About Adopt A Stream Foundation and Northwest Stream Center
The Northwest Stream Center, operated by the Adopt A Stream Foundation, is an environmental learning facility in South Everett's McCollum Park. It features a delightful and peaceful half-mile universally accessible Nature Walk and an incredible Forest and Wetland Trail. This elevated boardwalk, which seems even and gentle enough for many, winds three feet above the forest floor through 20 acres of habitat, letting visitors see inside a stream and feel immersed in the woods. The trail offers a clean and refreshing escape to observe cattails, skunk cabbage, moss, mushrooms, and dragonflies, with educational signage about NW ecology, watersheds, riparian zones, and indigenous plant life. The center includes a Trout Stream Exhibit with viewing windows, though this artificial stream area can sometimes be dirty or murky. A small Nature Gift Shop is highly recommended. The staff is super knowledgeable, friendly, and cares deeply about the place. The foundation hosts environmental education classes, tours, concerts, and private facility rentals by reservation. While hours are limited and some shaded boardwalk portions can be slippery, it remains a great place for an educational nature walk, especially with kids. Membership is affordable and supports a good cause, encouraging visits in all seasons to see the changes.
