Seattle, WA – Dunn Gardens is excited to announce the grand opening of the Duwamish Native Plant Trail, an interpretive pathway honoring the land’s pre-Olmsted history and the original inhabitants of what is now Dunn Gardens. The celebration will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, offering an afternoon of storytelling, cultural traditions and community connection.
Long before roads and city blocks, the Duwamish People traveled through this land, following a route from Bitter Lake to Puget Sound to gather shellfish and forage. The new trail traces part of this historic pathway, weaving through the ravine and gardens and showcasing native plants essential to the Duwamish for food, medicine and fiber. This project is the result of two years of research into Dunn Gardens’ pre-Olmsted 1915 roots, acknowledging the deeper history of the land.
The event will feature a Salish storyteller sharing traditional tales, a local forager discussing native plants, and the unveiling of carved marker stones along the trail. Visitors can also explore a basketry exhibit in Ed’s Cottage and learn from interpretive signage presenting plant names in Lushootseed and English. A tasting table will offer guests the opportunity to sample several foods foraged from the Gardens, providing a hands-on experience of the edible native plants traditionally used by the Duwamish People. Native plants will also be available for purchase.
As an Olmsted-designed garden, Dunn Gardens is committed to the belief that public green spaces are vital to democracy—places where all people, regardless of background, can gather, reflect and connect with nature. The Duwamish Trail reflects this vision, providing an inclusive and educational experience that honors the full history of this land.
This family-friendly event is by donation, with a suggested contribution of $10 per person. All proceeds will support future educational programming at Dunn Gardens. Light refreshments will be available.
For more information, visit www.dunngardens.org or contact info@dunngardens.org.