Community Climate Chronicles: Woodinville, WA
Exploring local environmental change through a fusion of satellite data and citizen-collected information
Regional Description
Woodinville is a small city just outside of Seattle in King County, WA. The population was 13,069 according to the 2020 US Census. Outside the official city limits, there is a large portion of Woodinville mailing addresses within adjacent areas of unincorporated King County and Snohomish County.
With vibrant natural areas, Woodinville is known for outdoor activities such as running, biking, and kayaking on the Sammamish River. It is also famous for its numerous wineries and breweries, with over 130 wineries from around the state.
Woodinville was inhabited by the indigenous Sammamish peoples for thousands of years. Euro-American settler Ira Woodin moved to the region in 1871, along with his wife Susan, where they built a cabin to log timber and farm cattle. They eventually helped develop a town; their cabin served as Woodinville's first school and post office. Woodinville began as a logging community and farming center, and after World War II, it began to develop as a Seattle suburb.
Population Growth
Although Woodinville's population has increased significantly (by about 3,456 people) since 2000, it has been declining since 2020.
The City of Woodinville maintains an interactive ArcGIS map to display different forms of land use within the community:
CoW_Main_InstaApp
Ecology
Woodinville has many diverse ecological systems and types of land cover:
- Wetlands
- Rivers (Sammamish River)
- Lakes (Cottage Lake)
- Forests
- Urban and residential zones
Citizen-collected photos from GLOBE Observer database:
Other areas of Woodinville (credit to https://www.ci.woodinville.wa.us/ and visitwoodinville.org) :
Time Series Data
Time Series data, collected using the Landsat satellite, illustrates urbanization occuring in the city:
Left: Woodinville residential area in 1985; Right: Woodinville residential area in 2023. (Scale: 2km x 2km). https://clarype.users.earthengine.app/view/lstimeseries#run=true;lon=-122.115489;lat=47.727316;from=06-10;to=09-20;index=NBR;rgb=SWIR1%2FNIR%2FGREEN;chipwidth=2;
Over time, Woodinville has a noticeable loss in greenery (as is especially apparent in the top left corner). This is evidence of the process of urbanization, specifically the replacement of forests with housing developments. While affordable housing is key to support an ever-expanding population, the continued growth of the city will undeniably contribute to increased pollution and climate change.
Moreover, it is notable that the Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR) reading from Landsat-8 over the 30-year period increased overall, with a significant dip around the year 1998. (NBR corresponds to vegetation health, with a high NBR indicating thriving vegetation.) It is unclear what caused this dip; more research and perhaps interviews with long-time residents are warranted. However, the increase in NBR even amid the rapid urbanization efforts in the region suggests that this specific AOI may not provide the full picture of city-wide vegetation health.
AOI7_AnnaFelten_SEES2024
Above is a map of the studied AOI (Area of Interest) in Woodinville, WA. Directional land cover photos were taken using the GLOBE Observer App for each of 37 sample sites.
SEES2024_SecondarySampleUnits_Progress
Above is color-coded satellite imagery for the AOI.
This map illustrates how tree canopy cover is still a major part of Woodinville's ecology, especially in residential neighborhoods covered on the map. However, further data is needed for a more comprehensive overview of Woodinville's topology. Numerous impervious surfaces and a lack of vegetation contribute to the presence of urban "heat islands" worldwide, and Woodinville is likely not an exception. Rapid urbanization, including the construction of new shopping areas and apartments, is undeniably transforming Woodinville and its environment.
Citizen Perspectives on Environmental Change
One anonymous resident reports their shock at how rapidly Woodinville is urbanizing. They grew up in Woodinville and always perceived it as a small, cozy town, complete with farmer's markets, horses, and expansive hiking and biking trails along the Sammamish River. However, the addition of new apartments and stores has transformed "downtown" Woodinville into a miniature urban metropolis. The resident highlights that in July 2024, Woodinville hosted Canadian singer-songwriter Tate McRae in a concert at the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery as part of her Think Later tour. Woodinville joined the likes of cities such as Atlanta, New York City, Toronto, and Singapore on McRae's tour list, signaling Woodinville as a destination that could attract international talent. Woodinville is no longer just a quaint, rural town that people overlook on their way to Seattle.
The iconic intersection near the Hollywood Schoolhouse at the base of Woodinville's Hollywood Hill in July 2008 (left) vs July (2024). The 2008 photo features a simple stoplight with miles of farmland in sight, while by July 2024, the intersection had transformed into an iconic roundabout at the intersection of many stores and construction sites. Image credit: Google Street View
Next Steps
Citizen science and open science are crucial to understanding change in an area and its environment. This StoryMap will continue to be updated with climate data and other insights surrounding Woodinville. If you are curious about studying Woodinville's environmental, cultural, or demographic changes, or you are a resident of Woodinville who would like to share your perspective, please contact the author!
