Trip to Vashon Island

This week was spring recess at the University of Puget Sound so I spent two days on Vashon Island to catch up on work and to enjoy some down time.

On the ferry headed to Vashon Island

During the 15 minute ferry ride from Tacoma to Vashon Island’s Tahlequah terminal I took in the beauty of Commencement Bay. I was reminded of how humans have preferences for water in the landscape. In particular, I noticed how calming it was to look out at the bay and feel the ferry moving through the water.

Backyard

Sign on the Land Trust Trail of Island Center Forest

While hiking in Vashon’s Island Center Forest I came upon a sign that suggested that we can each expand our backyard by visiting local parks. My short trip to Vashon gave me a time away from Tacoma, but it also made me think about how parks and nearby nature spaces create outdoor places for residents who don’t have yards. While walking in the forest I observed tall evergreen trees, ferns, signs warning about bears and cougars, children with their parents, dogs, ponds, a variety of grasses, and interpretative signs. One sign told the narrative of Japanese families who farmed strawberries on Vashon Island until they were forcibly interned during World War II. These observations suggest the many uses of one landscape.

Deer

Deer on Vashon Island

I also enjoyed observing three deer while on Vashon – a mother and two offspring who stopped in the meadow outside my lodging to eat grass and then sit in the grass for a rest. Having deer right outside my window provided me with up close observation of deer behavior and reminded me of the restorative power of observing nearby wildlife. Signs along the highways of Vashon warn humans of to be on alert for deer in the roadway.

Roadside sign

Return to Tacoma

Ferry docking at Talequah terminal on Vashon Island

Several sea birds, especially cormorants, sun themselves at the Talequah ferry terminal. I enjoyed this up close glimpse of bird behavior before departing on the ferry back to Tacoma.

Sea birds at the ferry terminal

Riding the ferry back to Tacoma I was struck by the immensity of the condo and retail development at Point Ruston. I considered the tradeoffs between the development’s efforts to create a public walkway, with expansive water views, and the redevelopment of a toxic smelter site into a large apartment, condominium and shopping center.

Condo and apartment complex at Point Ruston, Tacoma, WA

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Amy E. Ryken

Professor at School of Education, University of Puget Sound

Amy E. Ryken studies partnerships that foster connections between schools and community resources, such as museums and outdoor environments. She is particularly interested in a broad definition of learning that considers how people learn, in a wide range of settings and activities, over the life span.

Latest posts by Amy E. Ryken (see all)

• Navigating Nature, Culture and Education in Contemporary Botanic Gardens - June 9, 2018
• Vashon Island Perspective - March 18, 2018
• Teaching and Learning in Nearby Nature - March 12, 2017