Protect Mercer Island Parks

Mercer Island Native Plant Garden: A Rich Botanical Collection

The Mercer Island Native Plant Garden, in Mercerdale Park adjacent to the Recycling Center, was envisioned by the late Mercer Island High School teacher and ecologist Harry Leavitt as an ecology study and demonstration landscape. It has historically been the site of ecological study and experimentation, including the use of rainwater stored in barrels from the Recycling Center roof for irrigation during the dry season.

Native plant experts have recently identified at least 29 different native species growing within the borders of the Native Plant Garden. These species include: evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, vines, herbaceous flowering plants, ferns and ground covers. The Mercer Island Native Plant Garden needs protection to provide habitat for animals and birds and to further the preservation, enjoyment and study of native plants.

Currently maintained by the Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Department, the Native Plant Garden provides the only level woodland area easily accessible from the Mercerdale Park Great Lawn and Circular Pathway. Families enjoy the Native Plant Garden’s spring wildflowers and shaded benches for summer picnics and children hunt woodland bugs and wetland creatures in all seasons along the waterway.

Follow current volunteer efforts here.

For a guide to the Native Plant Garden, click here.

For the Bird of Month Gallery, click here; for Plant of Month Gallery, here.

Learn about the Junior Naturalist Program here.