The Puget Sound Region was carved out by multiple periods of glaciation around 17,00 years ago. by 15,000 years ago the glaciers were receding, which led to a glacier free basin about 11,000 years ago. The entire basin was hollowed out, including Lake Washington, which the Union Bay Natural Area emerged from. Lake Washington had continuously held a reputation for fluctuation of it's generally high water levels and often flooded its shoreline. The Union Bay Natural Area's (UBNA) natural history of geomorphology expands far through time and is fascinating. It contains a great deal of shaping by water, as well. This overflowing of UBNA was caused by the water from Lake Washington flowing into Ravenna and Yesler Creeks. The creeks reach UBNA, specifically its marshland, providing a lush and fruitful habitat for various species looking to mate, nest, feed, rest and create temporary and permanent homes. Currently, UBNA is a conglomerate of natural habitats consisting of marshland, prairie, and small forested areas. Throughout the year many ponds thrive, but a few are seasonal and have ever-changing inhabitants as a consequence. UBNA is still a thriving natural habitat today but had to undergo a rigorous process of restoration after misuse for a great part of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Photographs taken recently, showing off UBNA's natural beauty:
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