The beginning of November marked a busy time for Greenway staff, crewmembers, and a number of dedicated volunteers.  On October 27^th, the newly-renovated Snoqualmie Point Park was officially opened.  After many years of collaborative work by the Greenway, the city of Snoqualmie, and a handful of other organizations and committed individuals, the park was dedicated to the public as a destination site for its sweeping views of the Snoqualmie valley and the surrounding Cascade Mountains. 

The finishing touch for the Snoqualmie Point opening was planting over 3,000 native trees and shrubs across 4 acres of the park.  These native species will not only make the park even more aesthetically pleasing by adding greenery to the open space, but they will also positively enhance the natural health of the area.  Native trees and shrubs will shade out non-native invasive species while providing habitat for wildlife.

A group from Microsoft’s windows security department kicked off the volunteer planting events on November 2^nd and three more highly successful days followed with over 75 volunteers joining Greenway staff to plant over 2,000 native species and spreading over 20 cubic yards of mulch.  Greenway crew members have recently finished the project, and with this final step done, the completed park can now be viewed and enjoyed by all who visit.

There is work that still remains, however, as is the case with all restoration projects.  Frequent maintenance is required at each project site to ensure that invasive species do not spread and the newly-planted trees and shrubs continue to thrive.  The Greenway will host several invasive removal projects in the spring as part of the general maintenance of Snoqualmie Point Park.  Invasive species such as Scotch Broom and Himalayan Blackberry have long been a threat to the area, and these events are designed to ensure that these non-native plants don’t spread to the recently-renovated and planted areas.

Join us this summer for these highly important events.  It’s a wonderful way to come out and enjoy the new park; the views are not to be missed!