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Carkeek Park

Carkeek Park is located in North Seattle, bordering Puget Sound. Piper’s Creek — a salmon-baring stream — runs through the park into the Sound.

History

Ivy climbs snags in Carkeek Park.

Carkeek Park was purchased in the 1920’s and named after Morgan Carkeek. Since that time, various ravines and properties have been acquired. The park is currently 216 acres. In addition to Piper’s Creek, a smaller stream also runs through one of the parks many ravines- Venema Creek. Most of the parks acres are forested with 60-80 year-old Red Alder and Big Leaf Maple.

Site

The one-acre plot is located at the top of the Venema Creek Ravine near the park’s Environmental Learning Center. There a few young conifers that have been planted during recent restoration efforts. The site’s major invaders are English Ivy, Himalayan Blackberry, and English Holly.

Site Goals

Accelerate succession at Carkeek Park towards a more diverse forest habitat.
Use this restoration effort as an educational opportunity for the public.
Control and limit non-native plants.
Increase plant diversity.
Increase canopy layering.
Use vegetation to reduce erosion of sediment into streams
Preserve and enhance existing wildlife.

Action Plan

Team meets on site:
- Prep site for volunteer events by flagging native plants, preparing planting sites, and spreading mulch
- Remove invasive plants in areas of mixed natives/non-natives by hand
- Coordinate with park staff to create a “Native Demonstration Garden”
Host two large volunteer events:
- Ivy-Out Work Party
- Planting Work Party
Request Professional Crews:
- Establish survival rings on native trees
- Ivy removal on steep slopes
- Removing and treating invasive trees
- Installation of water tower for summer watering

Work Accomplished

(as of 3/31/08)

90% ground ivy removed
Erosion control structures constructed with removed ivy bundles
More than 250 native plants installed
Hosted 6 volunteer work parties
Team has forged relationships with school groups and community volunteers to ensure continued site maintenance