LETTER: The importance and value of trees

Tree Art in Anderson Park / Credit B.Yoder

Urban tree canopy cover is the percent of a city covered by the leaves, branches, and stems of trees as seen in an aerial view. Trees have a positive impact on the physical health and well-being of those living in urban communities. We should try to maintain and increase the many benefits trees provide to current and future generations. There are many important benefits of trees.

Trees have public health and social benefits:

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Trees clean the air. They produce oxygen, intercept airborne particulates, and reduce smog, enhancing a community’s respiratory health. The urban tree canopy directly contributes to meeting a city’s regulatory clean air requirements.

Access to trees, green spaces, and parks promotes greater physical activity, and reduces stress, while improving our quality of life. Urban landscaping, including trees, helps lower crime rates. Studies show that urban vegetation slows heartbeats, lowers blood pressure, and relaxes brain wave patterns. People with a view of nature and trees score higher on tests of self-discipline.

UPDATED: The tree snag in Laura's neighborhood garden

Visit Molbak's summer calender of events and gardening workshops....

"The garden is mostly the work of my wife, Laura. As you mentioned she works for Molbak's. She is a Certified Professional Horticulturalist.  My roll is periodic manual labor and design input. If you must use one of our names, by rights it should be called Laura's garden."  - Abbott

This Douglas fir manufactured snag is visible from NE 104th Street near Avondale

UPDATED:  As you drive down 104th Street near Avondale and  look left and you'll see a sidewalk neighborhood planting area affectionately known as "Laura's Garden."   This photo shows Abbott's wife Laura diligently tilling the soil and planting the "seconds" she picks up from her job a Molbaks.  They live adjacent to the planting area on 184th Ave NE and 104th Ave NE.

Last year, "Redmond Blog" (RNB) featured Abbott's Arbor.  This year, the Douglas fir snag has been added to the Abbott collection, mostly by luck and good intentions of the city.  It was classified "hazardous" and manufactured into a snapped-off tree snag.  The trunk is loaded with woodpecker holes.

Do you see the snag?   It has jagged edges on the top   High school science students walking up the hill will tell you this tree snag provides invaluable habitat and foraging for hundreds of species of wildlife and insects.  

So, who in the city do we thank for not stumping this tree to the ground.  Parks?  Department of Natural Resources?  The Street Division,  Planning & Development? (an 11-lot plat is approved down the hill), The city council Ombudsman?  The neighborhood?  My vote's on the Mayor.  He's a good listener; can't you see?   

Opinion and photo by Bob Yoder

Earth Day Seedling Sale benefits "Sustainable Redmond"

John Reinke,  proud owner of  Western Hemlock seedling

Earth Day Seedling Sale benefits Sustainable Redmond

In the spirit of Earth Day, Sustainable Redmond is making available select Western Hemlock seedlings in return for contributions to our 2012 Overlake Tree Preservation Campaign. As you may know, the current plan is that the 28 acre Group Health property in Overlake will be clear cut for development, and Sustainable Redmond is working to have this plan overturned.

The Western Hemlock is the Washington State tree, and, while these seedlings can’t replace Overlake’s mature urban forest, planting these locally will help clean our air and water.

Seedlings will be for sale at the Earth Day celebration at 21 Acres in Woodinville from 3 - 5pm on Saturday, April 21. Seedlings will also be available at 9am at the Green Kirkland Partnership Restoration Event at Juanita Bay Park, 2201 Market Street in Kirkland.

Check out http://www.sustainableredmond.org/  for more info on the issue, as well as for on-line giving using PayPal and other ways to contribute to our mission.
 
--John, Tom, Cindy
Sustainable Redmond
Photo by Yoder

LETTER: Tree Sock Art installation intended to celebrate Redmond's Centennial. Exhibit expected to end June 3, 2012.



Tree Wrap Art looks attractive under night lights and during the dark, dreary days of the Northwest. We don't get  many colorful autumn leaves downtown.  Myers says the art is squirrel friendly but the ability of birds to forage for insects under the yarn isn't addressed.  Will they "unbutton" the wraps in the summer when we don't need "Artificial Light?"  The abundance of colors contrasts with bland Redmond Way strip malls  making the rest of the city look worse.  B.Y.

from the desk of Councilman Hank Myers....
LETTER:  You ask the most interesting questions, and I have completed some research with the help of Parks staff and assistance from a former Department of Natural Resources official.

On the issue of impact to the trees, an extensive answer is below.  These wraps have been around for years, with no apparent damage.  The only observed change was suppression of moss on the tree bark, which I am not sure is a negative. You also raised concerns about the impact on squirrels.  While it is true that the western gray squirrel is protected, it is because its habitat was overrun by the eastern gray squirrel, which is what populates Anderson Park.  The eastern gray squirrel is not protected.   Read More >>

Blending Art with Nature in Urbania?

Trees and a log cabin of Anderson Park

Comments from two Readers ....

The first time I saw these, I was struck by their beauty. It happened to be around sunset, and the warm glow of the evening sun was shining on these tree socks, and making such a beautiful accent to the artwork. I had to stop and take a photo of it. Sadly, the photo didn't do the emotional joy justice. I'm glad that we have such a unique change to Anderson Park to enjoy on our way through town. There will always be jay-walkers to watch out for, tree socks or not. If the concern is about distractions from the park, well, we better stop maintaining the park (guys in bright orange vests), having parties in the park (gasp- kids running around having fun!), allowing people to bring balloons in the park (they're real attention grabbers), keep out all the dogs from the park (dog lovers- avert your eyes!), and especially - no bright colored strollers or clothing should be allowed. In fact, to avoid all distractions, maybe its best to just fence it off, close it down and cement over it. Change is constant, and Anderson Park is no exception. If the real problem is jaywalking around the park, well there are ways to solve that. I think the problem existed well before tree socks. Until the article cited about tree wraps covers the negative impacts of using yarn as a wrap material, I'm not convinced it's relevant. Put me down as one who embraces the change, sees the beauty in the artwork, and pays attention to the road while I drive.
   -- By Anonymous on OPINION: The costs of Tree Sock Art In historic A... on 3/31/12

I absolutely [believe] the trees do NOT need embellishment! But so many other things in our man-made environment do! Can't we leave the beauty of nature alone, and wrap the phone poles and other things that uglify the world? Tree trunks are beautiful, and tie in the log cabin look of the structures at the park perfectly.
  -- By Anonymous on A resident environmentalist and artist appreciates... on 3/31/12

A resident environmentalist and artist appreciates the tree art in Anderson Park



Tree Art in Historic Anderson Park

 Being an life-long environmentalist and artist, I am appreciative of the art in Anderson Park.

I hear more people talk about the park (and not just parents discussing a play-date) in a way that stretches them to see the relevance of our parks in the area. I have also consistently heard conversations about art and how the natural world combine.

Tree wrapping is a well known art form across the globe such as artists Olsen Zanders to environmentalist raising awareness to trees to be cut down (and hey while we are at talking about trees how about the thousand trees slated to be torn down in Overlake?).

There where no evidence that Tidwells art did any damage to the trees in Occidental Park in Seattle and if you look at other sites, like Zanders, the impact was minimal at most.

In my opinion this kind of engaging art that speaks to many of our residence could be an incredible catalyst to help protect the places we love and hold such a historical significance to Redmond. And just a small side-note, not being a big fan of bureaucracy or politics, I am thankful the city was honest in not knowing [the affects of wraps on squirrels and explained how they function as habitat.]

Sarah

Sarah made this comment under an April 23 piece by Paige Norman."The Costs of Tree Sock Art in Historic Anderson Park"  It was edited for continuity. B.Y.

City of Redmond asks community to celebrate Arbor Day....Can we?

Redmond inadvertently mutilates these five Trees near the 91st Bridge

City asks community to celebrate Arbor Day on April 11...can we?

'Celebrate Arbor Day and the importance of Redmond’s trees and forest ecosystems' on Wednesday, April 11 at Farrel-McWhirter Park with a restoration work-party 3:30 pm to 6pm.

“Taking care of our community forests demonstrates the City’s ongoing commitment to the preservation, protection and enrichment of our environment,” notes Teresa Kluver, Park Operations Supervisor. “Preserving our trees and forests is vital to maintaining our quality of life and working to build a better future. I hope residents will want to take part in this effort.”

How is the Redmond community supposed to celebrate Arbor Day when the City breaks their own tree preservation law and allows a 100% clear-cut of trees on their 28 acre Group Health Overlake project? 

To compensate for 100% clear-cutting of 1000 trees, Group Health commits to planting 3,345 trees and 31,220 shrubs, but where?  Read More >>

Soul Food Book's "Sustainable Redmond" forum for tree preservation in Overlake a success.

City Council approves plan to strip out ALL 1,000  trees on this 28 acre Group Health site
Sustainable Redmond files lawsuit at Superior Court.

"Sustainable Wednesday" at Soul Food Books to feature Sustainable Redmond - Group to Speak for Tree Preservation in Overlake Village Redmond, WA

OPINION:  On Wednesday, March 28, Sustainable Redmond will be featured at the Soul Food Books’ monthly Sustainability Wednesday series.The program begins at 7pm and all are encouraged to attend. The discussion will focus on plans for the 28-acre Group Health hospital site in Overlake.  Read More >>

Topped Cottonwood Trees on 90th Street NE almost make you gag

Topped Cottonwoods - "roadside attraction" on NE 90th Street

OPINION:  Last year, the city Council designated Cottonwoods as urban "garbage trees" because they crack open sidewalks, drop debris and the white cotton puffs blow around.  In 2011, the City ripped out all the Cottonwoods along southern NE 90th and replaced them with "street trees" and new sidewalk.  It looks pretty good.

The problem is they girdled and  topped these Cottonwoods growing in a stormwater facility further down the road.  Wildlife habitat is abundant here.  I just about gag everytime I have to pass them.  Anyone driving to Comcast, the Eastside Gym, Vertical Club, or any number of office buildings has to look at it. 

The City is setting a painful example to citizenry and students of what NOT to do with  trees.  Comments? 

By Bob Yoder
Photo by Yoder

Picture Story of Group Health Overlake Center Trees, by Max Feingold

Picture Story of Group Health Overlake Center

Posted on March 4, 2012 by Max Feingold publisher of Cat's Paw Images, Blog  "Exploring the Seattle Area Camera in Hand"

In 1871, Warren Wentworth Perrigo and Captain Luke McRedmond became the first white men to stake a claim and settle the land that would become the city of Redmond.  Read and See More >>

Photo and Story by Max Feingold

These pictures tell the story eloquently. Hopefully, they will help decision-makers realize what they’ve got in this urban jewel before it’s gone. Enough of paving paradise! We can have the transit-oriented village AND a good percentage of these beautiful trees; they are not mutually exclusive unless the only consideration is profit.  Thanks for all the work you put into this post.
-- Comment by Katheryn, Reader of  "Cat's Paw Images - Blog"

Tree Sock Art at Anderson Park

Tree Sock Art in Anderson Park

This Tree Sock Art in Anderson Park adds color and excitement on a dreary day.  The question is, how far will the Arts Commission go?    They started off by yarning small trees behind City Hall and from there it's taken off.  The City of Sammamish stitched sock art around topped, dead trees in the corner of a busy intersection. I'm not sure why they'd want to add attention to topped trees.  This art looks pretty good in live park trees.

What do you think?

By Bob Yoder
IPhone

Community activists take City of Redmond to court to enforce long-standing tree ordinance

UPDATED:  A legal fight over Redmond's Group Health Overlake Village is brewing from the City waiving a long-standing tree retention ordinance.   "Citizens and Neighbors for a Sustainable Redmond" ("Sustainable Redmond") of which Mayor Emeritus Ives is a member, and two neighborhoods, are suing the City and  the Group Health landowner for a 100% clear-cut of the 28-acre site.  Removal of all trees on the site, including 65 extra-large trees over 30.25 inches in diameter are slated to be cleared.  The diameter on one "Landmark Tree" is estimated to be over 50 inches, and 250 years old.  Group Health's arborists claimed the trees were dangerous and will fall over in wind storms.   City associate planner Lisk said the eleven significant trees in the "park" area will be removed and the remaining "parkland" will be hydroseeded.

City council voted 6-1 (Kim Allen) to waive the long-standing 35% tree retention ordinance.  At least four councilmembers justified the tree ordinance Exception by referencing requirements of the Growth Management Act.   Ive's showed council a city map of all the buildings in Overlake that could absorb the City's density requirements.

Several stakeholders were quoted in a February 12, 2012 online Seattle Times article by Keith Irvine, as follows:    Mayor John Marchione justified 100% tree removal saying:  Read More >>

UPDATED: Councilmember Pat Vache' responds to neighborhood tree hazard

Sidewalk roped off from a tree hanging on wires

UPDATED:  In late January, mothers walked their children down this hill to school, many unaware of the blue spruce leaning over their heads, balanced on utility lines.

Yes, the third wave of our January snow, ice and rain storm was hard on neighborhoods.  It took four days to close this sidewalk on Education Hill and seven days to remove the tree hazard.  Fortunately, neighbors pressed; and no one was hurt.

City and utility companies were slow to respond, despite the imminent danger.   Various distraught neighbors called 911, the mayor's office and utility companies.  Public Works identified the wires as "harmless phone lines" owned by Comcast saying, "it is their responsibility to remove the tree."   Two Pubic Works employees and a police officer looked it over and "walked on," according to an Education Hill resident, John.
 

 Frustrated and upset, John emailed city councilman and Ombudsman Pat Vache' on January 31,   John wrote Pat, "I cannot believe how hard it's been to get Redmond's attention on this."  (John had called 911 twice, PSE and several neighbors on January 27.)  Another neighbor called Comcast and walked them to the site.  The tree was finally removed February 2 after city Ombudsman-of-the-month Pat Vache' stepped in and had the sidewalk barriers installed.  Mr. Vache' went out of his way to help us.  Read More >>

"Pump House", by Sigmunde Potgieter

a Maple falls for Sigmunde's Pump House

Sigmunde Potgieter lives on Northeast Education Hill on a parcel filled with trees, deer, bobcat and critters.  She loves to photograph nature and took this picture during our January storm.  

'Sustainable Redmond' Files Petition with Superior Court on Group Health Clear-cut Decision

Group Health 28-acre site to be clear-cut

January 25, 2012

Sustainable Redmond Files Land Use Petition

Redmond, WA – On January 24, Citizens and Neighbors for a Sustainable Redmond filed a land use petition in King County Superior Court, seeking review of the City of Redmond’s decision to approve Group Health’s request to clear cut a 28-acre urban forest within the Overlake neighborhood so as to facilitate the development of a master planned mixed use development. This includes 65 landmark trees, estimated to be 150 to 250 years old, and 985 significant trees, up to 150 years old. Sustainable Redmond was joined in the appeal by Friends at Overlake Village, Villa Marina Condominium Association, and Rosemarie Ives, former mayor of Redmond, 1992-2007. In support of the appeal are the Eastside Audubon Society, Sherwood Forest Community Club (a nearby Bellevue neighborhood), and Techies for Trees (workers in the Overlake neighborhood).

Members from Sustainable Redmond, along with many local citizens and several groups, had urged the Council to reconsider the Group Health Overlake Village development agreement at public hearings in November and December. On December 13, the City Council approved, 6 to 1, the Group Health Overlake Village Master Plan and Development Agreement, with councilmember Allen dissenting.

While Sustainable Redmond supports transit-oriented development, Read More >>

"The Hugging Tree" crashes down

"The Hugging Tree"  crashes down - remaining stump and debris in foreground

LETTER:  Wanted to be sure you know about this loss to a beloved part of Redmond history:

From the Ferrel McWhirter Park facebook page, we have learned that the "hugging tree" was destroyed by the snow and ice.  This tree was a major focal point of the south side of the park.

As the name implies, generations of kids attending the City-run preschool at the park regularly would make a circle around this wonderful tree. Call them tree-huggers or not, but they did learn to love nature!

Even kids now grown are crushed to learn of this loss. Perhaps someone should be brought in to create a fitting piece of art out of the remaining stump?

The nearby preschool at the park is one of the hidden gems of Redmond, and my kids have grown up with some of the friends they met there.

They all consider this "their" park forever, and it is an anchor to the area for us all.

Letter by anonymous reader
Submitted to RNB on 1/21/12

LETTER: Group Health developer should buy own property to mitigate tree clear-cut

LETTER:  It's easy to assume the four listed parks would have received new trees regardless of the developer's actions. So, while this might reduce costs to the city, it won't result in offsetting trees removed from the Overlake property.

The developer should be required to purchase their own property, plant trees, and gauantee the survival of those trees for a reasonable period of time -- 99-years for example. Such a requirement has been place on developers in the past, in other areas of the U.S., and isn't unreasonable to expect here.

Letter by Douglas Burchard
Source:  Comment posted on:  "City identifies four locations for Group Health's clear-cut tree mitigation..."

ATTN:  Redmond Ombudsman-of-the-month, Councilmember Pat Vache'

The city identifies four locations for Group Health's Overlake clear-cut tree mitigation, City concedes additional densities to landowner

Current Group Health site - parking lot
 and treed canopy

UPDATED:  The entire 28-acre "Group Health Overlake Center" site is approved for complete clear-cutting (in phases) once development gets underway.  City council agreed 6-1 to an Exception of the long-standing ordinance that requires 35% retention of all trees in land use projects.    Over 1,100 of the original significant trees and larger landmark trees will be removed.

Bill Biggs, the proponent for landowner Group Health, presented a sealed offer during the December 13 meeting to assuage council and the large crowd speaking against 100% tree removal.  Council held off on their decision  to review Mr. Biggs offer.  (Mr. Biggs is also President of the Redmond Economic Development Alliance).

Mr. Bigg's offer was solely about the park.  It was reviewed by city staff and accepted by council on January 3, as this ammendment:

"The City shall design and install additional park improvements consistent with its neighborhood park standards RZC 21...."  In the process of designing the Park, the City shall consider retention of existing significant and landmark trees where feasible and consistent with good park design and public safety.  The Owner and members of the community shall be consulted and given opportunity to comment on proposed park features, design and materials. 

The City shall seek opportunities for preservation of trees in connection with the design of the Park"    

Associate city planner Dennis Lisk wrote:  "I looked into the number of significant and landmark trees located within the area of the future park and found approximately 12 significant trees, none of which are landmark trees."  Mr. Lisk said there was no guarantee these park trees would be retained, or any others.

Four-hundred trees are slated for planting on the site.  Their size is undefined, as to sapling or 12 foot standard trees.  Rain gardens, planted courtyards, pervious roads, and other LID features are planned.

To compensate for the tree removal, Group Health will plant 3,345 trees and 31,220 shrubs off site in parks and near creeks "to approximate the environmental benefits" of the Group Health forest canopy.  Once Group Health sells it's first parcel for development, ~250 trees will be planted in each of the following 2-acre sites:

• Juel Park (east)  [city contact:  Betty Sanders, bbsanders@redmond.gov]
• Perrigo Park (west)  [city contact:  Betty Sanders]
• Millennium Office Park/Swedish easement adjacent Bear Creek. [city contact: Dennis Lisk, ddlisk@redmond.gov]
• Viewpoint Open Space (after blackberries are cleared).  city contact:  [Betty Sanders]

Group Health will have another 2,300 trees and thousands of shrubs to plant at presently, unidentified locations. 

Of note, according to Lisk, "60% of the parking is underground and expensive and, as a concession to Group Health for this expense additional densities were permitted by the City."  i.e. building height and number of buildings.  Another, unnamed city official said density concessions were given in the earlier planning stages to retain the trees.

Comments are welcome. 

Reported by Bob Yoder
Photo by Yoder

Mayor Emeritus Rosemarie Ives objects to clear-cutting 28-acre urban Group Health site

This Group Health structure in Redmond's Overlake Center will be replaced mostly by a park and nearby 13-story hotel.
  "The City is required to seek opportunities to preserve landmark and significant trees in connection with the design
of the park."  The approved plan identifies "approximately 12 significant trees and no landmarks" in the area of the
future park.  There is no guarantee they will be saved.  - D. Lisk, Assoc. Planner, Redmond.

The following, was presented to city officials by Redmond's Mayor Emeritus Rosemarie Ives, on January 3, 2012 during "Items from the Audience"

Good evening Mayor and Redmond City Councilmembers. My name is Rosemarie Ives. I am here tonight as a resident to ask for reconsideration of the council’s decision on December 13th regarding the Group Health Master Plan and Development Agreement.

As the former mayor, I know that this forested property matters to the people of Redmond and those of us who are here tonight object to the clear-cutting of this iconic site. I believe that the criteria for exception to the tree preservation/retention regulations have been misapplied and not justified.  Read More >>

Letter: Council to decide on stripping 1050 trees from Overlake development; Dec. 6 Hearing scheduled at City Hall

NOTICE OF HEARING, DECEMBER 6, 7:30 PM, CITY HALL


from the desk of Mary W., Reader, Redmond Neighborhood Blog

In case you did not see a Notice of the Redmond City Council's "Continued Open Hearing and Vote on the Overlake - Group health proposed development," it is scheduled for Tuesday Dec 6th at 7:30 PM according to the 3rd page of the Redmond City Council Agenda for that meeting.

Hope to see  you there to support the retention of as many of the large significant and landmark trees as possible and the expansion of the park area.

Mary W.