News

Two years ago, it seemed impossible that a neighborhood as small as ours could stop development on an irreplaceable 40 acres of urban woods.

Today we’re well on our way!

Juanita Woodlands in the Press

From the Seattle Times, March 8, 2005
Neighbors’ effort saves a “gem” (Registration may be required to view archived articles)

From the King County Journal, May 10, 2004
Juanita Woodlands effort has just begun

From the Seattle Times, December 6, 2003
County to help save Juanita Woodland

Recent developments:

On Friday, April 16, the sun came out just in time to help the Juanita Woodlands host its first party: a celebration of King County’s $7 million purchase of the property from Washington State’s Department of Natural Resources. Standing beneath Douglas Firs, our area’s Council member, Jane Hague, spoke to 50 supporters and public officials. She praised the purchase and congratulated DCNA on its commitment to protecting the Woodlands from development. But she also noted that we still need to find $1.5 million to offset some of the purchase cost or face eventual development of up to 5 acres of the property. She indicated that state or federal money might be available to help close the funding gap, particularly if educational programs involving the Woodlands could be designed and implemented.

Jane introduced King County Executive Ron Sims and Public Lands Commissioner Doug Sutherland, whose staffs negotiated the sale between the County and the State, and Cascade Land Conservancy Executive Director Gene Duvernoy, who advised King County on the transaction. Ron, Doug, and Gene encouraged the neighborhood to work with County to maintain and enhance the parcel. And Ron and Doug then joined Jane and DCNA President Patti Anderson in signing a ceremonial “Deed” to commemorate the transfer. It was good to see that four more public officials were in attendance to show their support: State Representatives Marilyn Chase, Ruth Kagi (both of the 32 nd District, covering Holmes Point) and Toby Nixon (of the neighboring 45 th District, covering Rose Point and Totem Lake); and, from the City of Kirkland, Mayor Mary-Alyce Burleigh, Council Member Jessica Green, and City Manager Dave Ramsey.

King County TV videotaped the event, so keep an eye out for it in coming months on cable channel 22. The County’s press release is available on the web at www.metrokc.gov/mkcc/news/2004/0404/JH_Juanita_Woodlands.htm. And a copy of the ceremonial deed can be viewed at our own Juanita Woodlands site. To view the deed, click here or on image at right. 

Where are we now?

As Jane Hague noted, our work with the Woodlands is far from done. We have 2 tasks to complete over the coming years.

  • First, we have to fulfill our pledge to contribute $500,000 to the purchase of the Woodlands. We’ve made our first installment of $100,000 already. And we have pledges in hand covering nearly all of the remainder, but it’s vital that we turn those pledges into real donations in the coming years. So, for those of you who have submitted pledges, DCNA thanks you and urges you to make each annual payment in a timely fashion. Invoices for those of you have May contributions will be mailed shortly.
  • Second, we need to work with the County to find an additional $1.5 million to ensure that all of the Woodlands are preserved as green space forever. We think that there are opportunities for additional governmental support if we can show that the neighborhood is invested in expanding the diversity of the Woodlands’ flora and fauna, and if we can engage schools in using the Woodlands as resource for environmental education. Members of DCNA’s Juanita Woodlands Committee are busy formulating restoration projects and educational programs. Watch for developments on the DCNA and Juanita Woodlands websites.

3 ways you can help

  1. Help maintain the woodlands; join in our debris pick-up in May.
  2. Donate your time and talent. We need everything from envelope-stuffers to graphic designers, writers – and folks with political savvy are more than welcome. Volunteer at 425-444-5064 or here on the website.
  3. Get to know our woods. An easy trek through this wonderful stand of trees will show you nature thriving in suburbia – something we don’t want to lose.

Past News:

  1. On December 15, 2003, the King County Council voted to purchase the woodlands from the Department of Natural Resources, virtually ensuring that these very special 40 acres (or most of them*) will be saved for future generations. This milestone would have been impossible without the hard work and enthusiasm of our dedicated volunteers and the contributions of the Finn Hill and Holmes Point communities. Our thanks goes out to all of you.

  2. The Friends of the Juanita Woodlands have been successful in the first phase of a campaign to save the forest from development. King County Executive, Ron Sims, is recommending this acquisition be included in the September budget package. The budget then goes before King County Council for a November vote. Our volunteers and well-placed consultant, meanwhile, are continuing to maximize the neighborhood's interest in the outcome of the package and plan. Thank you to everyone for your continued support in joining with the Friends of the Juanita Woodlands to save this precious urban-forest and the character of our neighborhood.
  3. THANK YOU to everyone who have helped get us so close to our goal of raising $500,000 towards saving the Juanita Woodlands. Your contributions and pledges are a terrific accomplishment, a gift for our neighborhood. But we're not quite there yet: we need to raise another $35,000 to meet our goal for our initial down payment. The donation form can be found here.

    And now we've been given another gift - extra time to raise the rest of the money.

    Why? A couple of bureaucratic hurdles have turned out to help us. We're waiting for a new appraisal.

    Here is the current planned timeline for woodland purchase and acquisition process:

    • June 1 - June 30, Negotiation between State DNR and King County regarding the price.
    • July 2 - Sept 1, Purchase and sale agreement is prepared, revised, reworked and eventually approved.
    • Sept 2- Sept 30, Purchase and sale agreement is turned into a resolution for King County Council to approve.
    • Oct 1st, King Country Council approves purchase and sale agreement

    These extra weeks and months we've gained for fund-raising are a gift - but it's gift that will have maximum impact if given by July 30th. Take a look around your neighborhood; our red-and-black Juanita Woodlands supporters' signs are blossoming all over.
    If you've already made a donation and a pledge, think about an additional mid-summer contribution. Help us keep these special acres free and open to all.

    Thank you! Friends of Juanita Woodlands

    Over $360,000 in donations and pledges have been collected within our community. We reached our "May Day drive" matching challenge, we have received pledges for $220,000 in two months. We need $140,000 more in April. Read more in the Seattle Times (Contact Sharon at info@juanitawoodlands.org,  if you're interested in hosting a fundraising party).
  4. Juanita Woodlands has received an additional $500,000 from the King County Land Conservations Future trust! This brings the total from King County to $1,000,000.
  5. Erecting a Juanita Drive billboard to build awareness and increase fundraising . 8 x 4 feet.
  6. The Juanita Woodlands organization has hired Tim Hatley, a professional land acquisition expert who helps non-profit organizations to effectively work with county, state, federal, city, schools to facilitate timetables, roles and responsibilities that lead to success.
  7. The Friend of Juanita Woodland held a Town Hall Meeting at Kirkland City Hall, February 25th. Presentations were made about the habitat, government funding, DCNA activities and fundraising. Nearly $20,000 was raised from the attendees.
  8. Volunteer committees are active in outreach, grant writing, grass roots fundraising, major donor fundraising and marketing. All actively seeking volunteers to help.
    • Outreach: Planning newsworthy events to raise awareness & donations; writing articles, delivering brochures, etc.
    • Grant Writing: Researching for organizations to apply for funding & following their application process.
    • Major Donor: Seeking out influential people in the area who would be interested in helping us find large pledges and donations from individuals in the area.   
    • Marketing: Brochures, signage, fundraising kits and public relations.        

Denny Creek Neighborhood Alliance, the organization behind the Juanita WoodlandsCampaign, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. All contributions to the Juanita Woodlands Campaign are tax-deductible as permitted by law. DCNA is committed to the protection and preservation of the woodlands, wildlife and waterways of the Denny Creek Watershed.