The Beautiful Cedar River Watershed

Oh... how I LOVE my job! As part of my job, we do stewardship project for the environment and Saturday we did a tree planting in the restricted Cedar River Watershed! Seattle is one of only half a dozen cities its size in North America to use a protected wilderness to supply clean and affordable water. The Cedar River Municipal Watershed, 90,500 acres of forest land just east of North Bend, supplies more than two-thirds of the water King County residents and businesses use, over one hundred million gallons a day.

Close your eyes and imagine the most pristine forest you can- void of people, rich in nutrient, plenty of rain and sun rays, and untouched by developement and human hands. This is what we got to see on Saturday. A haven for animals and native plants alike. There are only a few roads through the watershed, which is highly protected and a no-trespassing area (unless you are an invited volunteer). Our job was to plant 436 native trees and shrubs on some creek banks in a decomissioned road. What a job, and what a joy! It was a spectacular day- sunny and chilly as spring often is in the Northwest...and the birds chatted away as we worked. Afterwards, we got a tour of the rarely seen Cedar Falls- a protected waterfall, with nearly perfect water (no surface contaminent, which is almost unheard of in the US). I felt so happy planting in this gorgeous place. Not only is it right around the corner from our house, but it's also such a special place. As a side note, I found out that the water at our house is taken from the watershed (it seeps through the moraine, and is purfied underwater until it hits the well). No wonder it tastes so amazing!

Driving in, this was our view. They bus you in because cars are restricted.

Our crew...Anita and her husband Bill planting away...Pure forest beauty...Close up of some beautiful moss.

The spectacular Cedar Falls...