Only a century ago, old-growth forest on Vashon Island, like much of the Northwest, were full of towering firs, hemlocks, and red cedars. Under their sheltering canopy the forest soil was nourished by fallen needles and decaying logs. alder, sala, huckleberries, and thimbleberries grew in sunny clearing where old trees fell. Flowers bloomed in dappled shade. This living partchwork was home to a diverse mix of native amphibians, birds, insects, and mammals. By the 1920s, most of Vashon's forest had been clearcut, and since then some areas have been cut repeatedly. Today, about 15,000 acres, or 60% of the island, have returned to forest. While some of those areas are relatively healthy, many more are stressed by overcrowding, damaged soil, and invasive species.

Why Not leave Our Forests Alone?

Wilderness can take care of itself. But forests damaged by human disturbance often need help to fully recover. Ecological thinning and removal of invasive plants encourage a greater variety of shrubs, understory plants and structures such as clearings, snags and fallen logs. This in turn provides habitat for a greater diversity of creatures, and results in a healthier forest community.