Prompt:
Write a warm, engaging round-up article about the Lincoln Park Winter Tree and Shrub ID walk, reframing it as a seasonal field guide for West Seattle. Your piece should:
– Highlight why winter is a rich time for identifying local trees and shrubs, drawing on details like twig texture, bark color, buds, and silhouettes.
– Introduce readers to a curated West Seattle winter ID guide inspired by the Lincoln Park walk, including key species (e.g., red elderberry, Indian plum, beaked hazelnut, bigleaf and vine maples, willow, birch, alder) and practical tips for winter observation.
– Include practical elements for readers who might want to recreate a similar walk: suggested routes, photo ideas, and ID tips (with simple, memorable cues).
– Use inviting, community-focused language that mirrors Natalie’s interactive, hands-on style—emphasize observation, sensory engagement (touch, smell, sight), and ethical, non-harvesting practices.
– Offer a brief, friendly map to a sample route in West Seattle and a call-to-action encouraging readers to join a local walk or start their own winter ID exploration.
– Include a short sidebar with “What to bring” and “Best practices for winter plant ID” to help readers prepare.