Yesler Swamp Boardwalk More Than Half Way Finished And Donations Needed

Friends of Yesler Swamp recently posted this information on their website:

Friends of Yesler Swamp and the UW Botanic Gardens are working together to restore the native plants of historic Yesler Swamp, located in Laurelhurst bordered by NE 41st Street and Surber Drive, to protect and conserve swamp wildlife and to minimize human impact on the wetlands. As part of these restoration efforts, we support the creation of a handicapped-accessible natural wetland trail.  

The trail would offer views of the wetlands, the beaver lodge and the lagoon, while protecting wildlife by directing human foot traffic away from these sensitive areas. Friends of Yesler Swamp and UW Botanic Gardens welcome input and support from the wider community who enjoy the trail.

 

 

 

 

Good News for Yesler Swamp!

The Seattle City Council recently approved a Department of Neighborhoods Matching Fund award of $88,887 to restore Yesler Swamp and continue construction of the boardwalk.

King Conservation District this week announced a $31,940 grant to Yesler Swamp to build a Viewing Platform and much more!

Now we must join together to Meet the Match. To take advantage of these generous awards, the community must contribute almost $11,000!
Please donate NOW to help Meet the Match!
You can donate either through the UW Foundation or Seattle Parks Foundation. You can also mail your check to Friends of Yesler Swamp,  Center for Urban Horticulture, 3501 NE 41st St., Seattle 98105. Any way you choose to direct your gift, you'll be helping Yesler Swamp!!

 

 

Over the summer Friends of Yesler Swamp posted this update on the construction of the environmentally designed, accessible Yesler Swamp boardwalk:

The boardwalk is more than half way finished and restoration of Yesler Swamp is on the home stretch! All that remains is the East Trail, the entry path, and the viewing platform on the north side of Yesler Swamp.   

Generous donors have contributed over $260,000 to fund the restoration and the boardwalk.   Restoration has been amazing! Volunteers have donated hundreds of hours pulling ivy, digging blackberry, and planting native plants. Areas that were once tangles of invasive blackberry and English ivy are now cleared and planted with native willow, dogwood, and evergreens.  

Friends of Yesler Swamp is now monitoring and reporting progress to the Seattle DPD and other environmental agencies.   We encourage the community to donate to complete Yesler Swamp! Friends of Yesler Swamp has applied for several grants to help finish the work.  

The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Matching Fund has generously supported Yesler Swamp in the past, and we have requested about $90,000 to complete the East Trail. We have asked King Conservation District – another generous supporter – for about $20,000 to build the viewing platform, finish planting, and fund monitoring and reporting. Finally, we have asked Peach Foundation for about $20,000 to construct the Entry Trail.    

Yesler Swamp – one of the last true swamps in Seattle – is a beautiful, serene oasis in the midst of a busy neighborhood. Great blue heron nest on the shore, beaver families live in the beaver lodge, and hundreds of birds perch on its trees and shrubs.   Please visit Yesler Swamp! Dogs on leash are welcome, but please refrain from biking and jogging in this fragile wetland environment

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