Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis, is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean, but now grows rapidly throughout the world. It’s a member of the mint family and because all mints have square stems, identifying this herb is as easy as crushing a leaf between your fingers. If the aroma released is sweet, lemony, and slightly minty, you can bet it’s lemon balm. Description from growforagecookferment.com
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Despite the urban character and the high population density, a surprising diversity of life exists in Capitol Hill. Explore a few physical aspects of our urban ecosystems and meet some of its more-than-human residents.

Protecting the trees and other vegetation that what we currently have is perhaps the most important way to ensure biodiversity in cities.

Check out our list of local wildlife-supporting plant stores and nurseries, organizations, and community science opportunities.

Get involved by sharing and mapping the birds, animals and nature around you to help the community understand the biodiversity in our neighborhood.

Look closer…and meet the local insects that pollinate the plants around your Seattle neighborhoods. Learn about some of our amazing native pollinating insects.

Gardeners can check out seeds for free from the library to plant. Then after harvest, gardeners bring seeds back to the library for others to enjoy in future growing seasons.
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.