One year ago, a grassroots idea took hold in Mill Creek and has grown into one of the city’s most inspiring community movements: The Friends of the Penny Creek Natural Area! When local residents first came together to form The Friends of the Penny Creek Natural Area (PCNA), their goal was simple: protect and celebrate a unique green space in Mill Creek. The Penny Creek Natural Area isn’t just another patch of woods—it’s a thriving ecosystem of native plants, wetlands, and wildlife, right in the heart of the community. From the start, the group saw the PCNA’s value not only as an ecological treasure but also as a place where neighbors could connect, learn, and give back. Mill Creek resident Jeff Doan noticed a need for the PCNA to have a voice and began organizing neighbors he met during his own walks through the area.

The Penny Creek Natural Area spans 70 acres of protected green space in the northeast corner of town between 35th Avenue SE and 132nd Street SE. While the land is owned by The Farm development, an easement ensures public access. In 2019, The Farm enhanced the PCNA with native plantings and a new mile-long gravel walking trail with pedestrian bridges. Beyond its recreational value, the PCNA plays a vital role in storing and filtering water from Penny Creek and the surrounding watershed (which flows to North Creek and then to Lake Washington), while also providing essential habitat for a wide variety of birds, mammals, plants, and insects.

What began as a handful of residents sharing ideas has grown into a volunteer group of more than 250 members. The Friends of the PCNA have organized cleanup events, educational walks, and even guided tours with local community leaders to highlight the natural beauty and importance of the area. Their energy has inspired families, students, and long-time residents alike to roll up their sleeves and be part of something lasting. In September 2025, the group raised funds to create and donate high-quality photo books to the City of Mill Creek, the Snohomish County Library, the Northwest Stream Center, and Penny Creek Elementary School. The breathtaking images in these books showcase the creek, its wildlife, and the volunteers who care for it, to help ensure the story of the Penny Creek Natural Area will inspire future generations.

One of the reasons the Friends of the PCNA has gained so much traction is that it offers something rare: a positive, unifying cause in which everyone can play a part. "The Penny Creek Natural Area must be protected to continue to support its diverse wildlife environment, aquatic life, and long-term watershed filtration, and to provide a lasting educational and nature area for its residents,” says M. Lowell, wildlife photographer and member of the Friends of the PCNA. 

The group hasn’t limited its work to just the Penny Creek Natural Area. In 2025, the Friends of the PCNA officially joined Mill Creek’s Adopt-a-Street program, committing to care for a stretch of the east side of 35th Avenue, which is adjacent to the PCNA. This signals the group’s broader commitment to keeping Mill Creek clean, safe, and welcoming. The Friends of Penny Creek Natural Area aren’t slowing down. With each new event, each cleanup, and each conversation with city leaders, the group is building momentum toward its long-term goal: securing the PCNA as a permanent part of Mill Creek’s green future.

More than just an environmental effort, the Friends of the PCNA has become a story of connection. Neighbors who once didn’t know each other now share tools, laughter, and purpose. Children who join their parents at events learn firsthand that they, too, can be stakeholders of the world around them. “My friends and family outside of Mill Creek can’t believe we have beavers and 135 species of birds on 70 acres of protected natural area. PCNA is a jewel,” shares Lisa Weber, birdwatcher and member of The Friends of the PCNA.

From a grassroots vision to a thriving volunteer force, The Friends of the PCNA have proven that when a community comes together, remarkable things can happen. With their energy and optimism, they’re not just preserving a space—they’re creating a legacy of stewardship, pride, and belonging for all of Mill Creek. “The PCNA, or ‘Narnia,’ as my family has always called it, is an enchanting escape from civilization, as well as an accessible natural space for all ages,” concludes Stefan Gefter, member of The Friends of the PCNA.

The Friends of the Penny Creek Natural Area group is always seeking local community members and new ideas. Scan the QR code to join their Facebook group to stay in the loop!