Two Fallen Sentinels
Last Thursday, Dec 11, we had a very big wind storm. The two big casualties in Madrona Woods were pacific madrones, aka arbutus menziesii. These are the “naming trees” for both our park and our neighborhood. Arbutus menziesii is a very distinctive Pacific Northwest native tree, found in coastal areas like the Magnolia bluffs, or anywhere in the San Juan islands. It is the only broadleaf evergreen tree native to the Pacific Northwest. We have only a few left in Madrona Woods, so losing two is quite a blow. Fortunately, some natural regeneration of madrones is taking place in the woods, thanks to all the clearing work we have done.
The larger of the two fell without completely being uprooted, and was left suspended over the trail. I was reluctant to chop this tree up, because it could have survived as it was. But safe and welcoming trails are a priority for us, so this tree had to go.
The smaller tree was less healthy, and was completely uprooted by the wind. Its position on the ground made it a bit more difficult to saw, due to “binding.”
The two madrones (18 inch diameter) fell across the top of the stairway in the woods. I set out this afternoon with a small bow saw, an axe, and a sledge. 4 hours later the trail was completely cleared. I was aided only by gravity. Gravity has often been my undoing, so it was nice to have its help.
In the course of my pleasant labor on a beautiful day, with a beautiful view, I met:
- A father and very young daughter. She was dressed as batgirl, complete with mask. They had already climbed the stairs (100 vertical ft). She climbed over the tree (not yet removed from the trail) quite cheerfully.
- An out of town visitor who was very happy to find a 10 acre well-maintained greenspace in the middle of urban Seattle.
- Another hiker who cheerfully offered to help me. This was early in the 4 hours – I might have taken him up on his offer during the last hour!
- A couple of dog walkers who controlled their dogs, who also hopped gracefully over the logs. Thanks to all dog owners who do the right thing.