The annual gathering of friends and users of Shelton View Forest is set for 4-6 p.m. on Sept. 23.

The event will take place in a backyard at 325 233rd St. S.W. in Bothell. The entire Bothell community is invited to this “friendraiser.”

In addition to special guest John Keates and elected officials, there will be forest tours, a taco bar, a kids’ craft station and more.

The SVF Stewardship Association has been working closely with the City of Bothell to preserve 42 acres within the larger forest — which is located close to 228th Street Southwest, between F.E.M.A. and Fruhling Sand and Topsoil, and stretches south to either side of Shelton View Elementary School.

At present, the main entrances are from the south (via 240th Street Southwest and 7th Avenue West, or west from Meridian Avenue, via 234th Place Southwest, just right of the east entrance to the school). Both of these trail heads are on the lower 26 acres of Department of Natural Resources land.

Snohomish County’s funding agency for public use land, Conservation Futures, has invested $1 million toward protection and acquisition of the central 16 acres most vulnerable to deforestation and development. Its recent check to the City of Bothell indicates growing consensus that four miles of trails, ridges and ravines, habitat for more than four dozen species of birds and terrain conducive to quiet are worth saving.

To donate, volunteer or receive a monthly newsletter, contact Hillary Sanders by way of www.SheltonViewForest.org. Friend the forest on Facebook: Save Shelton View Forest.