Take a guided urban nature walk

Hey, if you'd like to follow the trail of storm drain markers (see the last post) with a fun group of folks, join Homewaters Project for a free, public, urban nature walk along the North Fork of Thornton Creek in Shoreline Saturday, March 14, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. We'll learn about plans for Cromwell Park's wetlands, talk about peat mining and flooding, observe native plants and invasive species, and loop through two small arboretums. We'll cover about 3 miles on sidewalks and take a short bus ride (bring bus fare). Suitable for families! Sign up in advance. Click on the "Homewaters Project events" link in the righthand column, or email jyoungman@sccd.ctc.edu. 

Creek Peek for Kids

Do you know what an arboretum is? "Arbor" means "tree," and "etum" means. . . . Nope, it doesn't mean "eating!" An arboretum is a great place for birds and squirrels to eat in trees, though. "Etum" means "place," so an arboretum is a place of trees, usually planted for study or display purposes.

Storm drains are for rainwater

Do you know what this is? Do you know where this is? 

When Homewaters Project guides a public urban walk in Shoreline next month, we'll find this storm drain marker along Meridian Avenue. We'll look for other storm drain markers, too. These markers remind us that storm drains are for rainwater, not motor oil, antifreeze, chemicals or paint. Why? 

Whatever goes into a storm drain travels through a pipe straight into a creek or lake or Puget Sound without being treated. So when you wash your car on the street, for example, grease and oil and metals flow with the water right into those storm drains and pollute your local stream or lake.

Are the storm drains in your neighborhood marked?

In Seattle, you can stencil a storm drain to remind others that the storm drain leads directly to a stream, lake or bay. Seattle Public Utilities will give you a stenciling kit and instructions. To learn more, click on the link called "Stencil a storm drain" in the righthand column under "Links."

In Shoreline, you're invited to join Homewaters Project for a guided urban Thornton Creek North Fork Sampler Walk Saturday, March 14, 2009, from 9-11:30 a.m. It's free, but space is limited, so you have to sign up in advance. Learn more details, including how to sign up, by clicking on the link called "Homewaters Project events" in the righthand column under "Links."

Creek Peek for Kids

Why do you think the Shoreline storm drain marker has a picture of a fish on it?