the south park news

Faith-based groups hope ‘to rediscover the Duwamish River’

Faith-based groups from elsewhere in the city are focusing on the Duwamish River this summer – and we thought you might be interested in their news release, with meetups mentioned toward the end:

Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, Church of the Ascension and Earth Ministry are sponsoring activities to rediscover the Duwamish River this summer. Through a series called The Duwamish: a People and a River, people will have the opportunity to learn about and explore the river, the salmon and the community of people.

“The Episcopal Church recognizes and affirms that care for the environment is inextricably linked with Jesus’ commission to his disciples to care for the poor and oppressed,” explains the Rev. Marilyn Cornwell, rector of Church of the Ascension on Magnolia. “Through the upcoming events, we seek to listen actively to the Duwamish people and the river, to comprehend the complexity of life in and around the river, and to contribute to uprooting the political, social, and economic causes of environmental destruction and abuse.”

Here in the Pacific northwest, we are witness to one of nature’s most exciting dramas – the upriver salmon migration – a long, strenuous, desperate race against time, with every obstacle taking its toll. The salmon blaze a silver-and-crimson course through our oceans, our streams, and our forests, giving life in much the same way as the blood pulsing through our veins. Keeping our forests and riverbanks healthy helps protect the salmon. Cedars and other vegetation hug stream banks, protecting the river life and nourishing it too. The salmon is a crucial source of nutrients for plants, animals, and humans. Truly, the salmon are our “canary in the gold mine.” The annual pilgrimage of the wild salmon to spawning grounds is a time for celebration; emergence of the alevin from the eggs is a time of resurrection.

The Duwamish River, which the Seattle Times has called “industrial Seattle’s sewer,” cuts through the southern part of the city emptying into Elliott Bay. Heavy industrial use of the waterway and contamination led the Environmental Protection Agency to declare it a Superfund site.

Today, the river is home to numerous species of fish including salmon and trout and larger mammals such as otters. But the legacy of pollution makes the salmon unfit for human consumption and scientific studies show serious impacts on the health of other animal populations. The Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition was formed by community activists, environmentalists and small business to “advocate for a cleanup that truly protects the river, its fish and wildlife, and the health of all its people.”

You can choose to be a part of the solution in salmon survival by participating with us in activities to support a healthier Duwamish River. The series kicks off by meeting members of the first people of the area, the Duwamish, during a Long House tour. Before Europeans arrived, the Duwamish depended upon the river for the sustenance of the community. Then, better than just sitting in a lecture hall, we invite you to experience the river firsthand by walking, riding a bike, paddling a kayak or taking a boat tour.

Events

July 15 – Family Bike Ride
2 p.m.—4 p.m. Pedal along the Duwamish/Green River.
Contact: Rene Marceau at marceau_rene@comcast.net or 206.453.3778

August 18 – Boat Tour of Waterway
10 a.m.—12 noon Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition; Harbor Island Corporate Center (Gate C), 1001 Klickitat Way $20 pre-event tickets / $25 day of tour. Contact: Betsy Bell 206.933.1889.
Sponsored by Saint Mark’s Cathedral, Church of the Ascension, Earth Ministry

August 25 – Walk/Bike/Paddle the Duwamish Waterway
9:00 a.m. Meet at Duwamish Waterway Park (South Park) 7900 10th Ave S.
12 Noon Duwamish Festival Food, entertainment and Duwamish cleanup information