EarthCorps Duwamish River Work Party

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!    Please join us

The Basics

EarthCorps supplies gloves, tools, water and snack bars. We 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 experience necessary, just come ready to learn something new!  This video may give you a better idea of what to expect.

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: work boots, hiking boots, rubber boots, etc.)
• Rain gear and warm layers (check the weather!)
• Sack lunch and snacks (to refuel)
• Full water bottle (we will have a jug on-site for re-fills)
• Travel mug for tea/coffee

The event will happen rain or shine!

What will volunteers be doing at the event?

While the exact tasks can vary, our projects focus on improving the forests and parks in our local cities. Healthy and thriving forests are vital to our community because they absorb and 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 (weeding or spreading mulch)
• 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 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 help guide 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.