For North Carolina native Seth Bynum it was a State of the City speech that led him to the boggy grounds of the West Hylebos Wetlands. While covering a 2004 State of the City speech as a Federal Way News reporter, Seth first heard about the West Hylebos Wetlands. Then-Federal Way Mayor Dean McColgan noted the city's recent assumption of ownership of the wetlands from the State Parks as one of the city's major accomplishments of the year. Intrigued by the park's description, he hunted down the park address and set out to find it.

"I was just blown away," Seth says of that first visit. A skilled photographer and nature buff who had recently moved to urban Puget Sound from rural Montana, he'd been seeking out nature experiences and was amazed to find such a bounty of natural diversity in the suburbs of Federal Way.

"You can just hang out at the West Hylebos and see things that you really have to work to see in other places."

Seth began a long association with the park, spending many hours photographing birds and other species at Marlake, Brooklake and other locations within the park. Seth has generously shared photos with the Friends for use educating the public and marketing the Friends' work. And, he's been a frequent blogger on our Blog from the Bog, adding photos, videos and his keen observations of the West Hylebos.

When asked about his favorite experience in the Hylebos, Seth laughs and recounts a messy, but funny run-in with a green heron while  stalking the reclusive wader. You can read about it yourself and you'll get an idea what it takes to get the perfect shot.

You'll see many of Seth's photos on our website and in our newsletter. Seth has many photos available for purchase on his own website. It's a great way to take home a little bit of the Hylebos.

Thanks, Seth, for helping us capture and spread, the beauty of the West Hylebos Wetlands.