Habitat Walk at Lake Padden Park – Interpretive Site 4

​​​​Location

West side of Lake Padden from park map sign (at trail intersection near parking lot) to the horse trail beyond Padden Gorge.

Description

Lakeside to the east, mixed riparian forest to the west.  Both large conifers and deciduous trees with deciduous and evergreen shrubs in the understory along with smaller flowering plants.

Habitat Value

Lake Padden and Padden Gorge provide water for wildlife. Open water on the lake provides safety and a food source for wintering waterfowl. Shrubs and trees provide both food and shelter for Black-capped Chickadees, Song Sparrows and Pacific Wrens. The lake provides a food source for Western Pond Turtles and Bald Eagles.

Native Plants

Seasonal Changes

During winter, deciduous trees and shrubs are bare of leaves. Bark of Red Alder, White Birch and Serviceberry provide color and texture. Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir provide cover and shelter for birds and other wildlife. Trees and shrubs as well as wildflowers bloom and bear fruit at different times during the spring and summer.

Creating a Wildlife Habitat in Your Yard

Provide water in the landscape by creating small ponds and streams and by providing bird baths or small rocks filled with water. Use all levels of vegetation (trees, shrubs, groundcovers) that provide cover for a variety of wildlife. Plant vegetation that bears food (berries and seeds) for birds.

Interpretive Site 5

Resources