In 2001, Cascade Land Conservancy, the City of Tukwila, and a local citizen group (Friends of the Hill) formed a partnership to work for the preservation of a 10-acre undeveloped parcel of land on the Duwamish River.  The Duwamish Riverbend Hill property was successfully acquired in March 2004 by the Cascade Land Conservancy and the City of Tukwila. Owned by the City of Tukwila, the property will be managed as a public open space preserve devoted to the interpretation of the site’s Native American cultural significance and other aspects of the Duwamish River Valley natural and cultural history.

Unique features of the property include:

• An unusual outcropping of bedrock rising above the Duwamish River
• 600 feet of river shoreline
• The hill itself is a glacial remnant and it affords an impressive view over the lower Duwamish Valley
• Many unique native species of plants that are rarely found along the Duwamish River
• Culturally significance due to its association with southern Puget Sound Salish oral tradition and history, as a key location in the stories collectively known as the “Epic of the Winds.”

CLC holds a Stewardship Easement on this preserve and is currently working in conjunction with the City of Tukwila and community members on restoration of the property.  Jones & Jones Architects and Landscape Architects, Ltd completed the Master Plan May 2007.  Master Plan implementation is underway and includes invasive plant removal and the development of designated trails and interpretive elements to create a refuge and place of learning for the public to enjoy.  We welcome the public to participate in one of our regularly scheduled work parties which are posted on our on our events page. 

As public open space, CLC encourages the use of the site as an outdoor classroom.  We are in the process of building a relationship with Tukwila Schools to engage youth in this local treasure, enhance their educational experience, and help cultivate our future conservationists and land stewards.  During the summer of 2008, Tukwila High School students will use the Hill as part of their high school watershed science course.  

CLC works with teachers and administrators to initiate and maintain use of the site for educational activities, and can offer appropriate support by providing teachers with curriculum ideas and share activities and learning that has taken place on other CLC properties around the region.  

Student Participation Opportunities

• Habitat Restoration
• Invasive plant removal
• Planting native species
• Erosion control
• Minor trail grade renovation for site safety
• Environmental Education
• Invasive vs. Native plant species
• Cultural heritage ethnobotany
• Cultural interpretation materials development  
• Salmon habitat/watershed science

For more information, contact our Outreach Director, Julie Griffiths, at 206-905-6917.