The Living Barge

2006
With Nicole Kistler and the Environmental Coalition of South Seattle (ECOSS)

We filled the top of an 80’ long industrial tank barge with native ferns, shrubs and tree seedlings, creating a temporary floating island on the river as a way to have a conversation about the river’s history and future. We worked closely with neighborhood residents and organizations for over 2 years to create associated programming and build citywide visibility of the river and momentum for its cleanup. At the end of the monthlong project, volunteers planted the plants from the Living Barge at Cesar Chavez Park in South Park.

The Living Barge at the Duwamish Shipyard (since closed), which supported its construction.

Craning the first load of plants onto the barge, at the Duwamish Shipyard.

The Living Barge, in situ. Photo Mark Sullo

The Living Barge at the Duwamish Shipyard

Welcoming song performed at the Living Barge opening by T'ilibshudub (Singing Feet), the Duwamish Tribe's language and culture performance group

After the first Duwamish Alive! restoration event, we hosted an inspired encore performance of "Captain Duwamish", a play about the river written, directed and acted by students at Aviation High School.

We organized several boat tours of the Barge and the river in collaboration with the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition (now the Duwamish River Community Coalition).

Walking tour of South Park led by neighborhood residents. We worked with neighborhood residents for 2 years to organize events during the month the Barge was on display.

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SARAH KAVAGE

SARAH KAVAGE

THE LIVING BARGE