Denizens of Highline Forest Events, November 2026
BIRDS IN OUR LOCAL FORESTS
Wednesday, November 4, 6:30-7:30 PM
Des Moines Library, 21620 11th Avenue S, Des Moines
Join Des Moines naturalist Eileen Lambert for Birds in Our Local Forests, an introduction to the wide variety of birds that call the Highline area, including Des Moines, home — from woodland songbirds to raptors, and beyond (including waterfowl and wading birds). Eileen will share what makes each of these habitats and bird communities unique, along with beginner-friendly tips for identifying birds by sight and sound. Eileen Lambert is a naturalist, a member of the Defenders of Highline Forest steering committee, and the founder of Des Moines Birders.
SALMON IN OUR LOCAL FORESTS
Tuesday, November 10, 6:30 PM
White Center Library, 1409 SW 107th Street, Seattle
The Environmental Science Center is based in Seahurst Park, but ESC staff work throughout South King County to encourage connection with our local environment. This presentation at White Center Library will focus on the salmon lifecycle, threats to salmon populations, and salmon conservation efforts in our local streams
BEAVERS IN OUR LOCAL FORESTS
Tuesday, November 17, 6:30 PM
Valley View Library, 17850 Military Road S, SeaTac
Beavers have a big impact on the habitats that they call home. By building dams and creating wetlands, they support biodiversity in many local waterways. This can be a boon for fish and wildlife, but sometimes a headache for people nearby. Come learn from Beavers Northwest biologists about these amazing animals and the challenges and benefits of sharing a landscape with beavers.
These programs are geared for teens and adults, and all programs are free.
Photos by Karin Halvorson
Community members sign the Community Forest Consensus
What Are We Defending?
The Highline Forest is an iconic feature of the landscape that visitors to the “Evergreen State” see below them as they arrive and leave from SeaTac Airport. The forest is also a guardian of the health of Highline residents, cooling the air and catching pollution generated by the airport, planes, and surrounding industry. The local health department has recommended expanding tree canopy here to protect residents’ health.
But the forest is in trouble. And so is the 200-acre urban oasis known as North SeaTac Park, located at its living center.
Increasing heat, drought, and invasive species threaten its survival. Intensive industrial development has been going on for decades and much more is proposed for the future. The Port of Seattle, the government agency that owns the airport, proposes to replace dozens of acres of trees in densely populated SeaTac neighborhoods with more polluting industrial structures like cargo warehouses and parking lots - and those are only their near-term proposals. SeaTac’s tree canopy is already among the sparsest in the county. (p. 17)
Protection of the Highline Forest is not yet on this region’s public policy agenda. Let’s put it there.
Defend our Park and Trees
Sign the Community Forest Consensus to protect our park and trees HERE.
Over 3,700 community members have signed the Community Forest Consensus. See public signers including elected officials, organizations, and businesses and read their comments HERE.
Write info@defendersofhighlineforest.org or use the form to the right.
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