Shoreline Restoration, Interpretive Signage & Trails
Woodard Bay Natural Conservation Area | OLYMPIA, WA
Our team was involved in the shoreline development, interpretive signage, and trails of Woodard Bay Natural Conservation Area in Thurston County, WA. In 1987, the Washington legislature designed Woodard Bay as the first Natural Resources Conservation Area in the state. A wildlife sanctuary just minutes from downtown Olympia, this 800-acre site protects habitat ranging from marine shorelines and wetlands to mature second-growth forests. Our team worked for the Department of Natural Resources and partnered with local tribes to develop a low-impact design that protects and celebrates this habitat, reveals the unique and rich history of the site through interpretive elements, and provides new recreational opportunities. Work included the design of a solar-powered educational shelter, estuary overlooks, re-locating of existing historic structures, an accessible kayak launch, parking lot improvements, native restoration plantings, and interpretive design elements inspired by the site’s natural, indigenous and industrial history.
This project was designed by Barker Landscape Architects (now with Environmental Works).
COMMUNITY DESIGN
Our team coordinated extensively with the local Squaxin Island Tribe in the design of interpretive cultural design elements.
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Department of Natural Resources
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Landscape Design
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800 Acres
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2014