The Duwamish Hill Preserve is a 8.6 acre parcel of land with historical, cultural and ecological importance. Through the actions of many partners including the Friends of the Hill, Cascade Land Conservancy and City of Tukwila, the property was purchased in 2004 and ongoing restoration has been taking place on the site ever since. The Duwamish Hill Preserve serves as an outdoor classroom for students, a gathering place for restoration volunteers, a culturally significant location for Native Americans and an example of a successful partnership between community members and public and private partners.

To learn more about the Duwamish Hill Preserve and how you can Volunteer and Get Involved, please continue reading. 

For information about the upcoming Teacher Workshop and other educational resources, check out the Duwamish Hill Preserve Education Program.

Creation of the Preserve

In 2001, The Cascade Land Conservancy, the City of Tukwila and a local citizen group (Friends of the Hill) formed a partnership to work towards the preservation of an 8.6 acre parcel slated for industrial development. The land were successfully acquired in 2004 by the Cascade Land Conservancy and the City of Tukwila. In September 2010, after many years of hardwork by volunteers, the Duwamish Hill Preserve was officially opened to the public. The preserve now includes an outdoor classroom area, established trail, and continued restoration opportunities for volunteers. The Duwamish Hill Preserve is managed as a public open space preserve dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of its rich Native American cultural history, ecological importance and community impact. Funding for acquisition and restoration of this property has been supported by grants from many generous contributors.

Natural and Cultural History

Due to its elevated position above the Duwamish River, the Hill offered a vantage point from with Native Americans could watch for incoming groups and communicate with fellow tribe members along the Duwamish River Valley. Additionally, the Hill is associated with the southern Puget Sound Salish oral tradition as the key location in the stories collectively known as the “Epic of the Winds”.

The hill from which the preserve gets its name is a glacial remnant and within the preserve many species of flora and fauna that are rarely seen along the backs of the Duwamish River can be found. 

Restoration

Hundreds of volunteers have contributed countless hours of work removing invasive weed and planting native trees and shrubs. The Friends of the Hill make up a core group of dedicated volunteers that host monthly restoration work parties at the Hill h and offer local community members a chance to contribute to the restoration of this amazing preserve. For more information on when these restoration volunteer opportunities take place, please visit our events page.

Educational Opportunities

The Hill is an excellent outdoor classroom. In collaboration with local teachers, administrators and community members, CLC is working to encourage and facilitate educational programming by hosting field trips and creating curriculum centered around the unique features of the hill.

If you would like to learn more about getting a school or youth group involved please contact our Outreach Programs Manager, Kristen Kowsidowski, at volunteer@cascadeland.org.

For more information or questions please email volunteer@cascadeland.org