In 2005, Green Seattle Partnership set out to undertake the restoration and care of 2500 acres of forested parklands across Seattle by 2025. This year, we’ll be looking back to celebrate our accomplishments, share stories, and reflect as we move towards the next 20 years of programming!
From the very start, GSP has set out to rebuild a healthy urban forest, diverse and weed free, while supporting an aware and energized community in which individuals, neighbor groups, non-profit organizations, businesses, and City government are working together to protect and maintain Seattle’s public forests for current and future generations. Then and now, GSP welcomes thousands of people annually to build relationships with their neighbors and neighborhood forests.
We can see so much success (and plenty of lessons learned) across the 200+ parks that the Green Seattle Partnership calls home. Each site holds a story. Conifer trees stretching up through the understory are a sure sign of the fruits of our labors.
Future Visioning
Although the original 20-Year Plan set out to restore 2,500 acres by 2025, we have no intentions to call this our ‘final’ year. In fact, we recognize now more than ever that this work is in its infancy and that continued forest care is part of our path forward.
“It takes 500 years to plant a tree” – Billy Frank Jr.
In 2025, the partnership will come together to consider our collective efforts and future vision, grounding our partnership in community and launching our work into a new era of commitment and connection. The strategic planning work will allow us to: 1) listen and reflect, 2) measure success, organize next steps, and produce a plan, and 3) share out and celebrate with our community.
Stay tuned here for opportunities to join in the fun. In the meantime, join us in pondering some key questions about our past and future while you walk through a Seattle forest.
Which parks or other spaces do we see the biggest impacts of Green Seattle Partnerships efforts?
What actions or tools are most beneficial for a site stewardship project?
And what motivates you to help care for Seattle’s natural area parklands?
