Cecil Moses Memorial Park, 11099 27th Ave S, Tukwila, WA 98168

Owner: King County Parks

Cecil Moses Park is located along the west bank of  North Wind’s Weir.  in the critical transition zone for young salmon moving downstream to Puget Sound with an extensive tidal mixing of fresh and salt waters which allows the young salmon to adapt from the fresh water of the Green-Duwamish River to the salt water of Puget Sound. This restored habitat includes a fenced-off slough and marsh created to increase habitat and plant diversity.  Work continues to improve the habitat quality of this important area by removing invasive plants, replacing them with native plants  and mulching.

As climate change is having a greater impact on our region, the longer, hotter and drier summers are putting more stress on our native plants and eco-systems.  Consequently,  planting of new native plants now occurs in the Fall which allows young plants to acclimate with ample rainfall throughout the winter.  Spring activities are focused on invasive weed removal and mulching of plants.  Mulching helps plants by retaining the moisture in the soil and reducing the temperature of it along with preventing invasive weed growth.

Historical/Cultural

When water levels are low, note the rocks off the north side of the bridge near the eastern shore. This is a Native American cultural site known as North Wind’s Weir. According to Southern Puget Sound Salish Epic of the Winds oral story, there once was a war between the North Wind people and the Chinook Wind people who lived further up the Duwamish. North Wind covered the land with ice and snow, and stretched a dam of ice across the river to keep the salmon from running upstream and therefore starve the Chinook Wind people. Eventually, Storm Wind melted the ice weir with its remnants turned to stone, and the ice and snow retreated. Click here for a complete version of the North Wind’s Legend.

Recreation

Cecil Moses Memorial Park is the northern end of the Green River Trail, a 19 mile trail stretching from the park south to North Green River Park in south Kent near Auburn.  The trail provides excellent views and access to the Green-Duwamish River and surrounding river valley. Parking is available at the north end of the park with restroom facilities during spring, summer and fall seasons.

Wildlife

This is an wonderful area to view the wildlife that has come back since the restoration of habitat:

  • Blue Herons can be seen at low tide feeding on fish among the rocks,
  • Bald Eagles nest just down river in the large trees on the west bank,
  • Salmon in their juvenile stage rest in the inlets on both sides of the river during their spring journey to Puget Sound, while as adults they can be seen returning in September through January.
  • Depending on the time of year, many other bird species can be seen as well.

Volunteer Information

Contact: Sean Walter, Volunteer Coordinator, King County Parks
Email: swalters@kingcounty.gov
Phone: (206) 889-9779