SHADOW: Save Habitat and Diversity of Wetlands

Shadow Lake Bog Education Programs

Tours & Education Programs

In year 2006, SHADOW’s volunteers educated over 850 adults, college students, school children and other volunteer groups working or learning about wetlands and environmental concerns. Several groups performed volunteer activities ranging from invasive plant removal to boardwalk enhancements.

Educational tours are available by appointment to interested groups and individuals. Throughout the year SHADOW hosts numerous classes of students from area schools. Scout troops come out to tour the bog, and then return to help with ongoing construction and maintenance projects. Our property is also used by the Washington State University wetland stewards program, and King Conservation District.

At the Klaus Richter Interpretive Center, guests of all ages will find books and other resources of interest in the Center’s library. As well, guests interested in learning about creating wildlife habitat in their own yards can visit out demonstration garden. This garden features native plants and hedgerows and provides habitat critical brush and rock shelters, birdbaths, and creative use of log pieces.

SHADOW welcomes local and visiting scientists interested in using our site for research. Studies conducted thus far on SHADOW lands include water monitoring, amphibian studies, fungi classification, bird observation and currently vegetative mapping.

In addition to the interpretive center education room, SHADOW’s educational resources consist of a viewing tower, an amphibian pond, and an 800-foot boardwalk. These amenities are available to a vast population due to Shadow Lake Bog’s location and proximity to Maple Valley, Covington, Kent, and Renton Washington.

SHADOW is becoming an important component of both public and private childhood education in our area. At SHADOW we realize that the education of our youth acts as the foundation for protecting our environment in the future. To further this program, SHADOW has developed an educational package for schools in the area. The package consists of pre-visit materials, on-site materials as well as the post-visit materials provided for teachers. All of our programs are designed to fulfill Washington State ELRS and Environmental Education guidelines.

To accommodate all visitors, SHADOW has provided ADA access to the boardwalk. One of our goals for 2008 is to provide ADA access to the education room and viewing tower. We will be applying for a matching grant from the Master Builders Association to help in this project.