Did you know that the Airport Community Ecology (ACE) Fund recognizes the environmental impacts of the Port of Seattle's operations? The Port of Seattle recently authorized seed funding for the Green Burien Partnership, an initiative aimed at assessing the health of Burien's urban forest. The group, which focuses on preventing pollution and preserving urban forests, partners with Forterra to monitor the health of Burien's urban forest. As a member of the Green Cities Network, Burien joins Seattle, Tacoma, and Des Moines. It also recognizes the airport's environmental impact and works to protect its urban forests from air pollution.
While Burien is known for its iconic parks and marine views, many residents and visitors are surprised to learn that the city has a large and diverse urban forest. Trees define the city and make neighborhoods vibrant and active. To maintain the city's urban forest and improve its benefits, active management of its urban forest is required. The Burien Tree Plan has ambitious goals and requires community participation and volunteer leadership. There are a number of ways to ensure the health of the city's urban forest.
The Lake Burien Railway was built in 1915 and operated on Ambaum Boulevard between Burien and White Center. This small passenger train is affectionately known as the Toonerville Trolley by its local residents. The Toonerville Trolley was later removed due to caterpillar infestation. A citywide vote on the annexation process was ultimately defeated. Burien's annexation plan will continue to face the Boundary Review Board.