Partnering with other groups is essential to the work of the West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails Group.
The Duwamish Ridge to River Trail (R2R)
In 2021 Duwamish Tribal Services received a grant from the King Conservation District to determine the feasibility of a trail from the top of Puget Ridge, Pathfinder School, and South Seattle College to the Duwamish Longhouse and Duwamish Waterway at Ha-ah-poos. The West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails group participated in the planning for and implementation of this grant.
The purpose of the grant was to assess trail routes through the Greenbelt and determine remediation options required to meet federal, state, and municipal policy and safety regulations for trail usage and develop a comprehensive trail plan for the greenbelt, addressing recreation, education, cultural exchange, environmental justice, youth employment, and forest restoration.
The study was completed in May, 2021. A summary of the results of that study by Herrera Environmental Consultants can be found here and the full Feasibility study here.
The Ridge to River steering committee continues to meet to plan the next steps in developing the Ridge to River trail.
Water Quality Monitoring
Part of the Ridge to River grant was water quality monitoring at the base of Puget Creek where it enters a culvert on Puget Way. View the water quality summary from the volunteer work along Puget Creek:
R2R WQ summary
Many thanks to the Duwamish Tribe and partners for leading these efforts, the dedicated volunteers who were out in all conditions despite pandemic challenges, and Joanna Florer in particular for jumping in with a heavy assist with data management, kit maintenance, and drafting this summary.
Heron’s Nest
We also support the work of Heron’s Nest outdoor education camp and its projected repatriation of land to the Duwamish.
West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails 
I hiked the West Duwamish trail today. My plan was to hike from Westcrest Park to Highland Way. 3/4 of the ways in there was a no trespassing sign on the trail. I eventually arrived at a squatter camp, and the guy started yelling at me (he was in his tent) Worried about my safety I decided not to attempt passing. I went down a trail that led to a private driveway and then the Shell station on E Marginal Way.
I’m not sure if this is part of your route, but be aware of the situation there.
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