SHADOW’s Alder Grove

From the first arrival of humans in Western Washington to modern times, Pacific North-westerners have relied on forest production. Along with this dependence, has grown a cultural attachment to the beautiful forests that make up our landscape. This love for the forests remains relevant to our modern identity. Human care for forests, however, creates an interesting dilemma.

Less than 200 years ago, newly arrived European settlers brought with them different ideas about forest production. Their society valued Washington’s forests for their wood and overlooked many of the smaller lives surrounding the trees.

SHADOW Lake Nature Preserve’s upland forest fell victim to much of the short-sightedness of the Region’s new settlers. Its old growth was cleared and sold for lumber on multiple occasions throughout the 20th century.

Humans rarely travel alone, and King County’s new arrivals were no acceptation. Some unwittingly bring seeds attached to their clothing. Others may carry a pet or plant to remind them of home. Some exotic plants produce delicious fruit and were thought to enhance their new landscapes. One such plant is Himalayan blackberry.

Himalayan blackberry found itself right at home in King County and spread like crazy. Thriving along the sides of roads and in any disturbed soils, whose healthy function have been disrupted by humans.

After SHADOW’s forests were harvested, no new trees were planted. This would have been far too long term an investment. Instead red alder appeared in abundance. This short-lived species of deciduous tree has the distinct ability to crop up in new places. Himalayan blackberry also took hold on the site and has continued to grow to greater abundance each summer.