Take spring cleaning to the next level at White Center’s Spring Clean event, May 20

Why limit spring cleaning to the closet or garage when the entire community could use a little sprucing up? Over 250 volunteers are needed to help clean up more than 12 different areas of White Center for the annual White Center Spring Clean event, May 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

One location scheduled for a much-needed makeover is the White Center Regional Pond, also known as "The Bog." This King County regional flow control structure is a six- acre water quality and retention/detention facility that feeds the Salmon Creek drainage system.

Between 25 and 30 volunteers will be needed to plant, water and mulch more than 1,000 wetland and lowland plants in The Bog to reduce flooding and restore wetland habitat to the pond. Interested volunteers should bring boots and gloves.

"We hope to turn The Bog into a safe, natural environment that the community can enjoy and take pride in," said Mary Wohleb, project manager for King County Water and Land Resources Division. "We are extremely grateful to the volunteers for carrying forward our efforts in 2005 to improve the quality of this area."

Many other White Center locations will be tidied up during the community wide clean-up event:

• Volunteers are needed to plant, weed, pick up trash and clear trails at White Center Park, Lakewood Park, Salmon Creek and North Shorewood Park.
• Window washing, pressure washing and street cleaning is scheduled in and around downtown businesses, the White Center Food Bank and the Salvation Army.
• A community garden will be planted at St. James Church while weeding and basic cleanups will shine up Holy Family Church.

"Last year we had more than 200 volunteers come out for this event," said Cynthia Linder, Outreach Coordinator for the White Center Community Development Association. "Our goal this year is to have at least 250 volunteers get involved."

Volunteers must check in at the White Center Community Development Association, 9615 16th Ave SW, between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. Breakfast, snacks and water will be provided, followed by a group lunch and entertainment after the clean-up event.