The Dirt: calendar of hands-on volunteer opportunities

Spring for Salmon 2010

Help by Planting Native Trees and Shrubs

Join us this spring along the Cedar River, Issaquah Creek and at the King County Greenhouse & Nursery. King County wants to improve our stream corridors for salmon, including the threatened Chinook salmon and for water quality. Make a difference by spending a day planting trees, potting native plants for future plantings or clearing invasive weeds! The native trees and shrubs will enhance the natural stream corridor, wetlands and improve the habitat for wildlife. Native plants provide shade and help keep the water cool. Their roots help hold the banks in place and control runoff and erosion which keeps the water cleaner. To join an event, e-mail Tina Miller, volunteer coordinator, or call her at 206-296-2990 to register and get directions. Events are from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Dates and locations:

• May 15th Ricardi Reach/Cedar Rapids along the Cedar River (blackberry removal & weeding)
• May 22nd at KC Greenhouse & Nursery near Renton (potting native plants)
• June 5th at KC Greenhouse & Nursery near Renton (transplanting native trees and shrubs)
• June 12th Cavanaugh Pond along the Cedar River – Celebrate Anglers Day!
• June 19th Log Cabin Natural Area along the Issaquah Creek near Issaquah
• June 26th at KC Greenhouse & Nursery near Renton (transplanting native trees and shrubs)
• May 22nd at KC Greenhouse & Nursery near Renton (potting native plants)

King County Parks backcountry trail projects

Join with our partners, Washington Trails Association to help out King County Park's backcountry trails. To join a trail event go to www.wta.org (external link) to sign up or call 206-625-1367. Events are typically from 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Dates and locations:

• Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park  – May 14th, June 4th, June 5th and June 25th

Native plant holding facility
Groups are needed to care for salvaged native trees and shrubs at our holding facility near Sammamish. To schedule a group work party, please contact Cindy Young.

Adopt-a-Park & Park Ambassador Programs
These programs provide opportunities for groups or individuals to help maintain King County's 180 parks, 175 miles of regional trails, and 130 miles of backcountry trails.  For more information please contact Laurie Clinton, volunteer program manager.

Salmon counts and habitat restoration

Snoqualmie Tribe Restoration Project at Fall City Park along the Snoqualmie River - Saturday, May 22th 9:00 to 12:00
Come help make a difference by planting native plants to improve stream corridors for salmon, including the threatened Chinook salmon and other wildlife. To sign up, email Cindy Spiry or call the Snoqualmie Tribe's Environmental and Natural Resources Department at 425-292-0249 to register and get directions.

Salmon Watcher Program
Help us learn more about our local salmon and what they need to thrive. Contact Jennifer at 206-263-6533.

Volunteer for Salmon!

Green River habitat restoration - students needed! Learn about restoring habitat while planting trees and shrubs. Groups of volunteers are needed for restoring habitat along the Green River. Weekdays preferred. 4th grade and up. Please contact John Koon.

Road edge planting volunteers

King County Roads Landscape Enhancement Program
Volunteer to tend roadside plants in your neighborhood.