Why Trees?

Our goal is to restore a healthy community of native trees and shrubs to the banks of the Green-Duwamish River and its tributaries. A healthy vegetated shoreline has a mix of native plants, from tall Douglas-fir trees and cottonwoods to smaller shrubs like flowering red currant and salmonberry.

This shoreline vegetation provides much needed shade to keep the river temperature cool during hot summer months. Salmon need cool water to spawn and rear and trees are the key to keeping the water temperatures healthy. Trees and shrubs provide a home for insects and bugs that feed salmon. As branches and trees fall into the river, it creates better habitat for fish. Clean and cool water with more food equals healthier, bigger fish.

In addition to the habitat benefits shoreline trees provide, they also improve the health of our community by cooling our urban areas, reducing stormwater, cleaning our air and water, and creating more beautiful places to recreate along the river.

The many benefits of trees: 

• Keep the river healthy for fish and wildlife

• Increase water infiltration and storage in the watershed, improving summertime flows in the river.

• Filter pollutants from the air and capture rainwater to reduce stormwater runoff to keep the river water clean.

• Create economic benefits for businesses, including increased land value, reducing landscaping costs, and increasing employee retention.

• Provide people with needed shade on a hot summer day, fresh air, and contribute to overall health and well-being.

• Create more inviting places for outdoor recreation and a change of scenery every season.