News
Forest Ecology Lookout Tower at IslandWood
02.13.2009 Mithun, Project Updates
Check out IslandWood's new forest ecology lookout tower!
Mithun led the integrated design team, including IslandWood staff and internationally recognized tree canopy scientist Nalini Nadkarni, which identified the best location for the observation tower during master planning of the 255-acre environmental learning center on Bainbridge Island, Washington.
One of Mithun's designers saw a dismantled forest lookout tower for sale in the Seattle Times classified section (pre-Craigslist); the Rainier Lookout Tower was in operation by the US Army from 1942-1968, and then underwent significant renovations and repair by Sahale, LLC, involving engineering and construction.
The just-completed experiential education feature is sited in a forested ravine, positioned to enable students to explore the different strata of the forest from the ground all the way up to the canopy. The 110-foot tall observation tower will also give students a broad view of the Mac's Creek watershed as it connects to Port Blakely and Puget Sound.
The tower is not open to the public - visits must be coordinated through IslandWood.
- Related:
- Mithun » Projects » Islandwood - view images and project information
- IslandWood.org - read about the school's sustainable design features or schedule a site tour.
- Going Out on a Limb With a Tree to Person Ratio - NPR audio interview with ecology professor Nalini Nadkarni