A few dozen volunteers wrapped up the city’s Green Kent program for 2024 by removing invasive species and planting native trees and shrubs at Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park.
Events were held every third Saturday from April to November at a variety of locations throughout the city’s park system. The final event for this year was Saturday, Nov. 16 at Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park, 100 Reiten Road, just east of downtown.
“Invasive species such as non-native blackberry and ivy can invade these spaces by outcompeting native plants and degrading the environment,” according to the city of Kent Parks Green Kent website. “With the support of our volunteers, we can help maintain healthy, resilient ecosystems by removing invasive species, mulching, and planting native trees and shrubs. Restoring and conserving these natural areas keep our parks beautiful and green.”
In 2009, the city of Kent and the Cascade Land Conservancy (now Forterra) formed the Green Kent Partnership with a vision of creating, “a city with invasive-free, sustainable parks and natural areas.”
From 2009 to 2018, the city held Green Kent events and had volunteer stewards who helped coordinate those events and were approved to conduct ecological restoration activities outside of specific event times.
Today, Kent Parks has a newly formed Natural Resources Management team, housed in its Park Operations division, to manage the city’s natural areas and urban forest trees, and relaunched the Green Kent program.
“Natural areas in Kent parks offer a refuge from our urban environment and contribute to an ecosystem that we benefit from,” according to Kent Parks staff. “Trees and green spaces can improve air and water quality, reduce erosion and water run-off, provide food and shelter for wildlife, create an attractive community and increase overall quality of life.”
Kent Mayor Dana Ralph participated in the final event of 2024. She said Green Kent events are a great way for students to get valuable experience and complete community service hours.
For more information, go to MyKentParks.com/GreenKent.
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Green Kent volunteers hit the trail Nov. 16 at Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent
Green Kent volunteers plant new plants Nov. 16 at Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent
