Loving the Land

The Duwamish river

“The Duwamish River was once a wide, meandering river with large areas of mudflats and marshes. By the 1940s, channelization and filling had transformed the 9-mile estuary into a 7-mile industrial waterway. This process destroyed 97 percent of the original habitat.

The lower Duwamish River is still highly developed, with many industrial and commercial facilities lining its banks. Hazardous substances have been released since the early 1900s, resulting in injuries to fish, birds, wildlife, and their habitats.” - NOAA

Cleaning the water and caring for First peoples

Since I live in Seattle it is my responsibility - like everyone who lives here - to care for the land, and to work to support the indigenous people who first called this place home. There are communities and organizers with a longstanding committment to these goals. I think it would be best to follow their lead and do our part by offering our time and money to their efforts. Please check out The Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition and the Heron’s Nest Outdoor Education (who are restoring land and raising funds to purchase and give it back to the Duwamish tribe).