South Woods tree planting & volunteer work party in memory of Charlie Brown, Shoreline resident & environmental steward

Charlie Brown working in South Woods
Photo by Janet Way

The community is invited to join in a ceremonial tree planting and volunteer work party at South Woods Park on Saturday, November 14 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. At 10:00am, five White Pine trees will be planted in honor of Charlie Brown.

Charlie Brown was well-loved and respected in many areas of his life, but he will be best remembered for his vision to preserve South Woods Park, a unique urban forest.

As a former wilderness ecologist with the National Forest Service and an organizational consultant he knew what it would take to save the land and, with his guidance, the South Woods Preservation Group (SWPG) met for many years to establish the woods as a park.

Charlie and his wife, Bettelinn, organized Ivy OUT (Ivy Off Urban Trees) work parties at the park with loyal and devoted SWPG members. Together they spent countless hours removing invasive vegetation and planting natives at South Woods, transforming it into an urban forest treasure for all to enjoy.

Their hard work and advocacy paid off. In 2007, the City purchased the 15.6 acre South Woods open space property with funding from the voter approved 2006 Park, Open Space and Trail Bond levy. 

Today, South Woods is preserved for all residents to enjoy. In addition to his work at South Woods, Charlie also served on the Thornton Creek Watershed Oversight Council and worked tirelessly in the community to make Shoreline a better place.

Following the ceremonial tree planting, those who wish to participate and help carry on the work Charlie started are invited to stay for the Ivy OUT work party. Wear work clothes appropriate for the occasion and for the forecasted weather. Volunteers should bring water and a snack to enjoy during a mid-day break. Participants should park in the SW corner of the Shorecrest High School parking lot located at 15343 25th Ave NE directly west of 153rd Street from 25th Avenue NE.

Participants under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants 14-18 must have a permission form signed by a parent or guardian. For more information about the event, contact Sarah Lenoue, Bettelinn and Charlie Brown’s daughter.

South Woods Park 2210 NE 150th Street, Saturday, November 14, 2015, 10:00am - 2:00pm.