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The Bog
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Protected LandscapeThe suburban sprawl surrounding Seattle, Washington, is overtaking a quiet corner in south King County wherein lies Shadow Lake Bog, one of the last intact peat bogs in King County. In the face of rapid development, SHADOW is fighting to preserve this bog, which surrounds the west and southwest sides of Shadow Lake east of Renton. Formed by a glacial depression, Shadow Lake is the eye of the bog. All of the water in the lake and the bog comes from direct rainfall, Artesian springs, and runoff from the surrounding uplands. The peat bog on the south and southwest banks of the lake rises into upland forest, wooded with large, old trees. Within these trees, a low-lying area receives the water draining from the forest, forming the headwaters of Jenkins Creek. Jenkins Creek is a major tributary to Soos Creek, a salmon spawning stream. Before land around Shadow Lake could be developed, drainage systems would have to be installed. Draining the area would adversely affect both the bog and the water levels of the lake. On the outer edge of the bog on the land that the Prinsens purchased was a fill area that had been used as a dump. With help from Rainier Audubon Society, King County, King Conservation District, and other groups, the Prinsens cleaned up the dump, removing 110 yards of material to a certified site. Then they began an ongoing process of replanting the area with native plants and created an amphibian pond. From the replanted area, a path leads a 600-foot long boardwalk into the peat bog built so that visitors can see the bog without trampling its delicate beauty. At the other side of the rehabilitated area, a staircase rises to a viewing tower that overlooks the amphibian pond, and a skywalk connects the viewing tower to an education room called the Richter Interpretive Center. SHADOW holds the position that preserving this unique habitat in perpetuity is imperative. Max Prinsen, president and founder of SHADOW, states, "To allow a lack of planning or concern to destroy this rare ecosystem would be a disaster. The proximity to three urban areas located within three miles of Shadow Lake makes it critical that this preservation be accomplished today, before encroaching development irreversibly alters the bog and wildlife corridor. Wetland protection," he notes, "is far more cost effective then restoration." SHADOW is dedicated to the preservation of the wildlife corridors surrounding Shadow Lake through purchasing the land the bog encompasses, restoring the land if necessary, and educating the public about this unique ecosystem. The organization accomplishes these goals through partnership and community involvement. Shadow Lake and its surrounding areas are one of few pristine waterfowl habitats within the rapidly urbanizing area. This setting, so close to urban areas, allows for a unique educational opportunity for schools and the residents in Renton, Kent, and Maple Valley areas as well as Seattle. Currently SHADOW is working on protecting and enhancing the educational resource at Shadow Lake. SHADOW is working on funding for the project as well as supporting its ongoing educational program. The Prinsen’s have been gratified to share their vision with many others through educational tours of the portion of the bog that they have already preserved. Civic leaders, educators, and other visitors marvel at the beauty of the bog. It is truly a magical place, worthy of the effort and investment needed to safeguard it for future generations.
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On December 14, 2000, SHADOW was formed as a 501(c)(3)organization |
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