3/25 West Duwamish Greenbelt (Cooper School/Pigeon Pt.)

The Nature Consortium's Urban Forest Restoration Project is committed to long-term stewardship and restoration of the West Duwamish Greenbelt, the largest remaining contiguous forest within Seattle city limits, consisting of 182 acres in park land and another 300 acres in privately owned land.  The Greenbelt is home to foxes, red-legged frogs, hawks, and bald eagles. The greenbelt encompasses the extended forest along the eastern slopes of West Seattle that is visible from I-5.  Our main restoration goal is reintroducing the conifer species to the greenbelt. We also focus on invasive plant removal, site maintenance and environmental education.  

Support for this project comes from Seattle Dept. of Parks & Recreation, Green Seattle Partnership, King County Council, Patagonia, Peck Family Foundation, Lucky Seven Foundation, and Coffee.net/Seattle

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The Nature Consortium hosts volunteer work parties year round on almost every Saturday from 10am - 2pm, and on many other dates. Each work party begins with a short informal forest ecology workshop. During the fall/winter months we remove invasive species and maintain our site.  During the fall and winter we remove invasive species, mulch, and plant native plants and trees in the West Duwamish Greenbelt (see below for more details). Performing artists "play in the woods" during many of our work parties, and include singers, instrumentalists, and dancers.

Where to meet:  Behind Cooper Elementary

What to bring: Tools, gloves and refreshments will be provided. Long pants and closed-toed shoes are required.  Dress appropriately for weather and mud (i.e. synthetic materials and fleeces).  We work rain or shine.  Bring a full water bottle. We will have water available for refills.  Bring a bagged lunch if granola bars will not be enough of a snack.

Address and directions to site:

Directions to the trailhead at the Cooper School/Pigeon Point.

- From I-5 or Route 99 (heading north or south):

- Take the West Seattle Bridge exit off either highway.

- From the bridge take the Delridge Way SW/South Seattle Comm. College exit (right hand exit).

- The exit will wind around to the left & turn into Delridge Way.

- At the first light, turn left at SW Andover St.

- Turn right at 21st Ave. SW.

- Turn left at SW Genesee St.

- Park in the school’s parking lot.

- Our site is behind the school and there is a rainbow Parks and Rec sign at the entrance.

*For metro directions the address is 1901 SW Genesee St, 98106.  I recommend using the KC metro trip planner.

Where to park:  School parking lot

Contact info for interested volunteers (name/phone/email): Alyssa or Amy, 206.923.0853, volunteer@naturec.org