As Its Future Hangs in the Balance, Shark Garden Invites the Community In

For years, the Shark Garden has been more than just a place to grow vegetables. It's been a gathering place where neighbors learn, volunteer, share food, and connect with one another.

Now, the garden faces an uncertain future.

As Highline School District moves forward with planning for a possible Cascade Middle School rebuild at the former Salmon Creek Elementary site, Shark Garden leaders told The Highline Journal that the district has notified them their lease will be ending. While the proposed bond package has not yet been authorized by the school board or approved by voters, garden leaders say 2026 will most likely be the final growing season at the site.

The possibility of relocating Cascade Middle School has sparked strong reactions from both garden supporters and nearby residents, with many raising questions about district planning, transparency, and what comes next for the community space. For now, however, Shark Garden volunteers are focused on tending the garden, serving the community, and making the most of the season ahead.

In a recent communication to supporters, New Start/Shark Garden Director Taryn Koerker described this year as "a pivotal one" for the garden as organizers explore potential new locations and work to preserve as much of the garden as possible.

Note from New Start/Shark Garden Director:

This season is a pivotal one for the garden. As we navigate an uncertain future and explore potential new locations, traditional grant funding is no longer a reliable source of support, especially for the coordination and day-to-day management that keep the garden running. Community donations and subscriptions now directly support that work, along with programming and the effort involved in preserving and relocating parts of the garden where possible.

Thank you all for being part of this garden community and for helping make the Shark Garden such a special place.

Warmly,
Taryn Koerker

Summer Shark Garden Classes

UPCOMING CLASSES & EVENTS: SAVE THE DATES!
(Registration links for classes will be posted about two weeks before each class.)
Two new classes are open now.

Saturday, June 13th 10 AM
Native Plants Combining Beauty with Water Conservation with Peggy Campbell
Enjoy beauty sustainably with Northwest natives. Naturally suited to our wet winter/dry summer climate, discover these low-maintenance, water-saving wonders. Peggy Campbell shares sun-loving and shade-preferring favorites, how to match them to your garden spots, and tips for fuss-free gardening. We’ll also look at many of these plants in the Shark Garden collections. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-class-native-plants-combining-beauty-water-conservation-tickets-1991121114854?aff=oddtdtcreator

Saturday, June 13th 1 PM
Grow Your Own Mushrooms with Jake Harris 
Jake Harris of Stone Soup Gardens returns for this fan favorite class about growing your own mushrooms at home. He’ll go over some mushroom basics and then discuss various methods for adding mushrooms to your home and garden. Then we’ll walk over to see the mushroom projects in the Shark Garden. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-workshop-urban-farming-fun-with-edible-fungi-grow-your-own-mushrooms-tickets-1991120526093?aff=oddtdtcreator

Saturday, June 27th 
Washington Bonsai Swap Meet  10AM- 3PM  
All are welcome to this fun event where bonsai enthusiasts from around the area bring their plants to buy, sell, and trade. There will be live demos and more.
Check out the announcement video here from Ben with more info: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoCmRiH5Oj8

Sunday June 28th 1 PM. Adult Art Class TBD

July 4th – 11th Summer Break: Taryn’s summer break time and we’ll need extra volunteer help this week to help harvest for the food bank and water.

Wednesday July 8th 1 PM Kids Art Class TBD

Saturday July 11th 10 AM Foraging for Native Plants with Jo Stormer

Saturday July 11th 1 PM Art Class TBD

Saturday July 18th 10 AM  African American Cooking with Chef Jalissa Horton

Saturday July 18th 1 PM Art Class TBD

Wednesday July 22nd 1 PM Kids Art Class TBD

Saturday July 25th Indian Home Cooking with Kalpana

Wednesday, July 29th 1 PM Kids Art Class TBD

More classes, information, and registration details for upcoming classes will be shared once details are finalized. You can also check out the calendar on our website for a more complete list.

Additional Info and Resources:

Shark Garden Website (www.sharkgarden.org)

Some of the community members from the Shark Garden neighborhood have started a petition to give to the school board.

Highline School District Site Plans

Shark Garden Impact - One Page

Feel free to learn more and weigh in!