Protected Wetland Named in Honor of Late Environmental Scientist Karin Osterhaug
The Washington State Board of Natural Resources has officially approved the designation of an 80-acre peat bog in King County as Kari’s Bog, honoring the life and legacy of environmental scientist Karin Osterhaug.
Located in the Redmond Ridge area, Kari’s Bog overlaps the boundaries of the Redmond Watershed Preserve and Trilogy at Redmond Ridge. While previously listed as “Big Bear Creek 44” in King County’s wetlands inventory, the bog’s unique ecological character went unrecognized until Osterhaug, a King County Department of Natural Resources scientist, identified it during a helicopter survey in 2000.
Osterhaug dedicated her time to collecting evidence, enlisting the help of wetland experts, and successfully reclassified the feature as a sphagnum bog. Her efforts were instrumental in securing the area’s designation as a protected Category I wetland.
“This naming is not only a tribute to Kari’s remarkable work, but also a testament to her lasting impact on the protection of our region’s natural resources,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove.
Since 2004, the name “Kari’s Bog” has been used informally by the local community, trail signage, and digital maps. Trilogy at Redmond Ridge constructed a public access trail and a viewing platform with interpretive signage and a granite memorial plaque honoring Osterhaug’s contributions. Her advocacy helped ensure the bog would be preserved for future generations to study and enjoy.
Born in Seattle in 1971 and raised in Edmonds, Osterhaug held a B.S. in Zoology from the University of Washington and conducted field research in Panama, Washington, and Montana. She joined King County’s Department of Natural Resources in 1999 and remained active in conservation until her untimely death in 2003.
The naming of Kari’s Bog has long been advocated by community members, scientists, and family who have championed the formal recognition of Kari’s legacy. The name “Kari’s Bog” will now appear on all official state maps and records.
Follow this link for more information on geographic naming in Washington
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