Natural Systems

Goal: Preserve and enhance Bellevue’s natural resources, tree canopy, green spaces, and water systems.

Resources Worth Protecting

Nature at Work in Bellevue

Bellevue’s natural systems are a big part of what makes the city healthy, attractive, and resilient. Trees, wetlands, and open spaces help absorb carbon, manage stormwater, and reduce urban heat, while also supporting cleaner air, healthier habitats, and better quality of life. As a “city in a park,” Bellevue benefits from a landscape that protects and enriches the community today while strengthening our resilience to climate change over time.

A wooded path at Coal Creek Natural Area

Lake Washington

Visitors enjoying the Bellevue Botanical Garden

Phantom Lake

Bellevue's iconic Downtown Park

A blue heron on Coal Creek

Trees in Bellevue

Expanding Our Urban Tree Canopy for All

Trees are a critical part of Bellevue’s climate resilience. They help cool neighborhoods, absorb stormwater, and support biodiversity, while also making the city healthier and more comfortable. As of 2023, Bellevue has 39% canopy cover, just a few trees shy of our initial tree canopy goal of 40%.

Moving forward, our goal is not just to maintain overall canopy, but to plant strategically so all neighborhoods can benefit. The benefits of our trees are not shared evenly across the city. The 2023 assessment shows that canopy varies widely by neighborhood, from 9% in Downtown to over 50% in places like Bridle Trails and Cougar Mountain/Lakemont, which means some areas have much greater access to the cooling, health, and resilience benefits that trees provide than others.

View the Interactive Tree Canopy Map

As of 2023, Bellevue has 39% canopy cover, just a few trees shy of our initial tree canopy goal of 40%.

Leading by Example

Fire Station 10: Integrating Sustainability & Resilience

Bellevue is leading by example with civic buildings that demonstrate resource conservation and environmental integration.

The completed Fire Station 10 is designed to meet LEED Gold and Salmon-Safe standards, and includes features such as an onsite solar array, rainwater and green roof systems, EV charging infrastructure, generator backup for resiliency, and street improvements like upgraded sidewalks and bike lanes. Bellevue also restored wetland habitat on the site and preserved and added trees, showing how public facilities can better protect natural systems while still serving the community effectively.

Learn More about Fire Station 10

Source: City of Bellevue