seattle — Read — FIELDNOTES

Predicting UW's Hottest Attraction Using Cherry Blossom Models

UW students develop a model to predict when the university’s famous cherry trees will bloom. Their efforts are producing valuable data for climate research and spring tourism alike.

FieldNotesMarch 11, 2025seattle, university of washington, washington, cherry blossoms, ecology, modeling, environment, university, cherryComment

Don’t Hold Back: Washington’s Shoreline Restoration Embraces the Tide

Much of Washington State’s shoreline is armored against erosion, which degrades important intertidal ecosystems. The funding of sustainable alternatives is making waves throughout the state, converting armoring on both private and public land.

FieldNotesMarch 9, 2025restoration, ecology, sea level rise, climate change, ocean warming, chesapeake bay, seattle, washington, virginia, eelgrassComment

Too Smart to be Farmed: Diving Into the Octopus Industry

To address rising demand, a Spanish company has begun plans to construct a large-scale octopus farm. Activists around the world question the ethics of farming such intelligent creatures.

FieldNotesMarch 4, 2025octopus, octopi, fisheries, aquaculture, spain, seattle, washington, environment, marine biology, ecologyComment

Tweets over Traffic: Noise Pollution in the Seattle Arboretum

To many, the Washington Park Arboretum is a sanctuary outside the stress of the Seattle city. Scientists now know that birds don’t have that luxury and are facing challenges due to traffic on the 520 bridge.

FieldNotesFebruary 27, 2025seattle, washington, birding, birds, noise pollution, pollution, arboretum Comment

Restoring the Path: Culvert Replacement and its Implications for the “Salmon People"

State agencies are racing against time to restore salmon passages and culverts. What does this mean for the future of salmon and the tribes that depend on it?

To Net-Pen or Not to Net-Pen? Debates Over Industry Termination in Washington State

Net-penning has been a long-contested issue, as advocates for its promotion of local jobs and economies clash with those exhibiting concern for marine ecosystem health.

FieldNotesFebruary 13, 2025net pen, aquaculture, ecology, salmon, fish, indigenous, indigenous peoples, puget sound, washington, seattle, washington stateComment

Creating Green Cities: Native Plant Restoration in Urban Environments

Environmental studies student Tess Petrillo shares their experience creating a guide to improve habitat restoration and ecological equity in urban environments.

The Cold Truth of Ice: Is the Canadian Arctic Disappearing?

Two major glaciers in the Prince of Wales Icefield are receding as air temperatures warm, and the implications for global sea level rise are major.

FieldNotesJanuary 17, 2025climate change, global warming, canada, canadian arctic, arctic, glacial melt, glaciers, prince of wales icefield, ice, seattle, sea level riseComment

How Does Grass Shape the Environment Around Seattle?

Grass is often not thought of first when it comes to sustaining a healthy ecosystem. However, a growing body of research suggests that not all grasses are created equal. By monitoring how grass species interact with the surrounding environment, and by choosing specific species to plant, the more deliberate use of grass could make a favorable difference in Seattle’s landscape.

FieldNotesMay 14, 2024environment, grass, native plants, cherry blossoms, seattle, climate change Comment