These vibrant panels aren’t just signs. They’re a story. A story of Longfellow Creek Legacy Trail Way Finding Signs. Look closely. Each enamel-on-steel sign is a work of art. Artist Peter de Lory captured the essence of the creek. He photographed plants like lupine elderberry and horsetail. These plants grow along the creek’s banks. He then transformed these photos into striking images. Each image is set against a bold saturated color. The signs are more than just directions. They celebrate the beauty of Longfellow Creek.
The Longfellow Creek Legacy Trail Way Finding Signs are part of a larger project. This project connects the community to the creek. It highlights the importance of Longfellow Creek. It’s a 4.2-mile trail completed in 2004. It’s a volunteer-supported project. It’s a ribbon of connection. It winds through neighborhoods green spaces and community resources. The signs help people navigate this special place. They help people discover hidden gems along the way. They mark the path. The signs serve as a visual reminder of the creek’s ecological significance.
Longfellow Creek itself is a remarkable waterway. It’s a 3.5-mile tributary of the Duwamish River. It’s one of only two Duwamish River tributaries that still support spawning salmon. That’s incredibly significant. It shows the creek’s resilience. It shows the importance of conservation efforts. The creek’s journey begins at Roxhill Bog. It flows through West Seattle. It finally reaches the Duwamish River. It’s a journey of transformation. The creek has changed drastically over the years. Euro-American settlement led to logging and farming. This changed the creek’s ecosystem. It also impacted its water quality. Invasive plants now threaten native species. About one-third of the creek is now underground. It runs under roads houses and shopping centers.
Despite these challenges. Longfellow Creek is alive. Coho salmon still return to spawn. But these salmon face serious threats. Studies show that 45% to 90% of female coho die before spawning. Poor water quality caused by stormwater runoff is to blame. Conservation efforts are underway. Groups like the Green Seattle Partnership are removing invasive plants. They’re planting native species. The Longfellow Creek Natural Drainage System Project is also making a difference. The project cleans stormwater before it reaches the creek.
These signs then are more than wayfinders. They’re symbols of hope. They represent a community’s commitment to preserving Longfellow Creek. They are a testament to the ongoing effort to protect this vital ecosystem. So take a moment to appreciate them. They are an integral part of the Longfellow Creek Legacy Trail experience. They point the way. But they also tell a story. A story of nature art and community working together. A story you can continue experiencing as you walk along the trail.