Bats, birds, salmon and beavers will take the spotlight in a free speaker series at libraries in Burien, Des Moines, White Center and SeaTac this fall, with organizers hoping to build support for protecting local forests.
“Denizens of Highline Forest” begins Sunday, Oct. 25 with a bat presentation and book signing at the Burien Library, followed by three November programs exploring wildlife and habitats across the Highline area. All four events are geared toward teens and adults, according to the series announcement.
Organizers say the series showcases wildlife still found in local wooded areas and aims to give residents another reason to advocate for preserving remaining green spaces.
The opening event features Niki Desautels, author of “For the Love of Bats,” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Burien Library. Desautels will discuss bat research, local bat populations and conservation. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Desautels is a bat conservation and education specialist who serves on the board of Bats Northwest, according to the King County Library System’s event listing. The program, presented in partnership with Defenders of Highline Forest, will include time for audience questions.
Other Programs
Birds in Our Local Forests
Naturalist Eileen Lambert will speak at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Des Moines Library, 21620 11th Ave. S. Lambert, founder of Des Moines Birders and a member of the Defenders of Highline Forest steering committee, will discuss local bird communities and offer tips for identifying birds by sight and sound.
Salmon in Our Local Forests
Environmental Science Center staff will discuss the salmon life cycle, threats to salmon populations and conservation efforts in local streams at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at White Center Library, 1409 SW 107th St. The center is based at Seahurst Park and provides environmental programming throughout South King County.
Beavers in Our Local Forests
Beavers Northwest biologist Joe Mouser will explore the benefits and challenges of sharing waterways with beavers at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, at Valley View Library, 17850 Military Road S., SeaTac. Topics include how beaver dams and wetlands support other wildlife and can create challenges for nearby residents.
About the Organizers
Defenders of Highline Forest traces its roots to a spring 2021 petition campaign opposing a proposed airport employee parking lot on 11 acres of North SeaTac Park. According to the organization’s history of its work, more than 2,400 people signed the petition, and the Port of Seattle removed the proposal from its airport master plan that August.
The group subsequently broadened its advocacy to forests throughout the Highline area. Its stated goals include permanent protection of North SeaTac Park and preservation and restoration of the surrounding forest ecosystem, according to its mission statement.
More information about the group’s forest preservation work is available on the Defenders of Highline Forest website.
