Bellevue School Collaborates with Save Coal Creek

In March, advocacy leaders Steve Williams and Sally Lawrence presented the case for Save Coal Creek to an AP environmental science class in Bellevue. These high school students are being challenged to take a look at environmental impacts of proposed land use. The teacher, who is new to this area, saw the Save Coal Creek campaign signs (sponsored by IATC) and reached out to our organization to inquire about a possible collaboration.

The presentation to the class was about the history and environmental significance of that parcel of land and what might happen if it was developed. Students had a lot of questions about what that a housing development might do to the water quality and wildlife crossings between Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park and Coal Creek Natural Area.

Students visited the Coal Creek Natural area to see the site firsthand and imagine the impact a development might have on the historic property and adjacent parklands.

The site is on the west side of Lakemont Blvd. in tan under 'North Fork Falls' (protected park lands are in green).

As the curriculum progresses, students are learning about how proposed land action gets approved and how communities can give input through contacting elected officials and making comments at public hearings. Students are being asked to analyze the varied lenses from which we can look at this topic. The class is talking about the tension between developers and the public, and thinking critically about how sustainability concerns relate to making a profit, and how development impacts our planet. Students understand the need for housing but aim to try to find ways for the developer to adjust current plans to mitigate the impact of this development, or have the city help the developer find a new site elsewhere and save this property for its conservation values and as a critical link between the two parks.

The students are being challenged to create a final project which evaluates the situation and proposes what they think are the best next steps. Products of these projects might include posters, infographics, or brochures that illustrate their points of view.

The IATC is happy to see such an important real world situation being studied by local youths as they develop critical thinking around the topic of public land conservation and advocacy. Visit issaquahalps.org/advocacy for more information about Save Coal Creek.