Celebrate NW Seattle Parks with Groundswell NW Jan 29

Posted on by

If you’ve been reading this blog over the years, you probably already know what a huge role Groundswell NW has played in mentoring the EBCA and advocating on our behalf with the City to create our beloved Gemenskap Park, and if you haven’t heard of them, well, you have a chance to learn about this great nonprofit, meet the people who drive this all-volunteer venture, and start working on your New Year’s resolution to get more involved in your community!

Incite Action. Create Community. Celebrate!
Thursday January 29, 6:30PM-8:00PM
Phinney Ridge Neighborhood Center (Lower Brick Building)
6532 Phinney Ave N

After a short Groundswell business meeting, guest speaker, Courtney Sullivan, will share the National Wildlife Federation’s (NWF) top 10 City for Wildlife designation for Seattle. This designation recognizes cities that are not only taking direct action to help wildlife, but whose residents are also creating wildlife habitat in their backyards, balconies, at schools and throughout their communities.

The Seattle region currently has a total of 974 Certified Wildlife Habitats, out of which 33 are Schoolyard Habitats. Sustainability plans such as the Seattle Climate Action Plan and the Seattle 2035 Comprehensive Plan seeks to restore green spaces, creeks and urban areas. “Seattle maintains over 6,400 acres of parklands, 2,500 of which are forested and undergoing intensive restoration efforts,” (Seattle Parks Department) With large, contiguous parks such as Discovery, Lincoln and Warren G. Magnuson Parks, as well as smaller gems distributed throughout the City, Seattle provides good habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species, and continues efforts to improve these animal homes. Being both an Urban Bird Treaty City and a Bee City, Seattle acknowledges the value of wildlife and healthy habitats, and is working to provide a safer home for wildlife through its policies and actions.”

COURTNEY SULLIVAN
Courtney joined the National Wildlife Federation in April 2008, where she engages and develops community stewards and formal and non-formal educators, advocates for educational policies, and supports coalitions for sustainable environmental education and stewardship. For more information visit: www.nwf.org/Garden-for-Wildlife.

After Courtney’s presentation, Groundswell NW will announce this year’s local heroes and there will be plenty of time to mix, mingle, enjoy refreshments and visit with community partners. The EBCA will have a table, so please come by and say hello!

Learn more about this event and the amazing achievements of Groundswell NW on their website, their 2020 report which has a great article about Gemenskap Park, and don’t forget to follow them on Facebook! Looking forward to seeing you at the celebration!