Our Campus

Land Acknowledgement

We begin today by acknowledging that Cascadia College resides on the traditional and occupied land of the Coast Salish Peoples – past, present, and future. We honor their connection to the region, pay respect to Coast Salish Elders past and present, and join in solidarity through their struggles with continued systemic oppression. We commit to care for the land and water, and center equity at the core of our learning. We ground our continual efforts to collaborate with tribal communities by listening, learning, and always keeping the well-being of tribal communities in mind.

The Region's Geology

Approximately 14,000 years ago, the Sammamish Valley was carved out by the Vashon Glacier as it melted and retreated. The continual flooding caused by seasonal storms and glacial melt deposited fertile topsoil throughout the valley. The glacial till found in upland areas supported lush forests of cedar, spruce, and fir with an abundance of wildlife.

Its Inhabitants

The Sammamish Valley area was originally inhabited by members of the Coast Salish Tribe, who relied on the web of waterways for salmon and transportation. In the 1870s, the area saw an influx of white settlers that grew precipitously once the Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern Railroad laid tracks in 1887.

Its Economy

The region's early economy was driven by the lumber and shingle industries. The waterways continued to play a significant role, as many were used to float logs downstream to sawmills. Around the turn of the 20th century, the forests that ran alongside North Creek and the Sammamish Slough had been cleared for agriculture and ranching.

Our Campus

The campus, which we share with the University of Washington Bothell, now occupies one of those ranches. This picturesque property, situated between a forested hillside and the North Creek was once known as the Boone-Truly cattle ranch. In 1995, the state purchased the property and Cascadia opened its doors to students in 2000. As the newest community college in the state, Cascadia has quickly built a national reputation for its high transfer rate and innovative approach to student-centered learning.

Cascadia's grounds is rated #1 in the nation for sustainable grounds by the Association for the Advancement
of Sustainability in Higher Education. Cascadia's grounds include our Cornucopia Food Forest, Campus Farm, Pollinator Meadows and Gardens, Herb Walk, and Orchards. Our campus is managed pesticide free, with permaculture methods!

Our Cornucopia Food Forest is a nationally award winning Forest, from the AASHE Campus Sustainability Award in 2021! Come visit and forage, open to the public!