Picture a floating world. That’s essentially what Marsh Island is. We are now standing at the edge of Marsh Island. This unique area is composed of peat up to 70 feet deep. It is the remnants of many years of marsh plants.
Seattle is fortunate to have wetlands in the city. They are a relatively new feature. The completion of the Chittenden Locks in 1916 lowered Lake Washington. Union Bay’s level dropped nine to eleven feet. This exposed two islands on the south side of Union Bay. These are now part of the Washington Park Arboretum. They are called Foster and Marsh Islands.
The waterfront trail includes Marsh Island on the west side and Foster Island to the east. A path connects the islands. It starts on the shore and runs through both islands. The trail was originally built in 1967. It was upgraded in 1986. Seattle Parks and Recreation manages it today.
Looking north across the bay you can see the Fill and Husky Stadium. To the south is an intricate network of raised pillars. They support highway 520. Many plants thrive along the path. Willows and alders are common. You can also see madronas, pines, maples, and oaks. Water plants abound. Reeds, waterlilies, and cattails flourish here.
Ducks are almost guaranteed. Especially during the winter months. You might see a dozen species. Grebes, rails, bitterns, and herons are often spotted. Marsh wrens and red-winged blackbirds nest on the islands. Other songbirds also live here. These include bushtits, sparrows, and goldfinches.
Many fish species inhabit the water. Several species of salmon can be found here. Steelhead, trout, bass, and carp also swim in these waters. These fish attract the Kingfisher. It is a regular visitor to the area. Signs of beaver are common. Muskrat can also be found around Marsh Island. In the summer, turtles bask on wood. Red-eared sliders and native painted turtles are seen.
Marsh Island is popular for walkers. The water around the islands is also popular for canoeing and kayaking. The bay between the fill and the islands has regular boat traffic.
The experience of this landscape is unique. It’s almost entirely the product of our own actions. Yet, it seems very natural. It has been one of the most successful nature areas in the city. It’s intriguing to visit because of the juxtaposition. Nature and wildlife share the space. Regular boat traffic and a highway are nearby. The university campus and the football stadium overlook the Fill on game days. It’s a strange sort of harmony that seems to work.
The uneven settling of the trash underneath created a rolling landscape. It is a landscape with small hills and ponds. Some are permanent. Others are seasonal. The area is used by the university for research and education. Research topics include restoration and management. Plant testing and compost testing are also studied here. The area is used for study by classes. These include urban forestry, environmental horticulture, and biology.
So as we conclude our visit to Marsh Island, take a moment to appreciate this unique place. It is a testament to nature’s resilience and the surprising harmony. It blends with urban development.