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The Washington Native Plant Society Central Puget Sound Chapter has many volunteer opportunities that are rewarding and fun. Check out the following events and projects.
Central Puget Sound Chapter Activities
Native Plant Stewardship Volunteer Opportunities
Fall Plant Sale Poster Distribution
Volunteer Opportunities with Other Groups
Discover Washington Native Plant Garden
Stilly Snohomish Fisheries Enhancement Task Force
Meridian Park Neighborhood Association at Ronald Bog
Nature Consortium
Rare Care - Rare Plant Monitoring
Snohomish County Surface Water Management
South Woods Preservation Group
Washington State
Parks Volunteer Stewards
King County Water and Land
UW Herbarium
IvyOUT
To submit a request for volunteers, fill out the
Have a favorite hike? Or want to explore a new location with a group? We are looking for people who are willing to lead field trips. You do not necessarily need to be an experienced botanist. Enthusiasm for our native plants and some logistical skills are great qualifications for Field Trip Leaders. Let Julia Bent (jbent@avvanta.com, 206 783-0669) know where you would like to lead a hike.
First Monday, Oct 6, 2008; 10 AM - 2 PM
Get nursery plants ready for the Fall Sale by weeding, inventorying and making sure the plants are looking healthy. We will provide snacks. Bring your favorite tools, gloves.
To sign up, contact Rick Thompson 425 582-2477 wnpsnursery@comcast.net
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2008; 7 PM
WNPS Office at Magnuson Park
6310 NE 74th St.
Seattle, 98115
The Plant Sale Committee will meet to plan the Fall Seed, Bulb and Plant Sale. The sale itself takes place October 25. To learn more about the planning meeting and get involved, contact Janka Hobbs, 425 869-2370, mjct_hobbs@msn.com
Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008; 10 AM - 2 PM
Monday, Oct. 6, 2008; 10 AM - 2 PM
CPS Nursery, Magnuson Park, Seattle
We need several people with good native plant identification skills to inventory our plants in readiness for the Fall Seed, Blub and Plant Sale. There will two work parties for inventorying the plants. We will provide snacks and water.
To sign up, contact Rick Thompson, 425 582-2477, wnpsnursery@comcast.net.
Chapter Conservation Committee
The Chapter Conservation Committee has been inactive for the past few years. We are forming a conservation team to come up with a conservation project(s), set priorities and work on implementing them. Any member who is interested should contact Rita Moore by phone (206 275-3883) or e-mail at rmoore@eds.org.
Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 4-5, 2008; 10 AM - 6 PM
Issaquah Salmon Days draws huge crowds to celebrate returning salmon. There will be live music, food, and art. Many non-profit and commercial booths line the streets of Issaquah and offer information as well as merchandise. Our Chapter will have our Education Exhibit Booth at this big event, and we will need a crew volunteers to talk to people about the beauty and benefits of native plants. To learn about Salmon Days, check their website at www.salmondays.org.
To be part of the celebration and help staff the CPS Education Booth, contact Jim Branson, 206 265-2805 or pseudotsuga@gmail.com
Fall Plant Sale Poster Distribution
Help get out the publicity for our Fall Native Plant, Bulb and Seed Sale. Having a gorgeous poster doesn't do us any good if people don't see it! The Sale takes place on October 25th, and the planning for publicity has begun. To help distribute publicity materials, contact Martha Jackson, MKJackson@zipcon.com or 206 361-0113.
Volunteer Opportunities with Other Groups
Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008
The Mountaineers are moving their office to a refurbished naval building at Magnuson Park. They are looking for volunteers who can help to plant the area around their new building (and get a better look at those climbing rocks). They plan three planting parties at their new site. The work party dates are:
Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008
Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008
To learn more and sign-up to volunteer, call Don Schaechtel (206) 938-2125.
Discover Washington Native Plant Garden
Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008; 9 AM - 1 PM
Shadow Lake Elementary School
22620 Sweeney Rd. SE, Maple Valley 98038
As part of Starbucks Make Your Mark Work Party volunteers are needed to help clean up the Discover Washington Native Plant Garden and trail at Shadow Lake Elementary School in Maple Valley. See how this Native Plant Stewardship project has grown and developed.
Tools will be available on site.
To sign up or get more information contact Brenda Running at (206) 271-8899 or b.running@comcast.net.
Brenda is also looking for a volunteer to assist with the continued maintenance of the garden and get involved with students. Volunteers would have an opportunity to share their native plant knowledge with classes on school days and with families and community at special events. She hopes to get help developing a field guide for the garden and trail.
Directions: Southbound Interstate 405:
Take exit 4 (to Enumclaw). Exit will merge into Sunset Boulevard. Go to the second light (following signs to Enumclaw) and turn left onto Maple Valley Highway (also known as Hwy 169). Stay on the Maple Valley Highway for about 12 miles. Take a right at the intersection of SE 232nd street and cross over Highway 18. Take the first right onto Petrovitsky Road. Take the first left onto Sweeney Road SE and Shadow Lake Elementary will be on the right.
Day of Caring: Help Make Jetty Island Better for Wildlife, Salmon & People!
Friday, Sept. 12, 2008; 10 AM - 2 PM
Plastic bottles, aluminum cans, styrofoam - YUCK! Invasive weeds - YIKES! Join the Task Force and other members of the Snohomish-Camano Nearshore Cooperative to enhance habitat at beautiful Jetty Island. Volunteers will help perform two tasks: 1) Remove Scotch broom, and Himalayan blackberries, aggressive invasive plants and 2) Pick up litter along the shoreline. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to learn more about habitat restoration, nearshore aquatic ecosystems, and the critters that live there.
Your efforts will help improve water quality and nearshore habitat for fish and wildlife. Ferry transportation to the island will be provided. This is a great way to protect and enjoy your local beach, and discover the wonders of Puget Sound!
To sign up, contact Cara Ianni at cara@stillysnofish.org or 425-252-6686.
Tree Planting Along the Snoqualmie River
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008; 10 AM - 2 PM
McCormick Park in Duvall. Sign up to get directions. Contact Kristin, 425 252-6686 Kristin@stillysnofish.org
Make a Difference Day
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008; 10 AM - 2 PM
Tree planting along the the North Fork Stillaguamish River at Cloverdale County Park in Arlington. Sign up to get directions. Contact Kristin, 425 252-6686 Kristin@stillysnofish.org
Every month Seattle Parks and Recreation offers lots of ways to get involved. Get in shape by joining a work party! For projects this month, check the website www.seattle.gov/parks/getinvolved. Check this link for north Seattle Parks.
Sponsor: Friends of Lincoln Park
First Saturday of every month, 9 AM - noon.
We need volunteers to help us remove blackberry, ivy, clematis and other invasives, and plant natives in 80 acres of beautiful mature woods in Lincoln Park in West Seattle. We also need help maintaining areas that have already been cleared and planted. This is an ongoing project. Interested volunteers are wecome to take part in planning the work, selecting plants, or taking on a particular project. Lincoln Park has some of the highest level of native plant diversity in the City. It is a real gem with extensive woods and beach, along with ball fields and children's playgrounds.
Directions: Lincoln Park just north of the Vashon Ferry dock. Meet in the north parking lot on Fauntleroy Way SW at the kiosk just across from Rose Street.
Bring: Dress in layers with sturdy shoes/boots and good protection from blackberries. Bring gloves and your favorite tools (hand clippers are the major tool). We'll have mini-tillers, extra clippers and weed wrenches.
Sign Up: Contact Sharon Baker (206) 935-1769 H; 206 464-1068 C; sbaker@u.washington.edu.
Sponsor: Magnuson Environmental Stewardship Alliance
First Saturday, first Monday, second Sunday, and third Thursday.
Volunteers are needed in the North Forest Remnant, where we are doing invasive plant removal, spreading wood chips, and planting native plants. Enter the park at NE 65th St. and take the second left turn, and the North Forest Remnant will be on your left. Look for signs. Bring water and a a snack or lunch.
Call or e-mail for information.
Contact: Bonnie Miller, 206 524-8713, bmiller@serv.net
Meridian Park Neighborhood Association
Work Party at Ronald Bog Park
Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008
The Meridian Park Neighborhood in Shoreline has begun a project at Ronald Bog located at Meridian Ave. North and North 175th Street. They have scheduled a work party on Sat. 9/13/08. Other work parties will be scheduled to complete the cleanup and plant native plants in late fall. Please join us to improve this wonderful park.
Bring loppers, rakes, pitchforks, and mattocks if you have them. Dress for the weather and work with jeans, overalls or other protective clothing. Bring water.
For more information, contact Dick Decker(206) 542-1552 or Mark Tomboulian (206) 546-3261.
Friday, Sept. 12, 2008; 9 AM - 3 PM.
Watershed Park (4530 112th Ave NE, Kirkland)
Day of Caring Event. In addition to individual volunteers, we are hoping to attract business and school groups who can take time on a Friday for community service hours to help restore the forest by removing invasive plant species. Note that we are meeting near the 112th Ave NE entrance to Watershed Park.
Refreshments and lunch will be provided by the Watershed Company.
Bring sturdy boots or shoes, work clothes, gloves, water bottle, rain gear. Also useful: pruning shears or clippers, shovel. Refreshments provided.
To participate, contact Sharon Rodman at (425) 587-3305, srodman@ci.kirkland.wa.us.
Driving Directions from 520: From 520, take the 108th Ave NE Exit. Merge onto 108th Ave. If coming from the west, merge onto 108th Ave NE. Go straight on 108th Ave NE. Turn right (east) on the NE 53rd St after B.E.S.T. High School. (There will be sandwich boards with "Forest Restoration" to direct you.) Turn right/south on 112th Ave NE. Meet at the park entrance at the end of 112th Ave NE. Park along 112th Ave.
Driving directions from Kirkland: Drive south down 108th Ave NE past NW University. Turn left/east on NE 53rd St. (There will be a sanwich board with "Forest Restoration" to direct you.) Turn right/south on 112th Ave NE. Meet at the park entrance at the end of the 112th Ave NE. Park along 112th Ave.
Green Kirkland Partnership
Forest Restoration at Kiwanis Park
1405 10th St. W, Kirkland
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008; 9 AM - Noon
We’ll be helping to restore the forest by planting with native plants.
Bring work clothes, gloves, sturdy shoes/boots, rain gear (if necessary), water bottle. Also useful: pruning shears or clippers, shovel. Refreshments provided.
Contact Sharon Rodman at 425.587.3305, srodman@ci.kirkland.wa.us, or visit www.greenkirkland.org.
Driving Directions from I-405 Southbound: take the NE 124th Street exit (exit 20) and turn right onto NE 124th Street. Turn left onto 100th Avenue NE which becomes 98th Avenue NE which becomes Market Street. Turn right off Market onto 16th Ave. W, then proceed down to 10th St W and turn left. End at 1405 10th Street W, Kirkland.
Driving Directions from I-405 Northbound: take the NE 85th Street exit (exit 18) toward Kirkland and turn slight right onto NE 85th Street / WA-908 which becomes Central Way. Turn right onto Market Street then left onto 16th Avenue W. Turn left onto 10th Street W. End at 1405 10th Street W, Kirkland.
Nature Consortium-West Duwamish Greenbelt
Every Saturday, 10 AM - 2 PM
We need volunteers to help restore the West Duwamish Greenbelt, Seattle's oldest remaining continguous forest. Volunteer activities include cutting and digging blackberry, pulling ivy, removing scots brooms, sheet mulching, weeding and planting. We often have performing artists who come out to our work parties to "play in the woods" and entertain our volunteers. Volunteers who come for 2 full work parties (8 hours) will receive a free Nature Consortium T-shirt.
Bring a full refillable water bottle and lunch. We provide granola bars.
To sign up and get directions, contact Elizabeth McDonald, (206) 923-0853 or volunteer@naturec.org.
Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008; 10 AM - 3 PM
We are restoring an abandoned city creek. Every second Saturday of the month we will be hard at work. Tasks include removing invasives, mulching, and planting. Bring water, lunch, and a nitty, gritty personality. Tools, gloves and stimulating conversation are provided.
Location: Yesler Creek at Burke Gilman Playground, 40th Ave NE & NE 55th Street. Park at Metropolitan Market, and from there take a left onto the Trail for 25 yards, then take a right at the Burke-Gilman Park sign.
To sign up contact Patrick Schwartzkopf, (206) 226-7336 schwap@u.washington.edu.
Rare Care - Rare Plant Monitoring
Are you interested in an opportunity to contribute to the conservation of Washington’s rare plants and at the same time visit premier examples of Washington’s native ecosystems? Volunteer as a rare plant monitor with Washington Rare Plant Care and Conservation and help collect valuable information on status of rare plant populations. Rare plant monitors visit known populations of rare plants all around the state to check and report on the condition of the population and its habitat.
For more information, visit our website at www.depts.washington.edu/rarecare or contact Rare Care at 206-616-0780 or at rarecare@u.washington.edu.
Madrona Woods is in need of volunteers to help carry out streambank restoration. Work parties are scheduled once a month on the third Saturday. Groups of volunteers can be scheduled on other dates that are convenient for the group. Contact Ann Bucher (206) 323-8325 to sign up or get more information.
Snohomish County Surface Water Management
Volunteers are needed for nursery tasks in Snohomish County on Wednesdays and Fridays from
10 AM - 3 PM. Help with bare root potting at the Native Plant Nursery on most Wednesdays and Fridays. Sign-up by emailing christopher.wright@snoco.org
For more information: www.surfacewater.calendar.info
South Woods Preservation Group
Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008; 10 AM - 2 PM
South Woods Preservaton Group needs volunteers to help pull invasive weeds, such as English ivy and English holly at a Saturday work party. Bring tools such as pruning shears, loppers, shovels, and tarps, if you have them. If you don't have tools, come anyway; we will have extras. Dress for the weather and bring gloves, water bottles and lunch.
To sign up, contact Bettelinn Brown, 206 363-5517 or bettelinn@hotmail.com.
The site is at NE 150 St. and 25th Ave., NE, Shoreline. Park in Shorecrest High School south parking lot at NE 153rd & 25th Ave NE.
Directions to South Woods from I-5: Go east (toward Lake City) on NE 145th St. 1 mile to 25th Ave NE. Turn left onto 25th Ave NE and go 0.3 mile to NE 153rd St. Turn left into Shorecrest High School parking lot.
South Woods is a 15.7-acre second growth conifer forest with trees estimated to be about 80 years old. The forest abuts the southern boundary of Shorecrest High School, and South Woods Preservation Group (SWPG) is trying to preserve the forest for the environmental benefits, for environmental education, and for future generations to enjoy. For more information visit the SWPG website: www.savesouthwoods.org
Washington
State Parks Volunteer Stewards
Washington State Parks is looking for individuals who would like to become
volunteer stewards for selected parks. Some of the possible parks include
Mount Spokane, Riverside, Steamboat Rock, Sun Lakes, Gingko/Wanapum, Dalles
Mountain Ranch, Beacon Rock, Fort Columbia, Fort Canby, Leadbetter Peninsula,
Moran, Deception Pass, and Larrabee. These parks all include stretches of
natural area which need to be monitored and maintained. Individuals will be
asked to commit at least two years.
For more information contact: Robert A. Fimbel, Washington State Parks, 7150 Cleanwater Lane, Olympia, WA 98504. Phone 360-902-8592 or e-mail robert.fimbel@parks.wa.gov. Robert can provide you with a Natural Resources Volunteer Steward Description, which details volunteer expectations and benefits for this position.
King
County Water and Land
Volunteer opportunities at the Department of Natural Resources and Parks.
Check out their calendar at http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/pi/calendar.htm.
Volunteer
at the UW Herbarium
Volunteers participate in a variety of herbarium activities including the
mounting, accessioning, and shelving of plant specimens. This is a great chance
to work with plants from throughout the Pacific Northwest (they are still
interesting even when they are dried and flattened), and with others who share
your interest in the flora of our region. No previous herbarium experience
is necessary; we provide training. Also needed are volunteers with computer
skills such as data entry and web page design. The Herbarium is located in
the basement of Hitchcock Hall (Botany Building) on the UW Campus. For more
information go to http://depts.washington.edu/wtu/volunteers.htm.
IvyOUT
Work Parties
For information on volunteer activities for IvyOUT please go to http://ivyout.org/volunteer.htm.
