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Vashon
Eden Index
Climate
8.1
•
Recreation
3.7
•
Community
4.5
•
Safeguard
5.6/10
Vashon, Washington is a picturesque island located in the Puget Sound, approximately 10 miles southwest of Seattle. The climate of Vashon is classified as marine, with mild, wet winters and cool, dry summers. The island receives an average annual rainfall of around 36 inches, which contributes to its lush greenery and vibrant flora.
Hydrology constituents on Vashon Island include several freshwater lakes, streams, and wetlands. These water bodies play a crucial role in maintaining the island's ecosystem and supporting a diverse range of plant and animal species. Vashon's hydrological features also provide recreational opportunities such as kayaking, fishing, and swimming.
Outdoor recreation is abundant on Vashon Island, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. The island boasts numerous parks, trails, and beaches, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking. Maury Island Marine Park offers stunning views of the Sound, while Point Robinson Park is known for its historic lighthouse and beachcombing opportunities. The island also has several farms and vineyards, offering agritourism experiences.
In summary, Vashon, Washington's climate is mild and wet, with lush vegetation supported by its ample rainfall. Hydrology constituents include freshwater lakes, streams, and wetlands, while outdoor recreation opportunities encompass activities such as hiking, biking, beachcombing, and agritourism.
What is the Eden Index?
The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.
Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 8.1
Vashon receives approximately
1221mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 82%
and air temperatures averaging around
11°C.
Vashon has a plant hardyness factor of
8, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region tend to thrive here all year round.
By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.
A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.
Weather Forecast
Streamflow Conditions
Puget Sound
Area Rivers
Puget Sound
Snowpack Depths
Puget Sound
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Puget Sound
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 3.7
The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences.
Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.
Camping Areas
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Lewis Military | None | 254 ft | |||
| Dash Point State Park | 150 | 230 ft | |||
| Camp Murray Beach Military | None | 239 ft | |||
| Kopachuck State Park | 21 | 234 ft | |||
| Holiday Park Military - McChord AFB | None | 323 ft | |||
| Fay Bainbridge State Park | 65 | 15 ft | |||
| Manchester State Park | 35 | 27 ft | |||
| Kitsap Memorial State Park | 40 | 46 ft | |||
| Illahee State Park | 23 | 254 ft |
Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):
The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area.
The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.
Community Resilience Indicator (CRI): 4.5
The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.