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Join our tree walk in West Seattle, learn about native plants

by on April 24, 2026
A young Western Redcedar tree is planted inside the stump of an old Western Redcedar in the Delridge Native Forest Garden in West Seattle. Photo: SDOT

In honor of National Arbor Day today we want to spread the word about an upcoming tree walk in West Seattle. During this walk, you’ll learn more about the Delridge Native Forest Garden project.

On May 15, join staff and Warren KingGeorge, the oral historian of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, for a walk through the Delridge Native Forest Garden. Together, we’ll explore why native plants and the restoration of this property are so important.

You must RSVP in advance. To sign up, click here.

Event details:

A grant from River Network and USDA made this walk possible. The Delridge Neighborhood Development Association organized the event in partnership with SDOT.

What is the Delridge Native Forest Garden?

The Delridge Native Forest Garden Project is a partnership between SDOT, regional Tribes and community groups to restore four acres of forest in West Seattle’s Delridge neighborhood.

The project is located on forested land east of Delridge Way SW, between SW Orchard St and SW Holden St.

Map of urban neighborhood with an orange-outlined project site split into two areas: a larger section near SW Orchard St and Delridge Way SW, and a smaller triangle further south. Features include five blue stars for potential signs, a dashed red RapidRide H transit line, green bus stop icons, black traffic signal and staircase icons, and a crosswalk at SW Orchard St and Dumar Way SW. Light green marks parks, emphasizing transit and pedestrian access.
Map of the Delridge Native Forest Garden project site in West Seattle. Graphic: SDOT

The goal is to provide easier access to green spaces, improve the tree canopy, and support Longfellow Creek’s health.

Throughout the restoration, you’ll have the chance to learn about native plants and volunteer to help take care of the forest garden.

Learn more about the Delridge Native Forest Garden Project page.

A group of about 12 young people wearing backpacks gather in a wooded area on a sunny day. They stand in a loose circle, focused on a man in a black jacket and baseball cap who appears to be leading the group. Sunlight filters through the dense green tree canopy.
Students from University of Washington listen to Warren KingGeorge, oral historian of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe. Photo: SDOT

Seattle’s tree canopy

A tree canopy is the percent of the city that is covered by trees, as seen in an aerial view.

Many departments contribute to Seattle’s tree canopy. At SDOT, we focus on street trees and trees along sidewalks. Last year, SDOT planted more than 1,000 trees across the city.

The locally funded, voter-approved Seattle Transportation Levy funded about one-third of those trees we planted in 2025, with more on the way throughout the life of the Levy! Read more about what we were able to accomplish last year thanks to the Levy here.

Related stories:

Seattle’s goal is to reach 30% canopy cover by 2037, as well as to improve tree health and equitable distribution of trees to support community health and resilience to climate change.

SDOT crews and volunteers plant trees near the Chief Sealth trail in the New Holly neighborhood of South Seattle. Photo: Nolan Rundquist, SDOT

Our city was just named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for the 41st year. It’s an annual recognition celebrating communities with “commitments to a greener place to call home.” 2026 is a special year for the Tree City program, as it was established 50 years ago!

You can learn about the City of Seattle’s broader urban forestry efforts on seattle.gov/Trees.

Happy National Arbor Day, Seattle!

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