Every year, Arbor Day reminds us that healthy trees are the foundation of thriving communities. Trees provide shade, improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff, store carbon, and create essential habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. At Discovery Park, they also help preserve the sense of peace and natural beauty that makes the park one of Seattle’s most treasured green spaces.
Whether you’re planting a tree, volunteering to restore native forests, or simply spending time beneath the park’s towering canopy, Arbor Day is an opportunity to recognize the important role trees play in keeping Discovery Park healthy for future generations.
Why Trees Matter at Discovery Park
Discovery Park’s forests are home to a remarkable diversity of native trees, including Douglas-fir, western red cedar, bigleaf maple, red alder, and Sitka spruce. Together, these forests support hundreds of species of birds, mammals, insects, fungi, and other wildlife that depend on healthy habitat to survive.
Beyond supporting wildlife, trees help stabilize soils, improve water quality, reduce erosion along the park’s bluffs and ravines, and create cooler, quieter spaces where visitors can connect with nature.
Protecting and restoring these forests is an ongoing effort that depends on volunteers, community partners, and careful stewardship.
Celebrate Arbor Day by Giving Back
One of the best ways to celebrate Seattle Arbor Day is by helping care for the urban forests that make our city unique.
Friends of Discovery Park works alongside volunteers throughout the year to remove invasive plants, restore native habitat, and help young trees and shrubs thrive. Every volunteer event contributes to the long-term health of Discovery Park’s forests and the wildlife that depends on them.
Whether you’re an experienced steward or joining your first restoration event, your efforts make a lasting difference.
Get Involved
Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Arbor Day?
Learn how you can participate in upcoming restoration events on our Get Involved page and discover more about the birds, mammals, and other species that depend on Discovery Park’s forests by visiting our Wildlife page.
Stay connected with volunteer opportunities, restoration projects, and park news by signing up for our newsletter.