Friends of Seward Park Grants

Friends of Seward Park

Western Hemlocks are dying in the northwest quadrant of the Seward Park's old-growth forest located at 5895 Lake Washington Blvd. The cause and mechanism of the decline are unknown. A survey of current tree health and geographic distribution is needed. The Friends of Seward Park will work with youth from CHOOSE 180 on a hemlock survey, collecting data and training the youth in field biology and data analysis. A protocol devised by PNW ecologists and pathologists and approved by Seattle Parks will guide our work. CHOOSE 180 is a community-centered program in partnership with the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office to reduce race-based and economic disproportionality in the juvenile justice system. Friends of Seward Park will also collaborate with Forest Health Watch, provide data summaries, a preliminary analysis, and a short article submitted to an appropriate journal. This project will be completed by November 30, 2021.

Friends of Seward Park

Last summer, Friends of Seward Park, (FoSP), 5002 Lake Washington Blvd S, joined with CHOOSE 180 on a Small Sparks grant and surveyed the decline and mortality of 116 Western Hemlocks. We wish to continue ecological research, this year focusing on 100+ old-growth Douglas Firs, and a smaller number of dying Red Cedars. Once again we will have 3-5 interns from CHOOSE 180, working about 15 hours a week, in the forest, and on data mapping. FoSP will supervise the daily work at no cost; a UW intern (also at no cost) may assist. This project will be completed by November 30, 2022