Frequently Asked Questions

• Inside the fence is registered as a state wetland • The trail and dog stations around the wetland are maintained by the City of Sammamish Parks and Recreatation • The storm water collection ponds are maintained by City of Sammamish Stormwater Division • The Alder Loop trail and adjacent areas belong to the Illahee Homeowner's Assocation • Other areas mostly belong to the Illahee Homeowner's Association

Yes! The City of Sammamish supports restoration efforts by donating plants, loaning certain tools, and providing tarps for removed invasive plants that they haul away.

The pond area within the wetland is seasonal and normally at its fullest in late winter through spring. Although it shrinks considerably, it has not dried up completely in a couple decades, largely due to increased runoff since the surrounding area was developed. The high/low points of the water correspond fairly closely to the El Nino and La Nina cycles, so about every 7 years you will see the water reach its highest level.

After development, this area now receives much more water than previously. At times it looks like a lake due to how much water accumulates. It has even flooded the trail on occasion. There are now more pollutants that run off from adjacent neighborhoods, which can kill frogs and insects. With increased education, we hope that people increasingly avoid activities that can poison this environment, like using pesticides or washing cars in driveways with harsh chemicals. With growing development, removal of native plants in favor of ornamental plants in front and back yards continues to reduce overall habitat, putting increased pressure on insects, birds, and other wildlife. Compared to 15 years ago, the wetland had a much higher quantity and diversity of birds. Restoration efforts currently have insects and birds largely in mind.

This area is under transformation. It was once a grazing area for farm animals which removed most of the vegetation. Now that it is protected, you are seeing plants fight for the space. Unfortunately, there are invasive plants trying to win that battle as well. We are working to help the native plants win the battle. It is natural for plants to thrive in the area, since it is only covered in water seasonally. In time it will reach its final state, with a mix of native plants like willows, Douglas Spirea, Trailing Blackberry, Nootka Rose, and others. Some of the grasses you see are invasive Canary Reed Grass. As native plants like Douglas Spirea spread, there's hope they will outcompete invasive grasses by shading it out.