By Devin Chicras
Nearly 200 new plants were added to Skyway Park on Saturday, November 15, 2025, thanks to King County Parks Volunteer Program led by Nick and Anna, and the amazing Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) staff and alumni.
The 2025 YCC intern cohort designed the planting plan from scratch, carefully choosing native plants that would work well in the space.
The final list of plants they chose for the park were:
- Western Red Cedar (7)
- Bitter Cherry (8)
- Black Cottonwood (5)
- Red Alder (5)
- Vine Maple (9)
- Sword Fern (20)
- Peafruit Rose (17)
- Red Flowering Currant (5)
- Red-Osier Dogwood (8)
- Kinnikinnick (6)
- Serviceberry (5)
- Tall Oregon Grape (9)
- Douglas Aster (15)
- Fireweed (9)
- Fringecup (40)
- Big Leaf Lupine (15)
- Goatsbeard (15)
Community members joined in the fun, and after three hours, all plants were safely in their new home!
West Hill Community Association brought spring rolls from My’s Vietnamese Sandwiches and Deli for all the volunteers to enjoy while debriefing and sharing all of the great memories made during the event.
Since 2023, we’ve partnered with the King County Parks Volunteer Program to clear thousands of square feet of blackberry from the area on the other side of Taylor Creek (starting by the bottom of the “goat path” or “power line hill” and continuing to behind the shelter area) and added hundreds of new plantings. This vital work has added a significant chunk of useable space back to our park, restoring habitat, and protecting our urban forest.
Save the dates for upcoming volunteer events to help us continue restoring Skyway Park! All ages (unaccompanied minors must bring signed waiver) and skill levels welcome. Tools and gloves provided.
- April 25, 2026 (Mulch)
- May 30, 2026 (Maintenance)
- September 26, 2026 (Maintenance)
- November 14, 2026 (Planting)
Registration will be available online before each event, bookmark and keep refreshing!
Like having a more engaged, informed and vibrant community? You can make a huge impact by joining your neighbors in giving $5 or more a month to the leanest, hardest working all-volunteer nonprofit in the neighborhood.