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Environmental ParkAnnouncing the Auburn Environmental Park’s Wetlands Trail Boardwalk is now open! The Auburn Environmental Park (AEP) is an innovative project that seeks to create a regionally significant open space in an urbanized area that offers opportunities for wetland ecosystem restoration, fish and wildlife enhancement, water quality improvement, economic development, stormwater detention and flood control, public education, and recreation. Project AreaThe AEP is an approximately 120-acre area that is bounded by 15th Street NW to the north, the Interurban Trail to the east, West Main Street to the south and State Route 167 to the west. An additional 120-acre area west of SR 167 that encompasses a segment of Mill Creek is also being studied for possible future inclusion in the AEP. Process and Next StepsAuburn has recently completed land acquisition for the AEP, and has begun the process of restoring natural habitat. In 2008, an area along Western Avenue in the southeast portion of the park was cleared of invasive, non-native plants and planted with native Northwest plants and in 2009 a two-level bird and wildlife viewing platform was constructed at this location. Thanks to a Washington Wildlife and Recreation Fund Grant from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, approximately 3,000 native trees and shrubs were planted in the fall of 2011 and winter of 2012 to enhance habitat, and the first segment of a new trail system that will provide pedestrian access to the interior of the park has been constructed. The initial segment of the trail, which includes an 1,200 foot long elevated wooden boardwalk, is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2011, and will provide for a pedestrian connection from Main Street through the interior of the park to the viewing platform on Western Avenue. The City is continuing to raise funds for development of the AEP through competitive grant opportunities and the ongoing development of public-private partnership opportunities. As additional funding is secured, future visitor amenities planned for the AEP include additional bird and wildlife observation areas, interpretive signage, and trail connections to the Interurban trail. How can you get involved?
Online Documents
CommentsYour comments are important to the success of the Auburn Environmental Project! If you have any questions or comments regarding the AEP project, please email our staff. For more information please contact the City of Auburn Environmental Services staff at 253-931-3090. |
CONTACTAuburn City Hall |
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