Small Introduction To the North SeaTac Park Woodlands

In the 1990s the Port of Seattle began buying up homes in the area what is now North SeaTac Park while planning and constructing the third runway at SeaTac International Airport.  The Port of Seattle developed abandoned residential blocks north of the airport into North SeaTac Park -- the largest park in SeaTac -- and the city built a popular Community Center there.  The Southern park of North SeaTac park remained undeveloped and became overgrown.  The property  was leased to the City of SeaTac when the City incorporated in the 1990’s.

The South end of North SeaTac Park is home to a BMX racing track and a remote control car track.  The old neighborhood road has become a popular dog walking area, and is also popular with bicyclist.

The City of SeaTac's Parks and Recreation Department has been working on restoring the Southern end of North SeaTac Park for sometime.  Initial work was started by the Washington Conservation crew in 2012.  Washington Native Plant Society Stewards (WNPS) became involved in the Spring of 2014 and will be working on the site until the Spring of 2016.  

The restoration site still contains many remnants of the old neighborhoods, such as roads and ornamental plants.  Unfortunately, being left unmanaged for so long has allowed invasive plants to run wild.  English Ivey, Holly, and Laurel are all major issues to the site.  There is also himalayan blackberry, herb robert, creeping buttercup, and black locust.

Since beginning work in July of 2014 WNPS Stewards have cleared a half acre of the proposed acre restoration site.  The Stewards are currently in the middle of planting natives species on the site.

Stewards will be planting Red flowering currant, Mock Orange, Salal, Kinninnick, Tall and Short Oregon Grape, Ocean Spray, and many other native species to create a diverse understory and future canopy.

On November 1st at 10 AM there will be planting event open to the public.  If you are interested in joining us to plant and learn about native species please contact the Stewards at seatacstewards@gmail.com.