Showing posts with label John Reinke. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John Reinke. Show all posts

Saturday, November 25, 2023

City Hall Protest: "Bring Them Home Now."




Bob, Around noon today, I was on my way to River Trail Roasters for a cup of coffee, when I spotted a demonstration in front of Redmond City Hall, just across the street.  I quickly crossed the street and fished out my cell phone camera and discretely snapped a few photos.

The demonstrators were evidently a local Jewish group, as there were quite a number of planted signs on display, each one showing the photo of someone currently being held hostage by Hamas after the October 7th attack.  Based on a partial count, I estimated the number of attendees as perhaps 50 to 60. Many were carrying Israeli and American flags. 

While I was there, a woman was at the loudspeaker atop the city hall steps, calling out the names of individual hostages for the audience to silently acknowledge.  A large sign mounted at the entrance proclaimed: Kidnapped by Hamas / #BringThemHomeNow. (See first attached photo.)

My sympathies were certainly with them.

-- John Reinke, 11/17/2023

Reader comment:  Mayor Birney needs to proclaim an anti-Semitism Day after her daughter’s deplorable behavior at USC. https://mynorthwest.com/3938818/rantz-mayors-giggling-daughter-exposed-tearing-down-israeli-hostage-flyers/

Sunday, October 8, 2023

Redmond Ospreys And Their Nests

Marymoor Park juvenile osprey / credit Reinke

According to the Marymoor Park website, this tall osprey nest platform located near Parking Lot B was constructed in 2008, to replace a decommissioned cell tower. The new platform has been used by ospreys ever since.  

A juvenile osprey is currently occupying the nest.  (A juvenile can be identified by the white fringe around all of its brown wing feathers, which adults do not have.) 


I discovered that there are two empty osprey nests only a half mile away and still inside the park.  One nest structure is located in a tall lighting tower on the perimeter of baseball field #6 and the other is similarly located on the perimeter of baseball field #8. .


Empty osprey nests on Marymoor lighting tower

During all of my visits to the platform, only the juvenile has been present and I have never seen it flying around or accompanied by adult ospreys.  However, my visits have all been of fairly short duration, so I presume that the adults are still attending to the juvenile.  Nonetheless, the fall migration season has already begun, so presumably the juvenile and its parents may have already departed.  


-- John Reinke 

    Redmond, photojournalist 

   10/8/2023

Monday, August 7, 2023

90th Street Pond Restoration Underway, Fish Protected

Green Heron spears a frog on the 90th Street Bridge stormwater pond

The City of Redmond budgeted a little over a million dollars to remove sediment and restore the functionality of the 90th Street stormwater runoff pond.  The pond is located at the intersection of the 90th Street Bridge and the Sammamish River.  The project is scheduled to be completed by the beginning of October.

For over twelve years, I have been observing and photographing the abundant wildlife that often appears in this pond. Great blue herons frequently catch fish and frogs here.  Above, is a rare Green Heron spearing a frog!  Different species of waterfowl often appear during the spring and fall migratory seasons.  I once photographed six adult male wood ducks together in the pond at the same time!


In addition to the varied birdlife, I have photographed:  a beaver on two different occasions, a raccoon, river otters frolicking in the pond twice, and a coyote, which really surprised me.

I don't know what will become of this wildlife once the project is complete.  A worker said they netted all of the fish at the east end of the enclosure, and relocated them to the west end, nearest to the river.  This was to protect the fish. The worker said that when entering the pond the accumulated sediment was so deep where they were netting the fish, that it came up to their shoulders!

--Photos and Story by John Reinke, 8/7/2023

City removing rich, organic soil from the pond


"The existing NE 90th St stormwater pond treats the runoff from the 90th St stormwater basin before it drains into the Sammamish River. It was constructed in 2000 and currently provides about two thirds of the water quality treatment required by today’s regulations. The pond works by allowing sediment to settle out of the stormwater before it enters the Sammamish River. Over the last 20 years, significant sediment has accumulated, filling up a portion of the pond. The City will be removing the accumulated sediment from the pond during the summer of 2023. "


(Source:  NE 90th Street Stormwater Pond Retrofit | Redmond, WA )

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Sammamish Eagle Nest Gone, Eaglets Fledged

A week ago on Wednesday July 12, I arrived at the Redmond Central Connector bridge at about 1 pm.  At that time, the eagle nest was still intact.  


I left and returned to the same location at about 5 pm.  The partial collapse of the nest had somehow occurred during that interval.  The above photo was taken at that time.  In it, you can see that evidently one of the eaglets had flown out of the nest and landed on the branch of a nearby tree.  The other eaglet had remained on top of the partially collapsed nest, as you can see.  I departed from the scene shortly thereafter.

I returned again on Friday, July 14.  The eaglets were nowhere to be seen, and most of the rest of the nest had fallen away, as you can see below:  


A day or two later, I learned that a friend had subsequently seen both eaglets and parents in or near the nest tree, and that they took off for parts unknown.  So far as I know, they have not been seen again.

It's a mystery to me as to why the nest partially collapsed in the afternoon of July 12, 2023.

-- Story and photos by John Reinke, 7/19/23

Friday, May 12, 2023

Sammamish River Eaglets

 

credit / John Reinke

Three week old eaglets nesting on the Sammamish River.  

One is quite a bit larger than than the other.

-- by John Rinke, Redmond, WA.  

Monday, April 24, 2023

Pair of Nesting Eagles On the Sammamish River

A friend of mine told me 4 or 5 days ago that she had been monitoring the nest daily for 35 days.  According to the excellent website https://www.eagles.org/, that is the incubation period for hatching eaglets.  Presumably the egg(s) will have hatched by now, if that is true.  - John Reinke, 4/24/2023


Photos by John Reinke

John's  photos were taken from up on the Central Connector bridge over the Sammamish River.  The nest is on the west bank of the river across from the Opportunity building.  As of 7/14, the chicks have fledged (left the nest.)

Thursday, April 6, 2023

Redmond Town Center's Heron Art


click pictures to enlarge
 

It's all a matter of perspective and taste. By night Fairbourne's RTC art installation draws you towards an amenity of the Center; its proximity to Bear Creek.  But in daylight, what's it trying to convey?  
(After dinner, our waitress at BJ's took our picture!) 

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Redmond Resident Reinke Reports Destructive Beaver Chewing

 

The wire mesh protecting this alder from chewing beavers was pulled away.

Location:  Sammamish River Trail across from the Opportunity Building.  Photo and report by John Reinke 

Tom Hardy says...

Thanks for the photos John Reinke.  Yes, sometimes the beavers figure out a way to get over/under or crush the caging we put up, especially older cages. Because of all the recent beaver activity along the trail, over the next few weeks, the City’s WCC crew will be installing some new cages and improving older ones between Redmond Way and 90th Street. This has more to do with public safety along the trail versus trying to stop the beaver from felling trees altogether.

 

All of the Red alders along the trail and Sammamish River are volunteer trees (planted by mother nature not us), and for the most part we are ok with those being taken down. It makes the shoreline more complex and provides a little more space and light for the long-lived conifers. Because the beavers are chewing a lot of trees right along the trail though, we are going to try and encourage them to leave those alone and choose trees that won’t fall onto the trail.

 

Happy Holidays, 

 

Tom

 

Tom Hardy 

Stream & Habitat Planner, City of Redmond

Sunday, October 23, 2022

Redmond Resident on Beaver Patrol

 

Photo by John Reinke, 10/17/2022

The City of Redmond  is fortunate to have diligent resident, John Reinke, who monitors beaver activity and their habitat. Above, is a photo of an alder tree on the Sammamish River Trail felled by a beaver. The Sammamish River is closeby on the right. It looks like someone may have pulled it off the trail.

John reported the downed tree to City stream specialist Tom Hardy and the Mayor.  Mr. Hardy immediately removed the tree and the Mayor thanked John at a public meeting.  Mr. Reinke often reports beaver activity to the County. 

John likes to insert puns' into the end of his stories! 😉

 "Finally, let me say that if I were a beaver, I'd give a dam, or at least try to make one!" 

"It was swimming steadily toward me when I suddenly heard a loud "thwack", and saw the creature's hind legs suddenly rise straight up into the air, before immediately sliding down beneath the roiling water."  (I guess we could call it a “slam dunk”…)

-- Bob Yoder, 10/23/2022

Friday, September 30, 2022

The Salmon Seeson is Upon Us!



Redmond resident John Reinke has seen salmon migrating upstream from three Redmond bridge locations:  1) Redmond Way bridge, 2) Connector Trestle bridge, and  3) the Union Hill St. bridge. 9/25/2022 report.  When the October rains come expect migrations in force up the Sammamish River and Bear Creek bridges to Juel Park, the 95th Street bridge, into Woodinville and Cottage Lake to spawn.    


ISSAQUAH SALMON DAY FESTIVAL, October 1-2.  Awesome event!  Don't miss it! 🐟🐟🐟


"Save the Salmon" is an advocacy group to protect Lake Sammamish salmon. Great website.


10/1/2022

Sunday, September 11, 2022

"Lyrical Currents," A Poetic Map of Redmond and the Sammamish River

Redmond's Poet Laureate, Laura Da' created this lyrical nature walk through the downtown natural, cultural and historical places of Redmond.  QR Code will open the map guiding you through five special places.  

Laura Da' is a poet and teacher.  A lifetime resident of the Pacific Northwest, Da' studied creative writing at the University of Washington and this Institute of American Indian Arts.  She is Eastern Shawnee.  Da' lives near Seattle with her husband and son.  

To take the tour, on your phone, click on the small Google square next to the microphone symbol, hover over the QR code and click on it as if taking a picture. 

A map of Redmond landmarks between the Sammamish River, Redmond Way, and Leary Way.


For more on indigenous indians, culture and nature, find links to a fabulous library booklist care of the Snoqualmie tribe and Redmond Historical Society 

-- brought to you by Redmond Parks and Recreation, 9/11/2022.  Library flyer courtesy of John Reinke

Sunday, July 31, 2022

UPDATED: Affordable, Pleasant Housing At "Friendly Village"

The Village is surrounded by nature.  
Restored Bear Creek runs through the Village. Homes on right / credit: Yoder
(click to enlarge)

I was kibitzing with long-time resident John Oftebro at the Derby Days Historical Society booth.  I found myself at a loss when the subject of the "Friendly Village" came up.  

Fast forward:  Last week, on a sweltering day Pam, I and Zoey took a ride to the Friendly Village.  Driving east on NE 95th Street (also known as Conrad Olsen Road on Google maps,) the Friendly Village, 55-plus mobile home park, immediately came into view. The Village opened in 1971.

I was surprised by the beautiful landscaping, an old growth tree, and the attractive, well-maintained homes.  The varied amenities include a common hall, fenced dog park, new pool, and salmon-bearing Bear Creek running through the 40-acre parcel.  

In the common hall, I bumped into Mary, a kind lady and long-time resident of the park.  She was selecting gleaned groceries from the food service area. 

I really enjoyed my conversation with Mary.  She pointed towards the creek saying the land was first a "wash" and later a turkey farm.  She is happy her home is creekside.  Mary said Ms. McRedmond, a descendent of the McRedmond founders used to live in the Village.  She now lives a bit east on Conrad Olsen Road. Mary suggested I knock on her door.  It's possible, Ms. McRedmond may still be going to the Redmond Cafe once a week.

The Village, including 224 pads, was purchased by the King County Housing Authority (KCHA) in 2017.  The Housing Authority apparently charges $850/month per pad. Some utilities are covered. The county also gets credits for housing seniors.  Mary said the Village is a "cash cow" for the county.

Village living is affordable, attractive, and green.  Home prices are roughly $90k - $375k (RMAX)  

-- Bob Yoder, 7/31/2022

EXTRA!  FOR SALMON WATCHERS:  The City of Redmond's NE 95th Street Bridge Bear Creek Enhancement Site  (excellent map.)  The Bridge is a great  place for viewing salmon (Sept.-Nov.) 

Friday, December 3, 2021

Heron Canyon


It's beginning to look a lot like a City!  
Everywhere...you go!
 
In the photo, you are looking north along 159th Place NE, to where it intersects with the western end of Bear Creek Parkway.  

In the photo, the building on the left is known as Blackbird Apartments.    The one on the right is Heron Flats and LoftsThe Flats and Lofts abut the Heron Rockery.  The building on the right that is just south of the Heron building is known as The Carter on the Park. (named after the wood-carving artist Dudley Carter.)  The building straight-ahead is Radiant Apartments. 

Fredrick Appliance will be torn down in 2-3 years for a 6-story building, enlarging Heron Canyon further.  The new Osprey building will be the southern entrance to Heron Canyon.  

It's my understanding Eric Campbell developed the Heron and Carter buildings.  He was an active member of the LWSD Bond Committee.  With care, he developed Perrigo Heights and other environmentally vulnerable lands.

-- Photo by John Reinke
    Bob Yoder
    12/3/2021

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

 

The forested area just west of Redmond Town Center
by John Reinke

Saturday, October 23, 2021

Forested area just west of Redmond Town Center
by John Reinke

 

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Senior & Community Center Taking Donations For Solar Power

 


Become a Solar Champion

Leave a green legacy! Help Redmond become carbon neutral and ensure the sustainability of our environment by purchasing a solar panel to power up the new Redmond Senior & Community Center.

Benefit to Champions:

  • Solar Champion Sticker
  • Name recognition as a Solar Champion on the website
  • Your name/organization listed on a Solar Champions plaque in the lobby of the new Redmond Senior & Community Center
  • Businesses: Recognition through social media (over 10,000 followers) and one feature on our Parks and Recreation eNewsletter sent to over 28,000 subscribers
  • Your investment is tax deductible!

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Environmentally Sensitive Light Rail Construction Underway

 


Construction of the Downtown Redmond Light Rail Extension will impact a swath of trees and riparian habitat along Bear Creek in the vicinity of the Overlake Urgent Care Center west to Creekside Crossing and Redmond Center Open Space.  Clearing and grading permits are required to remove 144 trees to accommodate the rail, Bear Creek "restoration," and construction access. Most of the trees will be planted off site because they won't survive in the wetland areas. For each significant tree removed, 6 saplings will be planted; for each landmark tree removed 18 saplings will be planted. A section of Bear Creek will have to be dredged to create a "back channel" for flood control and wetland habitat. Back channels are also valuable for salmon rearing.

Overall, approximately 500 linear feet of Bear Creek will be "restored or enhanced" when all is said and done.  The Design Builder is encouraged to reuse previously removed trees for onsite habitat features. In addition, Sound Transit plans to purchase off-site wetland mitigation credits at the Keller Farm site further upstream along Bear Creek for any restoration that cannot be accommodated on-site.

All the work near Bear Creek described above is subject to review as part of the City’s shoreline and clearing and grading permits, the Army Corps and the tribes.  Construction is over 3 years out.  

  -- City Council Study Session, 5/28
      Meeting memo (map)

* In 2020 I took a tour of the site with City staff.  They said the light rail will run five feet over Bear Creek.  B.Y.  

Monday, September 13, 2021

Large School Of Chinook Spotted At Redmond Trestle Bridge

Photo by John Reinke, Redmond resident, 9/10/2021
(click to enlarge)

"Thanks (John Reinke) for sending the photos of the salmon in the Sammamish River. I saw them when I was walking on the trestle bridge as well, and I agree, it is the biggest school of salmon (mostly Chinook) that I have seen. We've saw a few in lower Bear Creek last week, and they should really move upstream with the rain later this week. 

I believe the Chinook congregate upstream of the trestle because there is a deeper channel/pool there compared to many places in the river. There may also be some groundwater flow into the river that helps to keep it slightly cooler. There are also salmon concentrating under and downstream of the 90th Street bridge outfall because there is groundwater being pumped into the river through the outfall pipe there. The groundwater entering the river provides a cooler pocket of water for the fish to rest until moving upstream.

 

Thanks, and enjoy the fall,"

 

Tom

  

Tom Hardy (he/him)

Stream & Habitat Planner, City of Redmond

 

  425-556-2762    twhardy@redmond.gov    www.redmond.gov