Sunday, September 19, 2010

Sunday, September 5, 2010

S.H.A.D.O.W. - Frog Frolic Event

What is S.H.A.D.O.W.?

Its an acronym that stands for Save Habitat and Diversity of Wetlands. The aim is to preserve unique habitats in the Jenkins Creek Basin in King County Washington. Primarily the protecting the sustainability of Shadow Lake Bog through education and preservation.

I have participated in this event over the years and enjoyed it both as a fun thing to do, but also because of the importance of being mindful of the environment for future generations.

(from the website)

"Shadow Lake Bog is recognized by the King County Council as a significant wetland and wildlife habitat for Southeast King County. The significance of the bog, as stated by King County Council, is that it is "an important wetland which functions as a natural deterrent to flooding by absorbing many times its weight in water," that if "left wet and undisturbed plays a vital role in protecting the environment and serving as a wildlife habitat."

Through the efforts of the founders of SHADOW, an area that was previously known as a dumping ground for old refrigerators, cars, and other trash has been cleared out and the area restored through planting and persistent maintenance of native plant species. Further, the Prinsens, with the help of volunteers, excavated an amphibian pond on the dump site. The amphibian pond is being used by scientists as a study site for research on frog reproduction.

Volunteers, including the Washington Conservation Corps and local Boy Scouts, helped to construct a boardwalk into the bog wetland. The boardwalk trail enables visitors to experience the sights and sounds of the unique bog habitat without the difficulty of navigating the uneven terrain and without disturbing the habitat. Another major project on the site was to renovate an old building to include a ground level shop and activity area. The second level houses the Richter Interpretive Center which includes the education room, with an extensive resource library of books and literature pertinent to our cause, covering topics from birds and amphibians to ecologically sensitive gardening practices and wetland habitats. The interpretive center is also available as a meeting room for interested groups.

Shadow Lake Bog is open to visitors, and if you would like a guided tour, please call or email to schedule an appointment"

Every year they hold a fund raising event for this project. This year the Frog Frolic is Saturday, September 18, 2010.

It is a fun event in picturesque setting.

For more information, go to S.H.A.D.O.W.

You can also find them on FACEBOOK.