Nestled in the heart of West Seattle, just minutes away from the shores of Alki, lies a hidden portal to the Pacific Northwest’s ecological past. Schmitz Preserve Park is a 53-acre ancient forest—a rare sanctuary where towering trees, verdant ferns, and winding paths offer a peaceful escape from the city’s concrete rhythm. This August, the community is invited to step beneath this majestic canopy, slow down, and rediscover the deep natural and cultural roots of this urban treasure.
On Wednesday, August 26th and Saturday, August 29th, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM, Schmitz Park Restore is hosting free guided walking tours. These events, which recur every fourth Wednesday and Saturday of the month, offer more than just a morning stroll. They are an invitation to deeply engage with the land, beginning with a meaningful acknowledgment of its indigenous tribal history and its continuing cultural significance today.
As walkers tread along the park's shaded paths, they will be encouraged to tune their senses to the forest’s vibrant ecosystem. Guides will help visitors identify rare native plants and tune in to the rich symphony of bird songs echoing through the branches. It is a rare chance to see West Seattle through the eyes of the naturalists and stewards who work tirelessly to protect it.
Yet, the true heartbeat of these tours lies in a vision for the future: restoring life to the park's waters. A central focus of the tour is the ongoing effort to reconnect the park's historic creek, a vital step toward restoring native salmon and other aquatic life to these waters. Visitors will learn firsthand how local conservation efforts can heal damaged ecosystems, and how they themselves can play an active role in protecting the park for generations to come.
Event Details:
- What: Guided Tours of Schmitz Preserve Park
- When: August 26th and August 29th, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Where: Meet at 5463 SW Stevens St, Seattle
- Cost: Free (registration via QR codes on the flyer or online)
For those looking to reconnect with nature, honor Seattle's indigenous heritage, or join hands in local salmon restoration, these tours are the perfect place to start. To learn more or get involved in the community effort, visit SchmitzParkCreekRestore.org.
