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The bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), also known as the Oregon maple, is a deciduous, long-lived tree native to the Pacific Northwest. True to its name, it dangles unusually large, 5-lobed, palmate (palm-shaped) leaves from its branches. These goliath photosynthesizers measure up to 30 cm (12 in) wide and almost as long, a singular feature that distinguishes the bigleaf maple from others in the soapberry family, Sapindaceae (though some still place it in Aceraceae). Its leaves and branches grow in an opposite formation, and spread into a domed canopy at maturity. The young bark is smooth and grayish-brown, eventually becoming red-brown and deeply fissured with age. Description from Bigleaf Maple (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
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Seattle neighborhoods are full of wildlife and wild things. We’ve compiled a few exercises to help you slow down and appreciate the nature that surrounds you.
Take a virtual tour of Capitol hill with naturalist and author David B. Williams and gain a new appreciation of the nature of the city and its wild side.
The urban environment presents dangers to wildlife that they are not always adapted to overcome. Reducing urban hazards is an essential part of enhancing habitat in cities. After all, we do not want to lure wildlife into our neighborhoods only to have them fatally collide with our windows.
Protecting the trees and other vegetation that what we currently have is perhaps the most important way to ensure biodiversity in cities.
Look closer…and meet the local insects that pollinate the plants around your Seattle neighborhoods. Learn about some of our amazing native pollinating insects.
Learn about diversifying the way architecture is taught and practiced from designers of color.
Nature of Your Neighborhood is a collaboration between Birds Connect Seattle, the Capitol Hill EcoDistrict, and the Seattle Bird Conservation Partnership. Our goal is to foster relationships between the people and the nature of their neighborhoods.
