Jen Carlson and Rebecca Deehr
Sky, Land, and Water

The goal of our design is to highlight the wetland habitat on the lake by providing several experiences from a change in height. There are two types of trails: One is a forest and wetland trail leading to a viewing tower and a canoe landing, the other is the canoe trail which allows the visitor to discover and explore the wetlands up close by traveling through water. The Osprey tower is a two-tiered viewing platform tucked into the forested slope. How does it feel to experience the lake from a bird's eye view? We hope to engage the local community in seasonal activities, and yearly events that explore and study the uniqueness of Cranberry Lake.

The Sky board highlights the rich wetland habitat that provides food, nesting, and protection for migrating and resident birds. Because of the insect, amphibian and plant communities, birds can thrive.

"Bird Life on Cranberry Lake" illustrates several species of migratory birds and resident birds that visitors can see without binoculars. The sign discusses bird feeding habits and nesting habitat. With increasing development and disturbance surrounding Cranberry Lake, it is essential that the Cranberry Lake habitat be protected and preserved.

The trail system allows Cranberry Lake to be experienced by foot. Plant life along the trail such as salal, evergreen huckleberry, Douglas fir, western red cedar, and several different mosses can be observed. The trail up to the canoe landing can be half of a loop trail, with the other half being completed with a canoe trip from the landing to the Environmental Learning Center (where canoe storage is also constructed). The trail system begins at the Learning Center, proceeds to the Osprey Tower, uses the same path (partially) as the current Boy Scout trail, then goes to the Canoe Landing (steering clear of the Osprey nest). From there it will proceed to the Fen.

From a canoe, one can experience the lake intimately. Eye-level interactions are possible with shoreline plants and the wetlands, and the entire lake can be accessed and enjoyed. The Canoe Landing and storage area facilitates this, and is also designed to be as low impact as possible by utilizing a small amount of surface area. At the same time it is accessible to everyone.

This interpretive sign about wetlands includes pictures of the wildlife and plant life of wetlands, explains what a wetland is, and tells why their preservation is important. Its location is the viewing platform at the Canoe Landing.