Ah, moss… that beloved (or loathed) and ubiquitous Pacific Northwestern plant. Unlike ordinary landscape plants, mosses don’t have vascular systems to carry water and nutrients, so they must have a damp environment in which to grow. It thrives in our rainy winters and grows on our roofs, lawns, sidewalks and even our cars. Chances are … More Moss Removal Can Still Be Green: PNW Roof Maintenance Tips
Camping- one of the many joys of summer. From endless daylight, to experiencing nature in fun and new ways, to connecting with loved ones around the fire, camping is a timeless summer activity for many in the Pacific Northwest. The North American Camping Report estimated that in 2017, 67% of households in the Western United … More Pacific Northwesterners Camp Green: How to Leave No Trace on the Ground or in the Water
All Northwest gardeners know that spring, summer, and fall bring lawn clippings, leaves, and many types of yard waste. All of that yard waste has to go somewhere, and unfortunately, a few misguided people dump it where they shouldn’t: on hillsides or in public areas like parks, roadsides or storm ponds. These few people can … More Yard Waste: A Real Pain in the Grass…When Dumped in Parks and Natural Areas
As part of the annual Storming the Sound with Salmon program, a partnership between the City of Federal Way and Federal Way Public Schools, approximately 1,200 scholars from first through eighth grade had the opportunity to learn up-close about the salmon lifecycle and local habitats at West Hylebos Wetlands Park during field trips held on … More Scholars Build Personal Connections and Environmental Stewardship for the Local Environment
Do you know a person or group who deserves recognition for their tireless efforts in helping to prevent stormwater pollution? Give them their time to shine as #OrcaHero by posting their story with a picture and tag @PugetSoundStartsHere on Facebook through May. Puget Sound Starts Here Month is a great way for you to connect, … More Recognize your #OrcaHero during Puget Sound Starts Here Month!
StormFest’s collaborators created, tested and delivered the program, led by Burien, the cities of SeaTac, Des Moines, Normandy Park, and partners Futurewise, Environmental Science Center, King County Stormwater, and the Highline School District, funded by a grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology). Drain Rangers curricula were adapted by the team to … More StormFest wins 2019 Livable Communities Award for Local Government Excellence
The Environmental Science Center (ESC) is a nonprofit organization that helps people feel a deeper connection to nature and a motivation to want to protect the environment by delivering science-based programs at local beaches, forests, rivers, and classrooms in south King County. ESC strives to foster a passion for the environment in our diverse community by getting … More Environmental Science Center
Have you ever stepped in dog poop? I’ve done more than a few quicksteps around doggie poop on our sidewalks and open spaces. It’s something that’s given me cause to pause and ponder. Have you ever walked your dog and kept going after Spot, Fido, or Wrinkles made a pile? There’s no doubt that picking up … More Dog poop solution: It’s in the bag
If your yard looks like a pond every time it rains, you might have a drainage challenge. Luckily, there are ways to handle the excess water that runs off your property’s hard surfaces in ways that don’t flood your basement, carry pollutants into our waterways, or turn your home into a sanctuary for migrating Canada … More Your home is your castle, but it doesn’t have to come with a moat
When it rains in the Puget Sound region, it pours, and with millions of leaves falling from the trees this fall, the combination has the potential to cause localized street flooding. The Surface Water Management Division (SWM) is urging residents to help Federal Way prevent flooding by keeping neighborhood storm drains clear of leaves and … More Rake Away Potential Street Flooding
