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Veteran Revives Polluted Creek, Inspiring a City
4 Aug
Summary
- A veteran transformed a dumping ground into a thriving habitat.
- He dedicated nearly three decades to restoring Hamm Creek.
- His daughter continues his environmental restoration mission today.
John Beal, a Vietnam veteran, found purpose in healing Seattle's Hamm Creek after returning home with unseen wounds. Faced with a terminal diagnosis in his late twenties, he chose to revitalize the polluted waterway near his South Park home. Beal began by manually removing trash and planting native species, then undertook the arduous task of daylighting the stream.
His personal mission evolved into a community-wide effort. Beal founded the I'M A PAL foundation, rallying volunteers and securing funding for the creek's restoration. He involved local schoolchildren, fostering environmental awareness and releasing salmon fry into the revitalized water. His persistence spurred broader restoration initiatives, contributing to the Lower Duwamish's superfund designation in 2001.
Beal passed away in 2006, having lived nearly three decades beyond his prognosis. Hamm Creek, once a dumping ground, now teems with wildlife, supporting salmon, beavers, and otters. His daughter, Liana Beal, continues his environmental legacy, ensuring his mission endures through organizations like the Duwamish Alive Coalition.
