Save Habitat and Diversity of Wetlands Programs
Education
SHADOW offers educational tours and field trips to the general public, as well as volunteer training in succession forestry, guest speakers and educational events for homeschools and school groups. By demonstrating the environmental and educational value of Shadow Lake Bog to its visitors, SHADOW aims to inspire visitors to participate in the stewardship of their own properties, neighborhoods and watershed.
Restoration
SHADOW works to restore the health of the watershed through the proactive stewardship of the properties under protection. SHADOW has made substantial progress in revegetation, hydrological restoration, invasive species eradication and landfill removal.
Preservation
SHADOW promotes the preservation of environmentally sensitive land through collaboration with local government agencies, individuals and organizations involved in environmental conservation, education, research and restoration. Future programs aim to provide opportunities for land conservation to offset environmental implications of urban development in King County.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
Beginning in Fall of 2009, Tahoma School District integrated Shadow Lake Bog as part of the 4th grade curriculum in Sustainability. Through these field trips and other direct learning opportunities, each year over 2000 students, parents, teachers and visitors experience the value of environmental stewardship.
In January 2011, SHADOW completed a stream barrier removal and constructed a bridge in its place which provides safe passage for education and restoration activities.
In June 2011, SHADOW launched an Outdoor Preschool program, which helps local children and families use nature as a guiding lesson plan.
In March 2012, SHADOW completed the Outdoor Education curriculum, which utilizes the Coyote Mentoring method to engage young children and their families in hands- on activities to share inquiry- based tools for learning and teaching.
We aim to construct an outdoor facility that will house these activities at the Southern entrance to the Nature Preserve. This facility will enable us to expand our curriculum, our participation capacity, and will be used to house activities for forest restoration. $8,000 needed for preliminary structure.