Collaborative for Socio-Ecological Engagement
The Collaborative for Socio-Ecological Engagement (Collaborative/CoSEE) is a university-led research and learning unit that operates at the Environmental Education and Research Center (EERC) in Saint Edward State Park (SESP). The EERC is a dedicated and recently renovated 2,700 square foot facility located within the boundaries of Saint Edward State Park, on the northeast shore of Lake Washington and approximately six miles from the UW Bothell campus. The facility includes a 2,000 square-foot classroom and office space and a 700 square-foot open learning area adjacent to the indoor space.
The Collaborative hosts interdisciplinary and equity-centered place-based research and learning programs in the Bothell-Kenmore-Kirkland surrounding region with a broad reach to the surrounding urban communities.
The CoSEE’s mission is accomplished through UW-partnered undergraduate field study, community-engaged research experiences and place-based creative practices, youth and family outreach, community science programs, and co-curricular partnerships with K-12 schools.
The main goal of the CoSEE is to advance our understanding of the dynamic connections that exist between ecological systems (e.g., ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources) and social systems (e.g., human communities, institutions, and cultural norms). We anticipate that these new understandings will significantly bolster the promotion of social and environmental sustainability across various spheres. The CoSEE supports and engages in initiatives that investigate the diverse and complex relationships between the environment, including environmental changes, and human societies. Important areas of the CoSEE’s focus include: the causes of environmental degradation and their impact on societies, the effects of climate change and biodiversity loss on communities and the environment, sustainable resource management practices, environmental and social justice issues, adaptation and resilience in the face of environmental challenges, promotion of environmental stewardship and equity. Furthermore, the CoSEE strives to serve as a platform fostering mutual understanding among stakeholders with varied historical backgrounds and cultural norms including Tribes and underrepresented communities, facilitating a collective approach to addressing shared socio-ecological challenges, while recognizing the values we have in common.
Because CoSEE operates at the EERC, it provides unique opportunities for faculty and students to engage in place-based research and learning, complementing other experiences that take place in several natural areas within proximity of the UW Bothell campus. These places, located in urban and suburban settings within King County and Snohomish County, are currently at different stages of restoration and have varying ecological characteristics. Some of these assets include:
- The UW Bothell/Cascadia wetland (campus) a restored floodplain with a salmon bearing stream containing viable populations of salmon species;
- The Sarah Simonds Green Conservatory (campus) a 2,800 square-foot complex on the western edge of the wetland that houses a 1,600 square foot greenhouse, classroom, and support space for education, research, and public outreach with raised beds for demonstration of native plantings and experimental plots, as well as facilities for raising native plants for the ongoing management of the wetland;
- The North Creek Forest (1 mile from campus) a 64-acre upland conifer forest with nine wetlands and seven streams, a giant filter, and cooling and cleaning water for salmon;
- The Sammamish River (1.5 miles from campus) a 14-mile river draining Lake Sammamish into Lake Washington that has been altered by anthropogenic uses; from the city of Bothell to the city of Kenmore and cuts a curvy path through wetlands, parklands, and riverside neighborhoods; and
- The Wayne Park (1.8 miles from campus), a former golf course that the city of Bothell is restoring to natural habitat, encompasses 36 acres and 4,500 feet of threatened Chinook salmon riparian habitat along the Sammamish River.
St. Edward State Park is unique in this region because of the integrity and diversity of its natural ecosystems including healthy upland and riparian forests, open fields, wetlands, streams, and the longest undeveloped lakeshore on Lake Washington. With about 500,000 visitors annually, it is the third most heavily visited park in the Washington State Parks system. Located in the rapidly growing, increasingly urban and diverse Northshore area, Washington State Parks classifies SESP as an Urban Gateway Park. Its proximity to urban communities makes SESP an ideal site at which to develop equity and justice centered connections with nature, environmental teaching and learning, and community engaged research. The CoSEE at the EERC encourages a reimagination of the SESP landscape as a living laboratory where experience transforms learning and stewardship takes root.
The Collaborative will build on an ongoing partnership between Washington State Parks and UW Bothell that aims to bring research, teaching, learning, and other programmatic resources of the university into community and educational contexts to the EERC’s physical space and SESP landscape.
CoSEE was approved as a UW Bothell Research Center in early 2024.
New Position for Faculty Director
The search for a new Faculty Director of the Collaborative for Socio-Ecological Engagement (CoSEE) at UW Bothell is now open through . This position presents a unique opportunity to lead interdisciplinary research and learning initiatives focused on the dynamic connections between ecological and social systems, fostering sustainability and equity across our communities.
We are seeking candidates dedicated to our mission, with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, a proven scholarly record, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Eligible candidates must hold a current faculty appointment at UW and demonstrate proficiency in program development and financial management. Applications should be submitted by May 31, 2024.
Recent Stories at The Collaborative and EERC
When a park becomes a classroom
Students conduct research with an eye for conserving biodiversity in urban green spaces in their first-ever class at the EERC.
From the forest to the lab: High schoolers get hands-on learning in environmental workshop
UW Bothell and local high school students explore stream biology and geomorphology around campus and at EERC.
UW Bothell receives $800k for programs leading to green-economy careers
UW Bothell’s Environmental Careers Preparedness program receives more than $800k in funds for community projects across the 1st Congressional District.
Environmental Education & Research Center opens fall 2021
The UW Bothell Environmental Education & Research Center at Saint Edward State Park for the appreciation, study, and stewardship of Pacific Northwest ecosystems is gearing up to open.