Nature Consortium is a grassroots, community-based organization whose mission is to connect people, arts and nature.  Throughout the year they  produce a Youth Art Program, an Urban Forest Restoration Project and the Arts in Nature Festival.

Nature Consortium’s Urban Forest Restoration Project is committed to the long-term stewardship and restoration of the West Duwamish Greenbelt, the largest remaining contiguous forest within Seattle city limits. Foxes, red-legged frogs, hawks, and bald eagles are found within the greenbelt; an area which encompasses over 500 acres along the eastern slope of West Seattle that is visible from I-5.

Currently over 50 acres are in restoration, and around 5,000 volunteers a year are helping in restoration work. This work is done year-round, several days a week, removing invasive species, mulching, doing site maintenance, and planting in the wetter seasons. The main restoration goal is reintroducing native conifer species to the greenbelt. More information about this project can be found at http://www.naturec.org/restoration.htm and blog http://restoration.naturec.org/. More information about the unhealthy state of Seattle’s forests and why the work  is necessary can be found here http://greenseattle.org/20-year-strategic-plan.