Location:
Mapes Creek (Rainier Beach)
Registration required. Limited spots!
REGISTRATION LINK
WELCOME TO MAPES CREEK
A land and culture tending practice. An ongoing series to learn the process and be in relationship. Guided by indigenous and Social Forestry principals. In collaboration with Green Seattle Partnership ππ²
Trillium offers this justice-oriented container as an opportunity to build connections, learn, practice, heal, create, and weave resilient communities anchored in land and water.
This time we're going on a walk!
A naturalist-led wander through the Mapes Creek Watershed. An activity that supports feeling a sense of place and connection with our forests and waterways.
To better understand how this precious gem fits in the city's landscape.
To learn about the history and challenges.
To understand our relationship and responsibility.
To imagine a future of resilience and mutual thriving.
We will start near the Mapes Creek headwaters (South Creston Street SCL substation) and meander through the Kubota Natural area (including the garden), by Sturdivant ravine, and finish at Be'er Sheva Park: the mouth of the creek and the water's convergence with Lake Washington.
This journey will be a little over 2 miles downhill, with a few short sections of moderate climb. This walk is accessible to folks with moderate ability to move. 50% of the path is unpaved, with some uneven ground. Sturdy ankles are a must! Youth and children are enthusiastically invited.
Spots are limited to ensure rich experience for everyone π
Logistics
You can either show up with a friend and two cars (one at top and one at bottom). If you choose this option, give yourself another 20 minutes before the event to get sorted.
Your other option is to park at either ends and take the close-by bus (approx 20 min travel). Directions will shared on site.
We will have a limited number of available car seats to shuttle back to start
Start location:
South Creston Street SCL substation
5166 S Creston St, Seattle, WA 98178
Where to park:
At the top (substation): Street parking
At the bottom (Be'er Sheva): Parking lot
PREPARE YOURSELF
Prep for this like you would a hike:
-Family and friends
-Sturdy walking footwear
-Enough water
-What you need to be comfortable in the elements (eg: clothing, sunblock, bug spray)
-A snack
-An Orca card (if you plan on riding the bus)
THE CREEK
These waters run through unceded Duwamish Territory and have been tended by Coast Salish peoples for millennia. We advocate for their justice, honor their stewardship, and walk in their footsteps.
Today, the creek is tended by many communities of caregivers.
We collaborate with them in shared care for the land and in a spirit of respect and humility.
The first water drops of Mapes Creek percolate through a remnant second-growth forest in South Seattle, where we will be visiting and tending.
It meanders in the recovering forest and through Kubota Garden, where it fills a necklace of ponds.
It then plunges into a dark pipe as it runs through the Rainier Beach neighborhood.
It sees daylight again through Beβer Sheva park as a recovering salmon habitat, and pours into xΜaΔuΚ (Hatchu - Lake Washington).
THIS PROJECT IS FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN:
Learning the skills of forest and watershed stewardship and restoration.
Learning how to nurture a reciprocal relationship with land.
Weaving a resilient community.
Cultivating a sense of place.
Learning about the ecology of this region and how to connect with and identify flora and fauna.
Taking meaningful action towards climate, land, and social justice.
Exploring a career in the field of land stewardship.
This event is free to all
In collaboration with Green Seattle Partnership
Questions? Feedback? Yes please! hello@trillium.eco