The Green Burien Partnership this week released its 2025 annual report, highlighting progress made toward restoring parks and expanding urban forests across the city.
According to the City of Burien, the report outlines efforts over the past year to improve local forested parks and green spaces, which officials say play a key role in strengthening neighborhoods, providing access to nature and supporting environmental health.
City officials said that without coordinated restoration and maintenance, Burien risks losing many of the benefits provided by its forests and natural areas.
The Green Burien Partnership’s 2025 annual snapshot highlights significant progress in restoring and expanding the city’s urban forest, with 607 trees planted on city property and more than 500,000 square feet of land under active restoration, according to the report.
The program also protected 516 trees during development, distributed more than 800 free trees to residents, and added about 1,400 trees to its inventory.
The report notes that the program relies entirely on grants and partnerships rather than dedicated city funding, and involves collaboration across multiple city departments and community organizations.
In 2025, the partnership worked with 17 active partner organizations, hosted a dozen volunteer events, and supported youth engagement through stewardship programs and environmental education efforts.
The Green Burien Partnership brings together community members along with public and private partners to restore and care for the city’s parks and urban forests. Its work includes community outreach, long term planning and hands on restoration projects.
Activities highlighted in the report include developing a 20-year plan to increase tree canopy, organizing volunteer efforts to plant native vegetation and remove invasive species, and engaging residents in stewardship of local green spaces.
The city also encouraged residents to get involved through volunteer opportunities, partnerships, internships and guided tree walks, as well as by reviewing planning documents and previous annual reports.
Learn more about the Green Burien Partnership here.
