This week’s post covers an encounter with a flock of waxwings. The beautiful birds are already preparing for spring. Find out how on:
Have a great day on Union Bay…where we share our city with the birds!
Larry
Late Bloomers | Union Bay Watch
This week’s post focuses on some of our local birds that often reproduce a bit later in the year. The post takes a left turn when I start comparing their diets. I end up recommending a book by a pair of local Union Bay authors who help answer a question that is often on my mind. How can we promote harmony with nature?
I hope you enjoy the post!
Have a great day on Union Bay…where nature blooms whenever it pleases!
Larry
Gateway Parks
Friends and Neighbors,
The weeds at the Gateway Parks have used the hot weather to their advantage. I am hoping some of you can join me in turning the tables in favor of our beautiful (bird-loving) native plants. If you can make it please bring gloves and your favorite weeding tool. See you in the morning!
- Saturday (7-18-15)
- 8am
- Gateway Parks
- Boyer and 24th Ave
Larry Hubbell
The Magical Owlets | Union Bay Watch
Two young owlets left their nest in the Arboretum last month. See the photos and learn about some of the challenges they must face along the path to maturity on:
Have a great day on Union Bay…where nature does magic in the city!
Larry
Mortlake Gardens Open to All
In lieu of a regular Montlake Garden Tour this summer, people may visit two large Montlake Gardens this Summer Solstice weekend, featuring diverse edibles and ornamentals mingled together.
Saturday afternoon 1:00 to 5:00 visit Kari Olson’s garden at 1911 E Eaton Place. It is certified wildlife friendly.
Arthur Lee Jacobson’s garden (via either 2215 E Howe St or 2216 E Blaine St) is open Friday 4:00 to 9:00, and Saturday and Sunday 1:00 to 9:00.
The two gardens are a few blocks apart, but notably unlike one another. Both hosts welcome beginners and pros alike. Hundreds of plants, from common to rare, are labeled with both common and scientific names. Free refreshments are provided. You may get to see some baby LaMancha goats at the Jacobson Garden, though they will not be allowed to eat any rare plants. There is one “stump the expert plant” that if anyone can identify correctly, he or she gets a prize. If you seek more details, please see the website: www.ArthurLeeJ.com, or telephone 328-8733.
Opportunity Knocks | Union Bay Watch
Nesting osprey are exquisite little birds. With a little help from their friends, we might get to see young osprey on Union Bay in the near future. Find out more on:
Have a great day on Union Bay…where osprey hope to nest!
Larry
Volunteers Needed At Montlake Gateway Parks
Spring has certainly come and its time to reconnect with neighbors and do a spring clean-up of the gateway parks. Please join Greg Ahmann and Justine Kennelly, the new Montlake Gateway Parks Maintenance Facilitators, for as much time as you can spare. Gloves, clippers, and rakes are helpful.
Gateway Parks
Spring Clean-up
May 19, 2015
9:30 until noon
A Mother’s Gift | Union Bay Watch
This week’s post covers ducklings and a mother’s expectations. A mother’s belief in her young is the foundation on which they build their lives. I hope you enjoy the post. See more on:
Have a great day on Union Bay…where nature lives in the city!
Larry
A Dark-Eye Beauty | Union Bay Watch
A junco is a common bird. It seldom gets a second glance, if we notice it at all. When we take a closer look we start to see what makes all life on this little planet special, unique and beautiful in its own right. I hope you enjoy the post on:
Have a great day on Union Bay…where nature nests in the city!
Larry
Montlake Gateway Parks Have New Facilitators
After many wonderful years of caring for Montlake Gateway Parks, Montlake Gateway Parks Facilitor, Patricia Shannon-Garvey has retired from her volunteer position. And a big thank you to Patricia for her generous support, maintenance and beautification of Montlake Gateway Parks.
She and the Montlake community welcome new facilitators and Montlake neighbors: Greg Ahmann, and Justine Kennelly. They have generously volunteered to replace Patricia in taking care of Montlake Communities’ pocket parks – many thanks to them for volunteering.
Justine will handle the organization of the work parties and do the paper work that is involved. Greg will manage the events, providing the tools and refreshments to the parks on the day of the work party. Patricia has provided Justine with the emails of our most regular volunteers.
You can email both Justine and Greg via gatewayparks@montlake.net
A short history of the Gateway Parks:
- In 1976, W. Smith gave his lots at the east and west corners of 24th Ave E and Boyer Ave E to the Montlake Community Club. He did so because he understood MCC’s interest in protecting its green spaces and “its civic and benevolent direction”.
- In 1984, neighbors restored the west corner to a park after a Gas Station was closed and removed.
- In 2004, neighbors began restoration of the east corner to a park, removing the jungle of bushes by hand.
- In 2011, MCC was awarded a Department of Neighborhood grant to build a path and install northwest plants in the east park. The neighborhood raised $19,000 in cash and volunteer labor to match the grant.
- In 2011, MCC was awarded a Cleanscapes prize to build a Kiosk , two solid cedar benches, and install a memorial plaque to Elizabeth Duncan, who was killed by an out of control car while waiting to cross the intersection. The path in West Gateway Park is called the “Elizabeth Duncan path”.
Our neighbors in our community built these two parks for our enjoyment, safety, and beauty; and continued maintenance will honor their dedication.
Please join Justine and Greg in helping maintain these green spaces for our community.
