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Ravenna Park

Ravenna Park, consisting of 50 acres, is a ½ mile wooded ravine which connects two picnic areas just north of the University District.

History

The Ravenna Park ravine was formed when melt-off from the Vashon Glacial Ice Sheet formed Lake Russell and cut drainage ravines through new glacial fill. Ravenna Creek, which runs along the park’s wooded trail, is fed only by seeps and swells. The Ravenna Daylighting Project (completed in 2006) created 650 ft. of additional creek corridor habitat.

City arborist, Katie Moller explains the forest ecology of Ravenna Park during a field trip where stewards got to visit each of the park sites where they would spend their volunteer hours.

Site

The one-acre site is a sloped wetland with uni-directional, surface and subsurface flow that drains directly into Ravenna Creek. The slope is bordered to the north by a pedestrian trail and to the south by the creek and a service road. The main source of water to the wetland comes from groundwater discharge that seeps from the surrounding north hillside. It maintains saturated soils even in the summer. The site’s dominant overstory species are Birch, Scouler’s Willow, and Western Red Cedar. The dominant understory species are Giant Horsetail, Himalayan Blackberry, and Lady Fern.

Past restoration efforts have failed at this site due to its year-round soil saturation. Most trees tend to topple when they reach a certain height.

Site Goals

Remove and shade out invasive groundcovers and vines
Promote diversity of native herbaceous, shrub, and tree species in open areas on the site
Re-establish a historic conifer forested wetland

Action Plan

Team meets on site:
- Identify and flag native shrubs and groundcover on site
- “search and destroy” invasives on site
- Livestake and install potted plants throughout site
- Monitor success of experimental techniques
Host volunteer events:
- Small work parties to remove ivy and help construct hummocks
Request Professional Crews:
- Brushcut Blackberry
- Construct experimental planting hummocks
- Plant in and around hummocks

Work Accomplished

(as of 3/31/08)

Blackberry, reed canary grass, and horsetail were mowed down
Professional crews constructed and placed experimental hummocks on the site
Hummocks were planted with native trees and mulched
More than 200 native trees and shrubs were installed
Informational signs were created and placed on site to prevent project vandalism
Dogwood and cottonwood stakes were harvested and planted on site
Team has forged relationships with community groups to ensure long-term site maintenance