Walked the trails in the Union Bay Nature Area, Foster and Marsh Islands and Washington Park Arboretum on this rainy Sunday morning. We parked at the UW Center for Urban Horticulture, headed south through the nature area, behind Husky Stadium, crossed the Montlake Bridge, along the Foster and Marsh Island trails, under 520 then south through the arboretum to the Pacific Connections Gardens on the southern tip, then returning the way we came. Total mileage out and back for this route is right about 8 miles with virtually no gross vertical. The trails through the Union Bay Nature Area are a bit muddy as WSDOT is doing some trail improvements as part of the 520 project but nothing too bad. The Marsh and Foster Island trails/walkways are all completely above water with no issues, (no wading required!) The trail under 520 through the construction zone over to the arboretum is open. The arboretum has quite a bit of off season construction going on with a few trails closed but nothing you can't find a way around. Bunches of birds out all over, dozens of Red Winged Black Birds with their distinctive call, lots of different ducks, cormorants, and what I think was a young bald eagle (still in the grey/brown mottled coloring,) in a tree next to the old MOHAI site. Several early Witch-hazel are already blooming in the arboretum, one with a spectacular fragrance, certainly a sign that spring is on its way! Lastly, Seattle Parks and Rec has a quick survey for users of the Foster/March Island trail if you are interested - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/arboretumwaterfronttrail

With the high heat and no time to get out to the mountains yesterday we got out for a little time by the water very early. We parked at the Center for Urban Horticulture and walked through the newly constructed Yesler Swamp Trail. A mild cacophony of bird songs entertained us. We noted the usual species including Belted King Fisher, Blue Heron, a Bald Eagle, and a half dozen different duck varieties. There were several duck families with their adolescent progeny happily filling their bellies in the early morning coolness. Logs along the water's edge quickly fill up with turtles to bask in the sun light. It took a little bit of research but we noted a different species, the Spiny Soft Shell which usually makes the East Coast it's home.

The Center for Urban Horticulture continues it's fine work rehabilitating land along lake Washington. Much of the lake's shoreline between University Village and the stadium was used as a landfill until 1962. This was then capped and largely forgotten. This land is owned by the state and managed by the university. Slowly the land is being sculpted into natural wetlands and open grassy areas. The invasive species are slowly being cleared and wildlife is returning. The Yesler Swamp trail is not fully finished. This wide trail is either compacted gravel or boardwalk. It winds here or there through lakeside wetlands. The arduous task of removing invasive species such as ivy and Himalayan blackberry is clearly ongoing. Several viewing areas were perfect for watching the comings and goings of ducks. Our favorite sighting however was a muskrat. Initially we thought it was a beaver largely because it was sitting next to a beaver lodge. We noted that it was the smallest beaver we'd ever seen. It sat out in the open for many minutes gnawing on sticks giving us a great view. Bald eagle, blue heron, belted kingfisher, wood duck, American Coot, American wigeon, mallards, gadwalls, and others. Locals that we chatted with talked of numerous coyotes in the area.

Walked both the Union Bay Nature Area and the Foster and Marsh Island loop together Sunday morning from the Center for Urban Horticulture parking lot. One pleasant surprise is that the trail from the montlake cut over to Foster Island is still open even with all the 520 bridge construction so you can complete the loop. Do note however that the old MOHAI location and parking lot is completely gone and closed. The bugs were all friendly, Monarch butterflies and some huge curious Dragonflies. The Union Bay Nature Area trails are in great shape and provide nice views east and south out over the water. There are many young water fowl out with duck and goose families paddling along lined up in rows. Don't miss the turtles out sunning themselves on the floating logs. Take a bit to look at the beautiful gardens at the Center for Urban Horticulture. The Foster and Marsh Island trail is in much better shape than it had been. Quite a bit more material has been added to the trail surface so there are no bad muddy spots anymore and you can walk the entire length without having to go wading. The trail from the north end of the Arboretum offers nice views of wildlife but also some up close views of the ongoing 520 bridge construction which is pretty interesting if you are into that sort of thing. While neither walk individually is very long, if you string them together by cutting through the UW campus or walking along the water behind Husky Stadium, you can get about 5 miles of distance and double the views.

I just can't help myself but to tout the fun of doing this little hiking area near the UW. It is my route home and it brings so much relaxation to my day:) My walk today revealed trees freshly downed by beavers. One significant tree was being sectioned off into manageable pieces. Perhaps in another day or two they will all have been carted away. Herons, grebes, red-winged black birds, and numerous other fowl are gathering for the annual spring festivities. What a great place for a quick urban get-a-way.