Tukwila Community Center: Duwamish River (Puget Sound Steward Led)

Join EarthCorps and the City of Tukwila as we work to improve the Duwamish River near the Tukwila Community Center.   A healthy array of plants on the banks of the river is important for migrating and resident fish, birds and other wildlife.   Currently, much of the Duwamish riverbank is covered in aggressive weeds that provide little to no shelter, shade or food for wildlife. A variety of native plants are also critical for filtering polluted rainwater that runs off of parking lots, roads and roofs.   Not to mention the enjoyment people can get by sitting in the shade of a tree by the river!

The Basics

We will supply the gloves and tools and will teach you everything you need to know about tool use, safety, forest health, and the importance of the work you will be doing. No prior experience necessary, just come ready to learn something new!  This video may give you a better idea of what to expect.

This event is led by the Puget Sound Stewards, who are part of our program that matches enthusiastic and motivated volunteers to nearshore habitat restoration sites in need of longterm stewardship.

For your safety and comfort please bring:

• Clothing that can get dirty (because it will!)
• Long pants and long sleeves (helps protect against prickly plants)
• Sturdy shoes that can handle some mud (closed toed shoes are required  such as work boots, hiking boots, rubber boots, etc. NO sandals, flats, or heels)
• Rain gear and warm layers (check the weather!)
• Sack lunch and snacks
• Full water bottle

The event will happen rain or shine!

What will volunteers be doing at the event?

While the exact tasks at hand vary, our projects focus on improving the forests, shorelines, and parks in our local cities. Healthy and thriving forests and shorelines are vital to our community because they absorb and naturally filter rain water, produce clean oxygen, provide living spaces for wildlife, and create a place for people to connect with the outdoors.

In order to help create healthy forests, the work can include:

• Removing aggressive weeds (like English Ivy or Himalayan Blackberry)
• Maintaining areas where these weeds have been removed
• Planting trees and shrubs during the rainy season (often Oct.-Feb.)

Groups

If you are coming as a group, the group leaders are expected to have an active and integral role in our events. Please get in touch with volunteer@earthcorps.org before the event to make sure everything is in order. On the day of the event, make yourself known to the staff (in bright yellow vests) and arrive early in order to meet your group members.

Youth Policy

Youth under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult. All volunteers between the ages of 14 and 17 that are not with a parent or guardian must bring a filled out Youth Waiver the day of the event.

Youth and school groups are welcome to attend; leaders should contact the  Volunteer Team  to take care of all necessary preparations.  

Directions

Address: 12424 42nd Ave S, Tukwila, WA 98168

Heading SOUTH on I-5:

• Take I-5 south at Exit 156, take ramp right for Interurban Ave toward Tukwila
• Turn right onto Interurban Ave S
• Turn right at 42nd Ave S, go over the bridge
• Arrive at the Tukwila Community Center on the right. The last intersection is Interurban Ave S. If you reach S. 124th St, you’ve gone too far.
• Look for EarthCorps event signs

Heading NORTH on I-5:

• Take I-5 north and at Exit 156, take ramp right for SR-599 North toward Tukwila / W. Marginal Way
• Turn left onto Interurban Ave S
• Turn right at 42nd Ave S, go over the bridge
• Arrive at the Tukwila Community Center on the right. The last intersection is Interurban Ave S. If you reach S. 124th St, you’ve gone too far.

Look for EarthCorps event signs