discovery park environmental learning center

In terms of living flora, you’ll find big examples of western hemlocks, Douglas firs, and western red cedars. A majority of the land was donated between 19 and remains essentially the same as it was a century ago.ĭowned trees-many of which have been spirited away in other parts of the city for various purposes-still exist here, conjuring up images more fitting of a Cascade mountainside than of a city park. Here, you’ll find old-growth trees, the likes of which have been logged in most of the city. Magnolia | 3801 Discovery Park BlvdĪt a dainty 53 acres, West Seattle’s Schmitz Preserve Park may be small compared to some of Seattle’s larger parks, but it’s certainly significant.

During normal periods of operation, the center also runs a number of hands-on educational programs for all ages, which change quarterly. The Discovery Park Environmental Learning Center is temporarily closed for ADA improvements, you can still access a trail map, bird checklist, and background information on the park online. During low tide, the park’s beaches are prime for tidepooling-spot sea stars, crabs, anemones, moon snails, and more. On the water, look for gadwalls, red-winged blackbirds, and great blue herons. In fact, there are more than 270 species of birds in Discovery Park, so you’re bound to see-and hear-some interesting feathered friends. It’s not uncommon to see bald eagles, chestnut-backed chickadees, spotted towhees (with red eyes), and various types of woodpeckers. The trees feature glossy green leaves and red peeling bark that provide a multitude of looks throughout the year, including red berries in late summer and fall.įor the fauna, turn your eyes to the sky. And although Discovery Park resides in the Magnolia neighborhood, you won’t find any magnolias here-they were confused with the Pacific madrone when the name was given. In fall, color-changing big-leaf and vine maples offer a dramatic showcase of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. Many classic Pacific Northwest trees reside here: western red cedars, Douglas firs, and western hemlocks. Don’t miss the photo-worthy West Point Lighthouse, built in 1881. On the 2.8-mile Discovery Park Loop Trail, the park lives up to its name, revealing something new at every turn, from bluffs and beaches to forests and meadows. Just visit one of our stellar parks, and you’re sure to be rewarded.Īs Seattle’s largest park-all 534 acres of it- Discovery Park is known for its dramatically diverse landscape.

What does that all mean? You don’t have to go out of your way to explore nature while in town. “There’s a wider range of plant material you can grow in this part of the world than just about anywhere.” “In this particular climate, we can grow two different varieties of palm trees, yet it’s cool enough to grow all the temperate conifers,” says John Kimble, a Seattle Parks and Recreation spokesperson. Our parks have another noteworthy feature: They’re packed with a wide range of flora and fauna that you might be surprised to find in a bustling city. If you were dropped here blindfolded, you’d have no idea this unblemished locale was within Seattle, but Discovery Park is just one of 400-plus urban parks that provides a respite from the hectic nature of city life. Suddenly, the meadow gives way to an exposed bluff, where sparkling blue water laps at the shoreline below. A trail weaves its way into the forest, then through tall grasses that sway softly in the wind. Overhead, tall trees create a canopy under which chirping birds dart to and fro. That means you can embrace Seattle’s natural beauty without ever having to leave the city.įerns fringe dirt pathways. Our urban parks are botanical wonderlands that play host to an array of flora and fauna.

Discovery park environmental learning center