About Us
Seattle Urban Nature was formed in 1998 to survey and document habitats on 8,000 acres of Seattle Public Land. The goal of this effort was to provide a base of information that would assist the city and community groups to better manage urban habitat.
Mission
SUN's mission is to create tools to empower stewards for healthy urban ecosystems.
Vision
Seattle Urban Nature envisions a future where:
- People value and act to retain and restore nature in urban areas.
- Nature/natural habitats are integrated into the urban landscape.
- In 20 to 50 years, SUN's data will document a reversal in the current decline of forests and natural habitats in our cities and show a healthier, greener metropolitan area.
- Stewardship of nature is part of people's daily lives.
Goals
- Help people to help nature.
- Provide technical data, training and resources to citizens, organizations and agencies to guide and promote beneficial urban habitat stewardship and policies.
- Create projects and partnerships with local organizations and governments to increase the amount and effectiveness of urban habitat restoration.
- Help people to understand and value nature.
- Through independent scientific data collection and analysis, raise awareness among citizens of the importance and benefits of having healthy native habitats in cities throughout the Puget Sound region.
- Lead educational classes and tours in urban habitats to teach people about nature.
- Document the making of a healthier, greener Puget Sound region.
- Collect scientific data and provide mapping, analysis and research to inform people and policy makers and monitor the quantity and quality of urban habitats over time.
- Focus the organization's technical information and educational efforts on developing and promoting the vision of a new urban landscape ethic where stewardship of nature is part of people's everyday life.
Values
- We believe that people need nature. Vibrant, livable cities provide healthy natural habitats for people, wildilfe, and native plants.
- We believe that nature needs people. Under pressure from heavy use, invasive species and neglect, urban habitats can survive only through active restoration, responsible stewardship and enlightened public policies.
- We believe nature needs science. High-quality, independent, science-based information about urban nature is essential to educate people and influence policy.
- We believe coalitions benefit nature. By working together with local organizations and governments we can more effectively conserve and enhance urban nature.
