Bothell, December 10th 2013 - The City Council voted unanimously to approve a purchase and sales agreement for six more acres of North Creek Forest! The source of funding was a Land and Water grant, a King County Conservation Futures grant and land value donated by the owner. We are grateful to the Robinson Family for their generosity. We also want to thank the people at Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition and the state Recreation and Conservation Office. Without them we would not have the awesome conservation protections offered by the L&W grant. Friends of North Creek Forest is honored to be the recipient of a $5000 grant from the Tulalip Tribes. They offered us one of our first written endorsements. Now they have recognized our work worthy of financial support. This grant holds special meaning for us. The Tulalip Tribes Charitable Fund, is "committed to improving arts and culture, education and youth, the environment, health care, public safety and social services in our communities." We are grateful to be a part of their vision. Google has awarded us two grants! You will have to hold your breath while we get our heads around this one. When we have all of the pieces in place you will definitely know so "stay tuned" :) This is significant. On the subject of staying tuned... On November 21st we were invited to an interview on a national radio broadcast, The Dr. Pat Show. Dr. Pat Baccili attended one of our fundraisers and is committed to our mission. You may listen to it at the link below. The heart of the interview begins at about 8 minutes in. Thank you Dr. Pat! http://www.thedrpatshow.com/shows/drp-131121-freese.mp3 Founding Board Member Maximilian Dixon is moving on. Maximilian has been with us from the very start. This Mary Gates Leadership Scholar was President of the UWB/CCC Sustainability Organization when we met him. Soon after we had a letter of support from the UW Bothell Chancellor and a whole new relationship with the university. Maximilian has guided us in areas of public policy, nonprofit development, education, grants, internship adviser and has worked half way through many nights to save North Creek Forest. He just got married, he's in grad school and working closely with FEMA. We have more to say about this amazing man soon. Maximilian, you are a brilliant leader and a true friend. Thank you! 23 ACRES TO GO
That is the key to this whole ecosystem. If we fail, 41 acres of wildlife habit will not be sufficient to keep the forest special. It is the whole ecosystem that is so valuable: for salmon below, for Puget Sound, for students and teachers and for a web of life missing from smaller forests. 23 acres to go and perhaps fewer months to get it done. Stay with us. It's worth it! If you have a giving program please consider Friends of North Creek Forest. 2014 will be the critical year for completing the vision of an intact forest... Bothell's last great forest. Your donations are tax deductible. See instructions to the right of this article. Thank you all for a tremendous year! FNCF
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Our next open event is upon us! Saturday December 7th 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Also an identical event on December 21st) Map Help us turn a pile of blackberries into "maximum" wildlife habitat. We will have snacks, beverages, tools. You will need weather and forest appropriate clothing. PHOTOS Professor Warren Gold frequently rides his bike past "Edgar" on his way to work. According to Dr. Gold... "Edgar perches on the snags along the stream in the North Creek Business Park every morning in the fall and into the winter (and I get to say hi on my bike ride to work most days). Old studies on the Skagit have shown that these guys spend the nighttime in the coniferous trees back from the river corridor. The evergreen foliage provides long wave radiation heating through the night to keep them warmer than they would be otherwise." Another good reason to save a forest? Absolutely. Quick! "like" our Facebook Page HERE You will want to do that now so you won't miss our contest. It will post on our FB Page and feature photos in and around the forest. We want you to vote on those you like best. So, like now, vote soon. If you have a photo you would like to share please email it to info@friendsnorthcreekforest.org It does not have to be a dramatic wildlife photo. It can be anything that shows why the forest if worth saving. A flower might be the pic of the year. Thanks, FNCF North Creek Forest Expanded Media Attention (click on banners for articles)
Important Meeting Notice: Bothell Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Last Chance Art Sale: Art By A.Gaul Culley Inspired by North Creek Forest
We are in this for the long haul. It is very encouraging that our community support keeps expanding. Please share our Mission with your friends, pass along these articles and "Like" us on Facebook. Thanks, FNCF
Rose Foundation Grant Award
Soundview International Baccalaureate Students
And... |
Ryan Isaacson Degree Major: Community Psychology with a Minor in Ecological Restoration "I have served doing ecological restoration before including previous work in North Creek Forest as well as environmental clean-up in the Duwamish river delta. I look forward to facilitating our group’s ecological efforts in North Creek Forest including restoring the forest to a healthy functioning environment and involving the community at large in our restoration endeavor. Spencer Murray Degree Major: Environmental Science with a focus on Conservation and Restoration Ecology "I am a senior at the University of Washington Bothell Campus and I am studying Environmental Science with a focus on Conservation and Restoration Ecology. I served in the United States Navy from 2003 – 2007. I am an avid camper, hiker, and outdoorsman, and I am a fan of the greatest football team ever, the mighty Seattle Seahawks." Carolyn Stapp Degree Major: Community Psychology and Environmental Studies "I will graduate from the University of Washington Bothell in fall 2014 with a double major in Community Psychology and Environmental Studies as well as a minor in Ecological Restoration. I have served as a leader in many environmental groups including the Snohomish County Natural Resources program and volunteer with a local women’s shelter. My husband, Jake, is also graduating from UW Bothell with a Community Psychology degree. We have a beautiful 6-year old daughter named Ariah who inspires us to make the most of life. My future goals include working with sufferers of PTSD and incorporating encounters in nature as part of the therapeutic process." | Janice Jap Degree Major: Environmental Science: Restoration, Conservation and Restoration Ecology (CRE) "I am an international student from Indonesia. I transferred to the University of Washington Bothell campus last fall (2012) to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, focusing on the Conservation and Restoration Ecology pathway. My studies here have challenged me not only to search for knowledge and to learn new skills, but also to put them to good use. I am looking forward to working with everyone involved in restoring North Creek forest. Sarah Park Degree Major: Environmental Science with a focus on Conservation and Restoration "I am a senior at the University of Washington Bothell majoring in Environmental Science with a focus on restoration and conservation. I am also currently an intern at Friends of North Creek Forest tracking amphibians and I plan to work in the field of wildlife conservation after graduation." Deanna Yip Degree Major: Environmental Science and Resource Management "Hi my name is Deanna Yip and I’m from Yakima County, located in eastern Washington. I attend both the UW Bothell campus and the UW Seattle campus. I’m currently a senior majoring in Environmental Science and Resource Management and also minoring in Environmental Studies. I look forward to the North Creek Forest project and working with the city of Bothell." |
Friends of North Creek Forest
Students from Soundview International Baccalaureate School walked to work today.
We began with a walk to work so students could see their service in a greater context.
(Photos by Alice Tsoodle)
Answer: The conifer forest was logged in 1910. It has had time to recover. The deciduous forest is growing out of a place people more recently cut firewood. It is a newer forest. The leafy trees grow first.
Blackberries need some sunlight and they quickly invade places like this.
Next thing to consider: "What do nettles look like?"
Great setting for a quiz. Lots on nettles close by. They like disturbed soil.
The team arrives ready for work.
Safety briefing:
First responsibility: Don't get hurt.
Second responsibility: Watch our for things that might hurt someone else. Tell someone.
Now for the work...
Each year A UW-REN site begins with a trail into a wall of Himalayan blackberries to prepare for a UW student survey of their new site.
Today set the stage for UW-REN 2013 -2014.
We had to post this photo.
Alice Tsoodle climbed into the blackberries to take it!
This is a blackberry root aka rhizome. They sometimes resemble a small sweet potato. If you don't dig them out the blackberries grow back.
The other invasive plant: Morning Glory.
This team removed a LOT of Morning Glory...
....load after load of of Morning Glory!
Our level of stewardship is made possible by a grant from the Rose Foundation. Their support has enabled us to more than double our hours of restoration in the last 10 months.
Thank you,
FNCF
Simply stated:
You have a choice.
Fact:
Bothell is the 3rd hottest housing market in Puget Sound. Land prices are soaring and may outpace our ability to win grants fast enough.
Grants to save the forest could expire before matching funds are raised.
Fact:
This will be the year that decides the fate of North Creek Forest.
Fact:
You can save it.
If you cannot attend please donate on Pay Pal (above right)
September 29th
2 PM Forest tours
3 PM Keynote speaker,
UW Prof Amy Lambert
4 PM final forest tours
20212 108th Ave NE
Bothell WA
REGISTER HERE
ART
On August 25th local artist A. Gaul Culley took center stage to begin an art sale fundraiser for Friends of North Creek Forest.
"Hyper-Local" was the theme supported by Top Foods. The event featured local wines, local food, local business, art by Gaul and photos by UW Bothell students.
COMMUNITY
Support included the UW Office of Community Education and Research, Michaels Art Supply and, of course, Top Foods.
It is not too late to see the art. It's worth the trip and you need to buy groceries anyway :) You just might find the art you have been looking for too.
Art by A. Gaul Culley, currently for sale a Top Foods
Gaul is donating 25% of the proceeds from sales to Friends of North Creek Forest . It supports our ongoing conservation of the forest, education and stewardship.
A perfect combination
Going to a movie? Get your groceries, have some dinner, view great art... better yet, make a purchase and then see your movie.... all within walking distance once you park.
UW Bothell student photo display
Also featured, photos taken by UW Bothell students in Professor Amy Lambert's summer class on Art and Restoration.
Top Foods Manager, Jake Jacobson checks out the"Bee Table"
Visitors made over 50 of their own nest from dry Knotweed canes, an invasive species, removed from North Creek Forest.
They also assembled flowers made from seed paper. When planted in the spring, they will produce a burst of native flowers favored by the bees. Kids and adults loved nest building!
A special thank you to Top Foods Manager Jake Jacobson, A. Gaul Culley, Alice Tsoodle, Linda Cung, Teppei Sato, Ronnie Thibault and Megan Tanner for your great work.
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
Proceeds from the above venue support student education, the conservation of North Creek Forest and restoration of areas harmed by invasive species and/or erosion.
Right:
Western redback salamander, "Plethodon vehiculum", found by Theresa Marshall. Photo by Adam Hess.
FNCF Amphibian Research Interns are working under a one year license from the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. Their goal is to determine the species diversity and range of amphibians, and to create a map depicting their findings. This is baseline research. It establishes habitat health which can be monitored through time.
Left:
Northern red-legged frog, "Rana aurora", found by Adam Hess, Photo from: Caitlin Ihler.
Ensatina salamander, "Ensatina escholtzii", found my Emily Mrowicki, Photo by Theresa Marshall.
Your gifts enables us to support students who are getting a real world education within walking distance of their classroom.
Your support enables us to make grant applications needed to save the rest of the forest.
Your support helps this creature thrive by restoring damaged forest and creating maximum value wildlife habitat.
Thank you! FNCF
-Alice Tsoodle
When I first signed up for classes at UW Bothell, I was told that I would enjoy Wetlands Ecology. But when I stepped into the windowless classroom I was skeptical and a little claustrophobic. I settled into my seat, preparing to see pictures of nature and the words that seek to define and categorize. And, as expected, there was a brief slide show with clear ideas laid out. And that is where the typical classroom experience ended.
Howell, Evelyn A. Harrington, John A Glass, Stephen B. 2012. Introduction to Restoration Ecology. Washington: Island Press
More photos here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10201824541114458.1073741835.1210331500&&l=3761481d04
Our level of stewardship is made possible by a grant from the Rose Foundation.
Thank you,
FNCF
Survival in the Matrix
Two priority species of of birds live in North Creek Forest, Pileated woodpeckers and Band-tail pigeons.
"A Pileated Woodpecker requires at least 250 acres of forest." - Cornell Lab of Ornithology Bird Biology Handbook
How do these birds survive in the 64 acres of North Creek Forest?
A simple answer: there are other forest remnants close by. Together they form a "matrix" greater than 250 acres and they are close enough for "commuting" between their nesting site and food sources.
Winter 2013: The matrix around North Creek Forest is diminished.
Development and Ecosystems
A matrix is fragile and, like a castle of cards, can fail with only slight disturbance.
An element of the greater NCF Matrix fell this winter. It is to be expected. Residential growth in close proximity to jobs, education, shopping and entertainment is smart. Walk more, drive less. Walkable communities are essential to cutting back on fossil fuel use. But what about the matrix?
Development with North Creek Forest background and UW Wetlands foreground.
There are 2 developments underway across the street from the UW Bothell/Cascadia CC campus. The matrix is under stress.
Coyotes have disappeared. A rabbit population has exploded. Deer and rabbits are eating peoples gardens. These may be temporary disturbances or they could be permanent.
Neighbors to the forest: please report any activity you observe involving deer, rabbits and coyotes. Absent? Present? Changes? Use the comment link above this article or reply to your "Forest Update" email.
An aquatic creature most of it's life... a North Creek Forest dragonfly.
Puget Sound
Warm, unfiltered, polluted surface water is harming streams and Puget Sound. Watershed elements like North Creek Forest help to keep salmon habitat healthy.
Our local solution is to raise enough money to purchase the remaining parcels of North Creek Forest. Values are escalating.
We are writing grant applications... lots of them, and a fundraiser will help cover our costs on August 25th. Please mark your calendar "FNCF Art Sale" More info to follow. Thanks, FNCF
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