Kent Parks invites volunteers of all ages and abilities to get involved on Earth Day on April 17 and Arbor Day April 24. These Saturday events are scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon as part of Green Kent, a new collaboration between the City of Kent and the Cascade Land Conservancy to preserve, restore and maintain our parks and natural areas.
• Earth Day at Earthworks:
Jeff Watling, director of Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services, noted, “Kent has celebrated Earth Day since 1991. Because April 22, 2010, marks the 40th anniversary of the first Earth Day, we thought it would be fitting to celebrate it at Earthworks Park, a landmark public art installation as well as a water-detention facility and popular park. Earth Day reminds us of the need to preserve our planet’s resources. At the Saturday morning event, volunteers will remove invasive weeds that threaten the urban forest and salmon-bearing stream, and then plant native shrubs. On Thursday, April 22nd, the global Earth Day observance, there will also be special performances at the park.” For more information, contact 235-856-5050 or visit www.kentarts.com.
• Arbor Day at West Fenwick Park:
Arbor Day was established in 1872 to encourage people to plant and care for trees. Since 2002, citizens have helped Kent achieve and maintain its status as a Tree City USA city by planting native trees and shrubs at a park for Arbor Day. At West Fenwick Park, volunteers are dramatically restoring the natural balance. One large section of overgrown vegetation remains to be cleared and replanted.
Pre-registration is required for each event to ensure that there are enough tools and that everyone has a safe, fun time. For a registration form, visit www.KentWAParks.com and click on Volunteer, or contact 253-856-5110. Events are held rain or shine. Thanks to our friends at Starbucks on 4th & Meeker for providing hot chocolate and coffee. Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear sturdy boots or shoes (no sandals or flip-flops allowed), and bring work gloves, a shovel and personal water bottle to reduce plastic in our landfills. Water refills, as well as tools, will also be provided.
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