Concerns and celebrity support fuel fight to save redwood grove in Seattle

A group of neighbors is trying to save a redwood grove from being cut down to make way for a housing project in Seattle’s Madison Park.

They said there are ways to build the home around the existing trees so the canopy can be preserved.

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Among the advocates fighting for these trees is actor Tom Skerritt and his wife. They called the grove a beautiful pocket forest that Seattle needs to save.

“We have maybe five redwoods that are over 100 years old,” said Julie Tokashiki Skerritt. “We can probably be a little more creative by building something there and retaining the trees.”

The redwoods tower over the lot in several corners of the parcel. According to an arborist’s report, they may need to be removed to accommodate an additional single-family home.

However, the plot at 700 McGilva Blvd E has been designated as an environmentally critical area, and some neighbors suggested that any housing proposal be redesigned to limit it to the open lawn areas in the back of the house that are already there, so the redwoods could remain intact.

“I just wanted to be a voice of reason. Just be reasonable with what you want to build there,” Tokashiki Skerritt said, whose husband starred in such films as Alien, Top Gun, and Steel Magnolias. “We don’t have to plow everything down and just build whatever you want. Be creative, be smart, and just work with all of us.”

Neighbors pointed to wildlife like eagles that frequently visit these majestic trees, as well as underground streams and the possibility of slope issues, as another reason to build around the established vegetation.

The property owner did manage to get the lot subdivided, but has not yet submitted any final construction plans to the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections.

A call placed to the property owner by KOMO News has not yet been returned.