Seahawks victory!
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
MAP
The grill is hot!
We have all tools, gloves, food and beverage.
<--------------------
Woodinville Montessori eighth graders walked to North Creek Forest last week.
Team 1 attended a class taught by "Ranger Cathy" (Cathy Febrache-Garrand) a retired JHS science teacher, where they discovered the inner working of trees.
![Picture](/uploads/6/8/5/3/6853956/4988859.jpg?393)
Team 2 worked under the guidance of UW Restoration Ecology Network students to dig up the rhizomes of invasive Himalayan blackberries on this years restoration site. It's pretty cool to see these kids help UW seniors with their project and get instruction form team members.
Team 3 went on a short hike to see the effects of surface water on landscape. They saw the aftermath of a mini flood area where a tiny year around stream ejected silt in a fan pattern 30' wide. After that we had an "investigation" to discover how it happened.
They also saw stages of forest succession, the amphibian habitat research area and historical water management practices (the old cistern).
Teams rotated through each station getting a forest tour, education and hands on experience.
Thank you Woodinville Montessori eighth grade!
Chrysalis School with Cascadia Environmental Science Center
UWREN hits it's stride to spread mulch and get 1000+ trees, shrubs and plants into the ground before spring
Soundview International Baccalaureate School returning
Maywood Elementary students with Nature Vision
Tulalip HS students
Neighborhood English ivy control
Canyon Creek Elementary
Watch the schedule to the right of this article and join us.
It really is gratifying work with great people.
![Picture](/uploads/6/8/5/3/6853956/1390932637.jpg)
We express gratitude to the Rose Foundation, and the Puget Sound Stewardship and Mitigation Fund for supporting our programs.
![Picture](/uploads/6/8/5/3/6853956/1390932767.jpg)
The Tulalip Tribes for their generous support.
Thank you for making the dream real.
FNCF
IT HAS BEEN A BANNER YEAR FOR US. We have worked with hundreds of people, some briefly and others permanently engaged. All are necessary. We thank all of you and welcome you to 2014. Our mantra: Twenty Three Acres! That's what's left to save. This is the year to do it.
LATEST NEWS ARTICLES
![Picture](/uploads/6/8/5/3/6853956/1388709373.jpg)
December 18th
Bothell City Council votes unanimously to purchase 6 more acres of forest.
![Picture](/uploads/6/8/5/3/6853956/1388709397.jpg)
January 3, 2014
New Seattle Times article about the forest purchase.
OTHER 2013 ITEMS
![Picture](/uploads/6/8/5/3/6853956/5822176.jpg?256)
Here is a great PPT by two UWB students in Prof Robert Turner's class on Conflicts in Sustainability. It's available for download at the top of our Stewardship/Education Page. Thanks Logan and Isaias.
![Picture](/uploads/6/8/5/3/6853956/87617.jpg?398)
Last spring we hosted Saint Brendan's 5th grade students. They did a plant diversity study in the forest with noted naturalist Rob Sandelin. We also hoped to thank Senator Murray for championing our nations Land and Water Fund... very important for North Creek Forest. We partnered with the folks at Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition who came up with this great idea: student autographed white hiking boots.
(Click on graphic)
LAST STEWARDSHIP DAYS FOR 2013
![Picture](/uploads/6/8/5/3/6853956/3562367.jpg?484)
December 7, 2013
We discovered an abandon camper under the blackberries. Former UWREN member, Duncan Medlin lead the charge to dismantle it along with Kent Parkinson.
![Picture](/uploads/6/8/5/3/6853956/7609829.jpg?455)
It did not take long.
![Picture](/uploads/6/8/5/3/6853956/4562298.jpg?489)
All that was left was to make a pile and add two collapsed sheds to it.
![Picture](/uploads/6/8/5/3/6853956/6265639.jpg?337)
December 21st
On the shortest day of the year we hauled 4000 pounds of junk. Many thanks to the 17 hardy souls who refused to give up. It was noted some volunteers were fueled by 3 hamburgers!
We also cut up an abandon car and carried it to the edge of the road. We thought we would have to haul it away too. But someone stole it in the middle of the night! Ha!
At another location in the forest an encroaching shed (also coming in at 4000 pounds) was dismantled and hauled off. Fred and Mike, awesome work on the shed!
It was an 8000 pound day.
Thank you to the Rose Foundation, Puget Sound Mitigation Fund and the Tulalip Tribes for supporting our work. Today's work not only aided restoration but put the final touches on city requirements to conserve the land.
Please Note: There are some great opportunities to work with students and other community members. Check out the events to the right---------------->
2014 - TWENTY THREE ACRES
Every post you forward,
Every person you tell,
Every weed you pull,
Every dollar you give
and
Every good wish.
FNCF
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