Saving Our Trees and Little Paws
Growing up in Seattle, I was lucky to have so many amazing green spaces to explore and find connection with nature. Deadhorse Canyon of Lakeridge Park, the Seattle Auboredum, the Kubota Gardens, Golden Gardens, Seward Park, Lincoln Park and Volunteer Park are just a few gems our city of Seattle has to offer. Now, as a parent, one of my favorite things to do is go on nature walks with Sinaya and her friends. I get to see the joy, enchantment and magic created only when kids have time to connect with nature.
We had our last outdoor adventure in one of the most majestic green spaces the city has to offer, Deadhorse Canyon. Unfortunately, it was a bittersweet day.
Sinaya and her good friend got to spend time hiking through Deadhorse Canyon, splashing around in the Canyon’s Taylor Creek. Their hearts were filled with the peace and good times that only nature can bring. Rocks became pre-historic dinosaur eggs, and a banana slug on the trail turned into a full blown banana slug rescue!
Bridge in Deadhorse Canyon of Lakeridge Park
At the end of the trail, their giggles turned to tears when they saw signs reminding them of the city’s project and plan to cut down 160 of the trees they just played between. They also thought of all the little paws and creatures living in the Canyon who would loose their habitat. Through their tears, they made what Sinaya called a “Paw Promise”. They put their hands together, and vowed to all living things in the Canyon, that they would fight and do everything in their power to save the trees.
What did Sinaya do:
Sinaya told everyone she knew about the city’s plan and urged them to write letters to our representatives.
Sinaya was the only kid to attend the community meeting and was brave enough to stand on stage, speak her heart, and urge everyone to not let the city cut down the trees.
At our first Book Club, Sinaya shared information of the city’s plan, and urged Paw Cast Kids to write letters to speak out.
Sinaya collected signatures of all Paw Cast Kids who said “save our trees”, which is now posted at the trailhead of Deadhorse Canyon.
Visit friendsofdeadhorsecanyon.org for more details on how you can help too!
(UPDATE: We have great news to share!! The City of Seattle has heard the voices in the community and decided to NOT cut down the trees as planned. Sinaya was beaming with joy when she heard the news. )
These girls are connected to nature power! This connection being in the hearts of our next generation is what’s need to help save everyones home—Earth!
I know as parents, life gets busy and we can’t always make the time for these types of activities, but even if it’s just once a week, or even once a month, nature walks are so important for the soul and minds of kids and parents alike.
We hope that every Paw Cast Kid can stay connected to nature with Earth love activities. Let a regular nature walk be one of them!
Check out some of our favorite resources that help us connect to our earth:
Earthbourd Journal (This is our absolute favorite Earth-love resource. This amazing journal helps to bring a voice and inspiration to nature loving kids.)
The Magic and Mystery of Trees (Everything you need in one place to convince your kids that trees truly are magical and worthy of our protection.)
Washington and Oregon Nature Guide (We love that this portable nature guide is full of facts for easy, and quick reference on our nature walks.)
On the Nature Trail (This book is colorful and inviting, with simple nature activities for our younger Paw Cast Kids.)
Hidden World Forest (This is another fun book for our younger Paw Cast Kids. It’s lift-the-flap feature, simple text and beautiful images keeps reading time simple, hands on, and fun.)
Sunny Days and Starry Nights (A fun, easy to follow, nature activity book for kids 2-6yrs.)
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We look forward to sharing many special moments together as we grow the Paw Cast Kids community through stories, animals, Earth and fun!
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Follow us @pawcastkids on social media for more ways to inspire kids to help make the Earth and themselves paw-some🐾! Don’t forget to check out Sinaya’s book “Come Meet the Rabbits: A Paw Cast Kids Animal Adventure”. Your kids will have a blast as they learn lessons about gardening, friendship, and life to help make our world a better place. Filled with fun, laughs, lessons, and facts, this story is sure to brighten your bookshelf and make you a Paw 🐾 Cast Kid! Your purchase helps Sinaya on her mission toward environmental justice. Purchase HERE
(Blog author Ayana is a proud mother, wife, nurse, homeschooling parent, and mother to Sinaya, author, environmentalist, and owner and creator of Paw 🐾 Cast Kids. Sinaya and Ayana co-create content for Paw 🐾 Cast Kids to make our kids and our Earth paw-some🐾!)