Restoring Urban Watersheds and Fostering Tomorrow’s Conservationists

In the most densely populated and diverse area of Washington, TU is working to connect urban dwellers with nature, inspire stewardship of our shared watersheds, and improve habitat and water quality for native fish – in particular, Lake Sammamish Kokanee Salmon. At the heart of King County, the Lake Washington Basin is made up of Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish, Cedar River, and Sammamish River. With Seattle just a few miles away and major population centers lining the lake shores and river fronts, the basin faces the significant challenges AND opportunities associated with urban growth: a changing ecology, diversifying population, commercial and residential development, increased recreation, and the amplified effects of climate change.

Spearheading TU’s restoration and science activities in the basin, David Kyle is working to improve habitat, restore connectivity, and advance research on aquatic weeds, predators, and disease. Bringing together non-profit, city, county, federal, and community partners, Alix Lee-Tigner is leading TU’s efforts to expand community engagement by stewarding the Lake Sammamish Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership (UWRP). The UWRP’s mission is to work together to connect diverse local communities in the Seattle Metro area to nature and inspire people to care for the lake Sammamish watershed.

During this session, David and Alix will share about their work building relationships among partners and community members, highlight on the ground projects, and how they are moving the dial on neglected and forgotten environmental causes that are critical to salmon recovery in the watershed.

This event is free and open to the public.