A “Green” Walk in Bellevue’s Mercer Slough

Some cities don’t live by their mottos but Bellevue, WA with the motto “City in a Park” lives that with numerous large natural and developed parks and green spaces throughout the City. Join me on a walk in my favorite Bellevue greenspace the Mercer Slough.  Within 320 Acres of wild wetland lies habitat for anything from Crane Flies to Coyotes, a canoe-navigable slough, organic u-pick blueberry fields, historic homesteads, trails and the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center.  

Truly a priceless jewel, the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center, took advantage of an ideal location and great topography to expand their facilities and to maximize “green” LEED building practices.  The modernized Education Center opened in Spring 2009 with wetlabs, modern classrooms with indoor eco-friendly plumbing and an appreciation for all things sustainable including green roofs, and open roof drains.  They minimized impervious surface by placing buildings on stilt foundations and included boardwalks and a treehouse that allows great views of the wetland and slough.   

Affiliated with the Pacific Science Center, the Mercer Slough Education Center provides outreach and outings for all ages and most notable hundreds of elementary age summer campers.  For many a harried working parent these summer camps with lots of outside time, games  and outstanding “grown up” counselors is heaven sent.  Without knowing it your kids will also become wetland and wildlife experts through canoeing, field trips and clever habitat inspired games. 

It is merely minutes from the bustling high-rise downtown core of Bellevue, so leave the noise of the City behind and listen to nature. Thanks for joining me and don’t forget to smell the (prim)roses.