SHADOW

Nature inspired art: Block printing!
2024-03-23 13:00 - 15:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Shadow Lake Nature Preserve
Make your own block prints to celebrate spring in this workshop with Seattle artist Jules Hepp! Learn to create your own design on paper, transfer your image to a rubber carving block, then carve and print your design. You will leave this class with handmade nature-based prints, cards, and postcards. You are also welcome to bring an image you’d like to print (high contrast black and white works best), fabrics (tote bags, t-shirts ), and/or special or interesting paper you might like to try printing on. This activity is family friendly for youth 8+. Check out more workshops and experiences with Jules HERE.
Absolutely no experience necessary. All materials provided!
This class is being offered at a sliding scale payment of $15-$25 per person, please contribute what you are able to help us continue to offer art workshops in the future!

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Guided Nature Walk: Unique Plant Adaptations for Bog Living
2024-03-30 11:00 - 12:00 | Shadow Lake Nature Preserve
Let’s explore the fascinating world of bog plants during a guided nature walk through the only sphagnum-hemlock peat bog under protection in our region. Peat bogs are a rare and extreme ecosystem that host a variety of plants you often don’t see elsewhere, like the Rhododendron-related Bog Labrador Tea (pictured above). As we traverse the boardwalk trail through the bog, we’ll delve into the unique adaptations that allow plants to thrive in this challenging environment.
Guided Nature Walks happen rain or shine, so make sure you dress for the weather. While the event is free, consider making a donation to support the preservation of this delicate habitat.

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Guided Forest Meditation
2024-04-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Shadow Lake Nature Preserve
Connect with yourself and nature in this science-backed practice that encourages you to slow down, unplug, and reconnect with the natural world. Highly trained forest bathing guide will lead you through moments of stillness, their cues help you stay present, notice details, and truly immerse yourself in nature. It’s about being present, breathing in the fresh forest air, and rejuvenating your mind and body. Meet like-minded individuals who appreciate the beauty of nature. Share stories, laughs, and a cup of herbal tea (often collected day of!).
This event is fee based on a sliding scale with a per person cost of $35-50.00.
We are excited to bring you this mindful forest experience with our partners at Cascadia Forest Therapy!
We need a minimum of 7 full-price paying participants to host this experience. If there are not enough participants 48 hours prior to the experience, the session will be cancelled and participants will be fully refunded or can opt to apply it to a future session.

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Earth Day Event: Roadside Litter Cleanup for Shadow!
2024-04-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Shadow Lake Nature Preserve
Help Shadow Lake Nature Preserve clean up litter from Peter Grubb Road this Earth Day.
Event Details:

Date: April 20, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Shadow Lake Nature Preserve, 21818 184th Ave SE, Renton, Wa 98058

Spend Earth Day and Shadow Lake Nature Preserve’s 25th anniversary helping to clean up the 2 miles of road that stretches past Shadow. With your help we can prevent litter from making its way into the waterways of our beautiful ecosystems!

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Join us afterwards for a celebration at Bickersons Brewhouse, Renton. $1 per pint goes directly to support Conservation and Restoration at SHADOW!

Earth Day with SHADOW Lake Nature Preserve: Bickersons Brewhouse
2024-04-20 16:00 - 19:00 | Bickersons Brewhouse Renton, 4710 NE 4th St #C105, Renton, 98059, United States
Join Us to Celebrate 25 years of Conservation!
Event Details:

Date: April 20, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Bickersons Brewhouse, 4710 NE 4th St, Renton, WA 98059

Celebrate Earth Day and Shadow Lake Nature Preserve’s 25th anniversary while sipping craft beer at Bickersons Brewhouse in Renton. $1 from every pint supports our Habitat Conservation & Restoration Efforts.
Why Attend? By joining us, you’re directly supporting SHADOW to protect wetlands, educate future stewards, and foster a love for the outdoors. Let’s raise our glasses for a greener, healthier planet!
RSVP in our Event Post on Facebook, or register below to receive a confirmation email and week- of reminder!

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Guided Nature Walk: Bug Walk!
2024-04-26 15:00 - 16:00 | Shadow Lake Nature Preserve
Did you know that one chickadee family brings between 390-570 caterpillars to their hatchlings per day? While most of us don’t get as excited to see a caterpillar as we might to spot an owl or eagle, these invaluable animals are responsible for supporting the wide web of animals that can be found in the PNW. Because of this, we can use the number of insects found in an area to hint at how healthy the ecosystem is overall. On this guided nature walk we will wander in the woods while we talk about the important role bugs play in our ecosystem, and even get some hands-on practice with surveying caterpillars!
Guided nature walks happen rain or shine, so please dress to keep yourself warm and dry. We will walk slowly to allow time for observation, but the path is uneven or uphill in some places.
This is a free event, but please consider making a donation to help support our education and restoration efforts!

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Herpetology & Nature- Based Learning For Educators
2024-04-27 15:00 - 16:30 | Shadow Lake Nature Preserve
Unfortunately this event has been cancelled, check back in for more events soon!
Join Alison Webb PhD, Program Director of Pacific Northwest Biology to learn about incorporating herpetology in youth education. Reptiles and amphibians play a critical role in the environment’s health; incorporating them into a nature-based curriculum can be both valuable and exciting! This workshop will discuss strategies for identifying and interacting with reptiles and amphibians while focusing on safety and respect. We will discuss inclusive and comfortable ways to approach animals physically and how to advocate for and participate in their conservation. Participants will learn about many of these animal groups’ unique, observable traits and how gentle observation techniques can allow us to develop a deeper understanding of their biology and natural history. This course intends to give educators of all kinds easy-to-use tools to guide and encourage their students to understand and explore the field of herpetology.
Find out more about Dr. Alison Webb and her environmental education programs
This is a fee-based program, your $25 contribution will help us continue to provide engaging environmental education opportunities for all! (If this fee is prohibitive to you, please feel free to contribute at a level more comfortable to you).

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Guided Nature Walk: Amphibians
2024-05-11 13:00 - 14:00 | Shadow Lake Nature Preserve
Join us for a guided nature walk in Shadow’s wetlands. Learn about the tips and tricks to find and identify some of the awesome amphibians at Shadow Lake Nature preserve while we Celebrate National Amphibian Week!
Guided nature walks happen rain or shine, so please dress to keep yourself warm and dry. We will walk slowly to allow time for observation, but the path is uneven or uphill in some places.
This is a free event, but please consider making a donation to help support our education and restoration efforts!

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Beneficial Bats! Bat Activity Monitoring- Evening Program
2024-05-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Shadow Lake Nature Preserve
Got bats? We do, and we couldn’t be happier! Did you know that Washington State has 15 of the 47 species of bats found in the US? Here at SHADOW, we have been able to document that 8 of those species call our habitats home! Want to find out how you can help bat populations and become a citizen scientist at the same time? Well then join us here at SHADOW Lake Nature Preserve to observe some of our marvelous and mysterious native bat species now that the weather is warmer, and they are more active! We are partnering with the Woodland Park Zoo to host their ongoing summer 🦇Bat Activity Trends 🦇citizen science program! Jennifer Tallman from Woodland Park Zoo and Stephanie Miller from SHADOW will be on hand to give an informational presentation about the importance of bats to our ecosystem, and then we will head to the observation sites to monitor bat activity for an ongoing study. At this event you can sign up for a follow up bat box building workshop as well! Depending on group size, we may split into two groups to cover more habitat areas to survey. Preliminary reports show several active species out foraging at sunset!
Please consider a $5 per person donation to attend this event to support SHADOW’s wildlife monitoring and conservation programs.
🦇To register and donate, please click the link below and come get batty with us!🦇

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Special Summer Solstice Event! Mindfulness in the forest
2024-06-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Shadow Lake Nature Preserve
Mindfulness in the Forest

June 22, 2024 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Join us on June 22 for a rare evening event to experience the tranquility of our beautiful preserve on one of the longest days of the year. Delve into peace amidst the trees as the day fades. This special session includes guided meditation, gentle reflective walks, and group discussion led by a seasoned guide from Cascadia Forest Therapy. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with nature and self at this halfway point of the year.

Admission is $35-$50 – Please note that we need at least 7 participants to host this event, we will send an email the week before to confirm.

What Previous Participants Say



” I felt connected to this place and my tree”

10th grade student after participating with her class



“The leader was very respectful of everyone and allowed everyone to choose how to participate in the mindfulness… gave space to individuals to make their own path.”

– Mountaineer after participating in a mindful restoration project at SHADOW



“I left feeling refreshed…”

– Mountaineer after participating in mindful restoration at SHADOW

Register Below!

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Felting Bog Mushrooms with PNW Biology
2024-06-29 13:00 - 16:00 | Shadow Lake Nature Preserve
Are you captivated by the hidden world of fungi? Do you yearn to explore bog habitats and create whimsical mushroom masterpieces? Look no further!
Begin your day with a guided tour of our unique 10,000-year-old peat bog. Our skilled naturalists will immerse you in the science behind bogs—discover how these enchanting wetland ecosystems support diverse life forms, including fascinating fungi.
After exploring the bog habitat, you’ll be brimming with inspiration! Join our felting workshop, led by specialist Dr. Alison Webb, a Shadow board member and founder of Pacific Northwest Biology. Dr. Webb will provide step-by-step instructions on needle felting techniques, allowing you to sculpt your very own Amanita mushroom. Whether you’re a beginner or have experience in needle felting, this workshop promises a delightful blend of art, science, and nature. All supplies are included. This workshop is best for teens and adults.
Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot now! This workshop is intended for teens and adults. Explore more pictures of felted mushroom creations and find information about PNW Biology programs at www.pnwbiology.com.

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SHADOW Moth Night! July 20, 2024
2024-07-20 19:00 - 23:00 | Shadow Lake Nature Preserve
Registration Required
National Moth Week celebrates the beauty, life cycles, and habitats of moths. “Moth-ers” of all ages and abilities are encouraged to learn about, observe, and document moths in their backyards, parks, and neighborhoods. National Moth Week is being held, worldwide, during the last full week of July.
NMW offers everyone, everywhere a unique opportunity to become a Citizen Scientist and contribute scientific data about moths. Through partnerships with major online biological data depositories, NMW participants can help map moth distribution and provide needed information on other life history aspects around the globe.
Join us at 7:00 to identify and count our native moths!Please be sure and register so we know how many people to expect. (Arrive at 6:30 for a bog tour before our moth-venture.)
Why Moths?
Moths are important pollinators for crops and flowers, and serve as a food source for birds, bats, and other animals.
Moths are among the most diverse and successful organisms on earth.
Scientists estimate that there are 150,000, and possibly more than 500,000 moth species globally.
Their colors and patterns may be dazzling, or plain, or cryptically camouflaged. Shapes and sizes range from small as a pinhead (micro-moths) to as large as an adult hand (macro moths).
Why So Late?
Most moths are nocturnal, they fly at night, so we look for them at night to see them. But some fly during the day as well. We’ll be using special lights and a bait station to attract them for our observations.Learn more at NationalMothWeek.org

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Bat Box Building Workshop July 27
2024-07-27 13:00 - 15:30 | Shadow Lake Nature Preserve
Join us at our Bat Biology & Box Building Class! You will start off by learning about bat biology, bat facts and conservation. Then, you will learn how YOU can help bat conservation in your own backyard by constructing your very own bat box to take home! One bat box per family, material & supplies provided.
*Children under 16 years old must have a parent or guardian present due to the use of hand tools for box construction.
There is a $20 suggest program fee per bat box for this class. All program fee donations help continue SHADOW’s Community Class Program and supports education programs at the Nature Preserve.

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Guided Forest Meditation
2024-08-24 10:00 - 12:00 | Shadow Lake Nature Preserve
Come forest bathe with our partners at Cascadia Forest Therapy on August 24th from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Based on the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, this practice is similar to meditation, but instead of sitting quietly, you will use all of your senses to explore your environment. Observing the nature preserve by breathing in the fresh air, feeling the dirt beneath you, or having a fern frond brush against you can have lasting effects on your stress level and ability to stay in the moment. Previous participants were surprised at how impactful they found this experience even as a first-timer. You will be guided through a series of “invitations” or elements in nature to focus on which will allow your mind to relax and stay more in the moment. Each session ends with sharing tea with the other participants; a chance to share what you experience in a welcoming environment. Learn more about forest bathing HERE.

Admission is priced at either $35 or $50 to ensure accessibility, while also fairly compensating our partners; pay what feels right for you. Please note that we need at least 7 participants to host this event. We will send an email the week before to confirm.

What Previous Participants Say



“I felt connected to this place and my tree.”

-10th grade student after participating with her class



“The leader was very respectful of everyone and allowed everyone to choose how to participate in the mindfulness… gave space to individuals to make their own path.”

– Mountaineer after participating in a mindful restoration project at SHADOW



“I left feeling refreshed…”

– Mountaineer after participating in mindful restoration at SHADOW

Guided Nature Walk: All Things Bog
2024-09-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Shadow Lake Nature Preserve
This is one of our favorite times of year to walk the Bog Trail. Mosses expand after months of dehydration, mushrooms abound, and the leaves are starting to turn. On this guided nature walk we will talk about all things bog; how they form, their unique plants, and the role of bogs in protecting environmental health. Bring your bog questions and general curiosity! This program will be most interesting for adults and older kids (aged 14+), and will take place rain or shine, so come prepared for the weather.
This is a free event, but please consider making a donation to help support our education and restoration work!

Family Friendly Restoration Work Party
2024-09-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Shadow Lake Nature Preserve
Join us for World Environmental Health Day and help us take care of a special part of the SHADOW Lake Nature Preserve forest. We will be doing light invasive plant removal in our beautiful Uplands forest. We will not be working with blackberries or any other armed plants. Gloves and tools will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you wish. We will start with a tour of our peat bog at 10:00am, and then head to the Uplands forest to get to work. All ages welcome, but children must be accompanied by responsible adult.

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Guided Nature Walk: Fall Forest Fungi
2024-10-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Shadow Lake Nature Preserve
A beautiful rainy fall is a mushroom enthusiast’s dream! Join fungi enthusiast Cecilia for an exploration of mushrooms visible from our trails. Understanding how to identify and differentiate mushrooms is an important part of staying safe while foraging. This guided nature walk will be fun for beginners and mycophiles interested in sharing their knowledge with a group.
Guided nature walks happen rain or shine, so please dress to keep yourself warm and dry. We will walk slowly to allow time for observation, but the path is uneven or uphill in some places.
Although this is a free event, we always welcome donations to help support our education and restoration efforts.
At Shadow we ask that you leave organic materials where you find them. Our wildlife needs all the resources that the forest provides!

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Guided Nature Walk: Halloween Haunted Bog Tour
2024-10-25 16:00 - 17:00 | Shadow Lake Nature Preserve
In pop culture, bogs are a misunderstood and often feared ecosystem. Low hanging fog, mysterious lights, and even undead-looking bodies have led to a long history of creepy stories about these wetland ecosystems. There will be no jump scares on this haunted bog tour, just the fun and spooky facts about bogs across the world. This tour will be good for kids and adults, costumes are welcome!
Guided nature walks happen rain or shine, so please dress to keep yourself warm and dry. We will walk slowly to allow time for observation, but the path is uneven in some places.
Although this is a free event, we always welcome donations to help support our education and restoration efforts.
At Shadow we ask that you leave organic materials where you find them: including leaves, moss, and fungi . Our wildlife needs all the resources that the forest provides!

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Guided Nature Walk: Extremophile Plants
2024-11-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Shadow Lake Nature Preserve
Did you know that Bog Labrador Tea, (one of the staff favorite bog plants visible from the Shadow boardwalk) is a plant often found in the arctic tundra? Why is it that you find so-called bog plants on the tops of mountains and in the far reaches of the arctic tundra? We will talk about the similarities between these ecosystems, and what makes them such extreme places to be a plant.
Guided nature walks happen rain or shine, so please dress to keep yourself warm and dry. We will walk slowly to allow time for observation, but the path is uneven in some places.
Although this is a free event, we always welcome donations to help support our education and restoration efforts.
At SHADOW we ask that you leave organic materials where you find them: including leaves, moss, and fungi. Our wildlife needs all the resources that the forest provides!

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Giving Tuesday!
2024-12-03
Why We Need Your Support
At SHADOW, we are dedicated to preserving the beauty, biodiversity, and tranquility of our natural spaces. On this Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join us in supporting the future of the preserve. Your donation will directly fund critical environmental protection projects, education programs, and maintenance efforts to ensure that SHADOW remains a sanctuary for wildlife and visitors for generations to come. Donate online and spread the word about Giving Tuesday to inspire others to join the cause!

I want to donate!

Every gift, big or small, helps preserve our forest. No contribution is too small to make a difference.

What Your Donation Supports

Grow Green Minds 📚
Fund environmental education programs for all ages, such as hands-on workshops, classes, and school fieldtrips.

Heal the Forest 🌳
Support our ecological restoration projects throughout the preserve which create native habitat!

Expand the Preserve 🏞️
Help us purchase and protect more land for native wildlife and people to enjoy.

Thank You for Your Support
Every contribution you make helps secure the future of Shadow Lake Nature Preserve. Your generosity ensures that this precious natural space remains intact in a rapidly urbanizing world. Thank you for being a part of this special day!

Landscaping with Native Plants with Lynn
2025-03-22 13:30 - 14:30 | Shadow Lake Nature Preserve
Come join us for a community class on landscaping with native plants! Lynn has been studying botany for over two decades, worked as an environmental planner, and has achieved the most rigorous habitat certifications for her projects. She will provide expert knowledge on native species to plant this spring, why they are important, and how to get started with your own native plant garden!

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“Uplands Guided Nature Walk” Bursting into Bloom!
2025-04-12 13:00 - 14:00 | Shadow Lake Nature Preserve
Enjoy a 60-minute guided nature walk within the beautiful upland trails of SHADOW Lake Nature Preserve with resident biologist Olivia Cavalluzzi. Investigate the native plants in different forest successional stages and see what wildlife we can find along the way!

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Earth Day Meet & Greet with SHADOW at Filson Seattle
2025-04-22 11:30 - 15:30 | Filson, 1741 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA, 98134, United States
Please come and say hello to our Executive Director, Erica Slotkin this Earth Day at the Seattle Filson store. Raffle for a cut and color at the one and only Gary Manuel Salon. Thank you to Seattle Filson for hosting SHADOW!

Volunteer & Service Expo
2025-04-23 17:30 - 19:30 | Lake Wilderness Lodge, 22500 SE 248th St, Maple Valley, WA, 9808, United States
Join SHADOW at Lake Wilderness Lodge this Wednesday, April 23rd. We will be hosting a table to sign up new volunteers for our summer restoration projects!” Free pizza is provided!

Needle Felted Frogs
2025-04-26 13:00 - 14:30 | Shadow Lake Nature Preserve
Come learn how to needle felt with resident biologist and multimedia artist, Olivia Cavalluzzi! Create two felted bog friends to keep forever! All supplies will be provided.
Ages 12 and up
Registration: $15 suggested donation
Donate Here

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GiveBIG 2025
2025-04-30 - 2025-05-07
Early giving has begun. Please DONATE NOW to GiveBIG 2025! SHADOW has received a 1:1 match so your early donation has TWICE the impact!

Bird Window Clings
2025-05-24 13:00 - 14:00 | Shadow Lake Nature Preserve
$15 suggested donation. All Ages. 1:00- 2:00 pm. Each year, 1 billion birds are killed by hitting windows in the United States. Protect the avian friends in your neighborhood by creating your own window clings to make your windows more visible! Meet us at the SHADOW Education Center.
Donate Here

Nature Animals
2025-05-31 13:00 - 14:00 | Shadow Lake Nature Preserve
FREE. All Ages. 1:00- 2:00 pm. Join us to make your own masterpieces out of natural materials! Get creative creating an animal only out of natural items found at SHADOW! Join us at the Education Center to start creating!

June Fundraiser with Four Generals Brewing
2025-05-31 15:00 - 17:00 | Four Generals Brewing, 229 Wells Ave S, Renton, 98057, United States
June Fundraiser with Four Generals Brewing in Renton, WA! Come out to kickoff of a full month of SHADOW promotion and fundraising! Executive Director, Erica Slotkin, will be on site to share updates and stories about SHADOW and meet supporters.

Community Volunteer Day
2025-10-18 10:00 - 13:00 | Shadow Lake Nature Preserve
Join us for a fun and rewarding Community Volunteer Day! Together, we’ll help maintain and beautify our shared spaces while celebrating the changing season.
Volunteers will:

🚶‍♀️ Perform trail maintenance to keep our paths safe and accessible

🌿 Remove invasive plants to protect native habitats

🎃 Add a festive touch by decorating for Autumn

Whether you’re passionate about conservation, community, or just looking to spend a morning outdoors, we’d love to have you join us!
📧 To register, please contact cecilia@shadowhabitat.org.
Let’s make a difference together—one trail, one plant, and one decoration at a time!
