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Interlaken Park

Interlaken Park is 52 acres of a densely wooded area on the north end of Capitol Hill. The paths and trails throughout the park are frequented by bikers, hikers and joggers.

History

In the 1890’s, Interlaken Boulevard was the principal bike and buggy path linking Capitol Hill with the boulevards on Lake Washington. Assistant City Engineer George F. Cotterill, conscious of the hazards of biking on city streets lined with planks, toured the city to look for good bikeways. His bike trails formed the basis of the city’s boulevard system, and in 1903, the Olmsted Brothers approved Interlaken as a boulevard route. It soon became popular with walkers and auto drivers, who appreciated the views of mountains and lakes. (Excerpt from the files of Don Sherwood, 1916-1981, Park Historian)

Another freed sword fern in Interlaken Park.

Site

The one acre site is located on a slope in a northern section of the park that is deemed “The Redwood Grove”. This grove of redwoods was established in recent years by members of the neighborhood community. The dominant overstory species are conifers. Unfortunately, the understory is dominated by non-native English Ivy with a mix of native and non-native shrubs dispersed throughout. The site is dry and shady with the exception of a small section where the soil is damp—perhaps a result of a seep.

Site Goals

Remove present invasive species
Apply techniques to prevent erosion of soil from the steep slope
Establish more conifer growth
Plant understory shrubs that will provide food for resident wildlife

Action Plan

Team meets on site:
- Prep site for volunteer work parties
- Remove non-native ivy by hand
- Plant conifers and fruiting/flowering shrubs
Host volunteer events:
- Mulch Work Party
- Invasive Removal Work Party
- Planting Work Party
Request Profession Crews:
- Cut and treat invasive trees

Work Accomplished

(as of 3/31/08)

95% English ivy removed
Cherry laurel and English holly cut and treated with herbicide
Cardboard and mulch have been applied where ivy was removed
More than 200 native plants installed
Team has hosted 5 volunteer work parties
Team has done outreach to forge relationships with community members to ensure future site maintenance
One team member presented the experiences and accomplishments of the NPSP Interlaken Team and at a WNPS Chapter Meeting