With its grassy meadows and grand views of Lake Washington, Mount Rainier, and downtown Seattle, Maple Leaf Reservoir Park is a uniquely beautiful landscape. Over the past year, the Friends of Maple Leaf Park have been removing invasive species and rejuvenating the park by planting a diverse selection of native plants and wildflowers to attract birds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. The group has also built two new picnic tables, planted flowers in the children’s play area, and led students in a citizen science project to study pollinator populations.

This year, volunteers will continue to replace invasive plants with native species that are adapted to the meadows and rain gardens of the park. These native plants are particularly beneficial to pollinators, which are crucial to creating and maintaining habitats that support wildlife. Native plants also prevent erosion, aid with water drainage, and add gorgeous color to our local park. The stewardship of these native landscapes increases the sustainability and resilience of our local ecosystems and builds a more beautiful and healthy community for all.