Event Details

Our primary goal for the 2025 gathering is to evaluate our progress, discuss challenges, and explore new partnership opportunities within the Lake Sammamish Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership. We aim to foster collaboration and strengthen partnerships by focusing on the development of joint initiatives in programming and grant applications, specifically targeting community engagement, stewardship, and conservation efforts. Additional objectives for this gathering include:

•  Building and reinforcing relationships to deepen the sense of community and enhance collaboration among partners.

• Providing a platform for partners to share their work, insights, and experiences, facilitating discussions on ongoing projects, successes, and challenges.

• Fostering an environment of open communication and knowledge exchange to improve our strategies and increase our collective impact.

Gathering Agenda

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM Networking and Sign-in
Start the day with informal interactions and refreshments, setting a collaborative tone.

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Welcome and UWRP Visioning
Opening remarks, partner introductions, a brief overview of the UWRP's goals and strategic vision, setting intentions for the day's discussions.

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Breakout Sessions
Participants will engage in deep-dive discussions on various key topics, each aimed at fostering specific areas of our collaborative work. These sessions encourage sharing experiences, challenges, and ideas for future initiatives. Topics that will may be covered include key shared messages, engagement strategies for diverse communities, innovations in K-12 education, community science, volunteers, cross-organization collaboration.

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Lunch and Partner Speed Networking
A casual lunch will be followed by a rapid "speed networking" style activity to explore new partnerships and discuss collaborative opportunities.

1:30 PM  - 2:00 PM UWRP’s Future and Key Takeaways
Conclude with a forward-looking session, collecting insights from the day to shape future directions and strategies for the UWRP.

2:00 PM  - 3:00 PM Optional Reception
Informal networking opportunity with light snacks and refreshments.

Suggested Attendance

We recommend that those involved in outreach & education programming, project development, community science, and volunteer coordination join us for this strategic gathering. Please share this information with the appropriate staff, board members, or volunteers, or send their contact information to Alix.

Driving & Parking Directions:

Navigate with Google: https://maps.app.goo.gl/swHcp2Frg27h5Zwf6

From I-90: Take exit 15 toward 17th Ave NW. Turn north onto 17th Ave NW (follow signs for Lake Sammamish State Park). Turn left onto NW Sammamish Rd. Turn right into the park entrance (look for the sign). Follow the park road and take the second right into the parking lot for the Meadow Shelter.

From E Lake Sammamish Parkway: Turn west onto SE 56th Street. Take the slight right onto NW Sammamish Rd. Turn right into the park entrance (look for the sign). Follow the park road and take the second right into the parking lot for the Meadow Shelter.

A Discover Pass is required to for parking. If you do not have one, we will have some passes available for you.

Questions? Please contact Alix at alix.lee-tigner@tu.org