Friends of North Creek Forest

FNCF Mission Statement

To maintain and improve the ecological function of North Creek Forest through Education, Stewardship and Conservation in perpetuity.

Our story begins...

Friends of North Creek Forest (FNCF) began in 2011 as a neighborhood - grass roots movement. A group of local citizens who saw the value of protecting a 64-acre mature forest in the middle of a rapidly developing region organized to save the Forest. Led by a committed volunteer Board of Directors, FNCF is still going strong ten years later. Scientific studies documented the rare and important ecological diversity of the Forest, as well as its value in protecting water quality and salmon runs in North Creek. FNCF donated time and expertise to prepare and present $2.8 million worth of federal, state, and local grant proposals on behalf of the City of Bothell. These funds enabled a fair market value purchase of the entire 64 acres. In April 2017 Governor Inslee and local elected officials cut the ribbon to celebrate the newest City of Bothell Park. FNCF remains committed to support the City of Bothell in maintaining and improving the ecological health of the Forest.

The 64-acre North Creek Forest meets the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife definition of a priority habitat - containing nine wetlands, seven streams and more than 100 species of native plants. North Creek Forest is home to many species of birds, mammals, amphibians, and invertebrates. It is extraordinary to be able to conserve such a large area of ecological diversity in a region that experiences an accelerated pace of development. This ecological diversity is accompanied by important environmental functions in protecting water quality of the North Creek watershed. The Forest soils and wetlands retain moisture, and gradually release it through springs, streams, and ground water flow to help moderate flows and water temperature that support salmon and other species. 

Environmental Education - FNCF education programming brings learners of all ages into an urban forest to explore, learn, and grow into stewards. Rigorous field trips challenge students academically with inquiry-based learning and physically with hikes and hands-on forest restoration activities, leading to life-long appreciation for the outdoors. FNCF employs an Education Manager and interns to lead student groups through curriculum exploring stream health, forest biodiversity, soil health and much more! Thousands of students from Northshore SD and other area schools have experienced this outdoor environmental laboratory learning about plants and animals, the ecological functions of a mature forest and the importance maintaining the health of North Creek watershed. FNCF’s classroom and service-learning field curriculum aligns with Washington state’s K-12 Next Generation Science Standards.

Stewardship & Conservation - Although majestically mature and diverse, the Forest is still affected by disturbance and invasive, non-native plants in many areas. FNCF leads family-friendly community events and student groups to maintain and improve the ecological health of the Forest. We work in partnership with the City of Bothell to anticipate and respond to maintenance needs, enhancing the health and sustainable use of North Creek Forest.

Community Events - FNCF offers events for the community to explore and experience the Forest including Forest Bathing (Shinrin Yoku), Birding, Citizen Science, Nature Hikes, Forest Yoga and more!  friendsnorthhcreekforest.org

Your GiveBIG donation, in any amount, supports these programs that honor relationships with nature, build  a healthy forest preserve, and develop a resilient community that can respond and adapt to our changing climate and world. 

Your gift today makes a difference - thank you!

Recognition

Friends of North Creek Forest gratefully acknowledges financial, in-kind and volunteer support from the following foundations, agencies, local businesses, schools, as well as many community members.

• The Tulalip Tribes - Tulalip Cares Charitable Contributions
• The Russell Family Foundation 
• The Peach Foundation 
• The Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment - Puget Sound Stewardship & Mitigation Fund 
• Outdoor Youth Connections 
• National Environmental Education Foundation 
• Washington Native Plant Society  
• Northwest Horticultural Society
• Cascadia Environmental Science Center
• Cairn Brewing
• Elevation Cellars
• Alexa’s Café
• McMenamins Anderson School
• Northshore YMCA
• Whale Scouts
• Extreme Terrain
• AT&T
• Expedia
• HNTB
• HDR
• Astronics
• Microsoft
• Blue Heron Services
• King County Flood Control District
• City of Bothell 
• Bothell Parks Foundation 
• King Conservation District 
• Urban Forestry Program 
• Department of Natural Resources
• Urban Forestry Restoration Project 
• Woodinville Montessori School 
• Cascadia College
• UW Restoration Ecology Network (UW-REN)
• UW Bothell CBLR