The Habitat Walk around Lake Padden invites visitors to learn about native plants, healthy wildlife habitats and landscaping for wildlife. There are 5 Interpretive Sites around the Lake.
A wonderful variety of native plants abound along the trail at Lake Padden Park. Native plants are those species that occur, or historically occurred, within the state boundaries before European contact based on available scientific and historical documentation.
Unfortunately, non-native invasive plants also flourish along the trail. While non-native invasive plants may provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife, these plants are dangerous because of their tendency to overtake other vegetation, thereby decreasing biodiversity in the environment. Himalayan Blackberry (PDF) and Stinky Bob (PDF) are particular threats in Northwest Washington.
Healthy wildlife habitats provide food sources, water sources, places for cover, and places to raise young. You can create wildlife habitats in your own yard by providing for these basic wildlife needs by planting native plants and shrubs and adding water to the landscape.
Visit the Lake Padden Habitat Walk throughout the year to experience the seasonal changes of native plants and wildlife. Please stay on the trail to keep this wildlife habitat healthy.
Habitat Walk at Lake Padden is a creation by five Master Gardeners who volunteered their time and talents to benefit Lake Padden: Text by David Hardman, Bernadette Prinster, Barbara Schickler, Stephanie Salzman; Photography by Ken Salzman.
More Information
See the City’s webpage on Landscaping for Wildlife for more information about using native plants in your landscape, its benefits for wildlife and how this practice makes gardening easier and more sustainable.
