On the morning of Saturday, June 13, a quiet gathering of a dozen people surrounded a new bench in the Burton woods. They gathered in memory of Samantha Burkart, who died there two years ago.

The materials for the bench came from a fund-raiser held more than a year ago. George Wright, a local artist, volunteered her time to build a metal piece designed from Burkart’s artwork. John Burke, Vashon High School woodshop teacher, put the bench together with wood, and he recruited some students to help as well.

The message, “Be silent! Listen to the Earth,” is carved into the back of the bench.

Friends and family hope that the bench will be a place of comfort for those using the trails and will provide a place of respite. The Burton woods was Burkart’s favorite place on the island.