The Kiwanis Ravine Overlook is located at the junction of 36th Ave. W and Ohman Place. The Overlook is our original restoration project. Visiting today, one might think a forest always stood here – but this site was a flat grass lawn with an electric substation before it was acquired by Seattle in 1998. Restoration began in 2001. A short loop trail through now mature vegetation features interpretive signage describing the native plants and their role in a forest environment. Trees here include those common in western Washington’s lowland evergreen forest, such as Douglas fir, western hemlock, western red cedar, Sitka spruce and grand fir. Broad-leafed trees include western red-alder, big-leaf maple, vine maple, black hawthorn, western dogwood, and madrone. A variety of native shrubs occur in the Overlook, so-called because one can see down into the ravine from it. A small area near the entrance has been kept open, and seeks to represent a prairie such as is found in the broad valley south of Olympia. Prairie plants found there include native sedges and grasses, penstemon, camas, and native daisies among others. Mounted on a rock near the entrance, is a memorial plaque honoring Mary Hartnagel, for her efforts in getting donations to add land to the Park.
