The Snoqualmie People are made up of two parts of the same family: The Upper Snoqualmie, who lived on the plains above the falls, and the Lower Snoqualmie who lived along the Snoqualmie River below the falls. Ancient stewards of the land, the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe continuously strives to preserve sacred ground for all people, including Snoqualmie Falls.
Snoqualmie Falls is also the location of the first underground hydroelectric power plant built on the south side of the Snoqualmie River in 1898-99. Most of the river water is from mountain snow run-off. Some of the water runs over the falls. Some of the water is diverted to electricity plants generating power for 40,000 homes. The plant is owned and operated by Puget Sound Energy, licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Conservation of the environment is prioritized by operators of the plant, taking great steps to improve natural habitat for native fish and wildlife as well as to reclaim wetlands that are integral to maintaining the ecosystem. The plant recently underwent an upgrade so that it could deliver energy more efficiently while also protecting the environment.
This painting is a view of the Upper Snoqualmie River and Falls as the water rushes over the rock ledge. Peregrine falcons are known to nest and raise their babies on ledges of the rock face to the right of the falls.
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BIO: Mary Lamery paints regional landscape in a manner that leans towards 19th century French Impressionism. Her landscapes invite the viewer to add to the backstory of the composition through personal identification with the paintings and story telling of the experience.