Puget Sound Starts Here Blog

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

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