Copyright ©2007 Alfredo Arreguin
Our Big Backyard
In a growing metropolis like Seattle, where escalating housing prices and traffic problems dominate news coverage, it's easy to overlook the remaining traces of the wilderness this once was. But those traces exist: From the old growth trees in Seward and Schmitz parks, to the majestic bald eagles and returning wild salmon in our lakes and streams. Since 1999, the City of Seattle has dedicated millions of dollars to restoration and preservation of its four largest urban streams and their watersheds. Those efforts encompass everything from streambed rehabilitation to creation of new storm water drainage systems.
In this four part series, KUOW's Marcie Sillman explores the creeks in our midst: Their aesthetic and psychological value, the impact of urbanization, remediation efforts, and the importance of community involvement in urban creek preservation.
Written and produced by Marcie Sillman. Edited by Steve Scher.
I. The Romance and Inspiration of Nature
Thornton Creek flows from Shoreline to Lake Washington. The mouth of Thornton Creek is just south of Mathews Beach. Photo by Alan Lande.
Henry David Thoreau wrote: "I believe there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright." Thoreau didn't spend his days in a major metropolis like Seattle, but if he did, chances are he would have sought refuge on the banks of one of this city's urban creeks. In every corner of Seattle you can find places where the water runs free and nature has held its ground. What power do these urban streams hold to provide places of solace, inspiration, and restfulness? KUOW's Marcie Sillman explores the magic of Seattle's urban creeks.
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II. The Impact of Humans
Wildlife biologist Dave Crabbe tests the water temperature in Thornton Creek to see if it's cool enough to support fish. Photo by Brad Iverson Long.
There are people who tell tales about the time with Seattle's creeks were so thick with salmon, you could walk across their backs from one bank of the creek to the other. Fish still live in most of Seattle's urban waterways. But by the early 21st century, some fish are dying before they can spawn. Pollution has fouled the waters; culverts and other human development block the fish from reaching their spawning grounds. And every time in rains here in Rain City, a cocktail of toxic chemicals runs into the creeks with the storm water flow. In the second part of her series, "Our Big Backyard", KUOW's Marcie Sillman looks at the impact of urbanization of Seattle's urban creeks.
Related Links
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Northwest Fisheries Science Center
- Urban Creek Restoration
III. Restoration Work
Streambed restoration work at Longfellow Creek in West Seattle. Note salmon nest flag. Photo by Alan Lande.
In 1999, to commemorate the coming of a new century, Seattle created its Millenium Project. Former Mayor Paul Schell wanted to leave a public legacy, and he wanted it to include the city's wild places. Part of the goal was to preserve the natural environment, another was to restore habitat for wild salmon and other fauna. The Urban Creek Legacy Project, part of the overall Millennium Project, focused one four of Seattle's major watersheds as centers for this preservation and restoration work. The city spent millions — was it worth it? KUOW's Marcie Sillman tries to answer that question in the third part of her series "Our Big Backyard."
Related Links
- Wildfish Conservancy (formerly Washington Trout)
- John Lombard
IV. Citizens and Our Streams
Fishbone Bridge, over Longfellow Creek in West Seattle, near Yancy Street, part of a community effort to reclaim the creek for public use. Photo by Alan Lande.
Across the street from Northgate Mall, a major construction project is paving the way for Seattle's largest stream. As a result of ten years of citizen advocacy, Thornton Creek will flow above ground for the first time since I–5 was built. Citizen volunteers across Seattle have fought legal battles over creeks, they've spent hours cleaning them and restoring habitat, and they've pushed officials to enforce environmental laws. That work has been critical for the creeks, but experts say every effort to preserve and protect urban waterways is a step in the right direction, as KUOW's Marcie Sillman reports in the final story in her series, "Our Big Backyard."
