Save the environment one plant at a time with King County’s Native Plant Salvage Program

Volunteers are needed to dig out and pot up native trees and shrubs during King County's two-part restoration project on Saturday, March 10. Salvaged native plants from a site scheduled for development are relocated to King County restoration sites where the vegetation helps reduce erosion, shade streams and improve fish and wildlife habitat.

Volunteers can get their hands dirty at one or both of the salvage activities:

• From 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., dig up native plants and shrubs from a site near Snoqualmie Ridge in Snoqualmie;

• From 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., pot up the rescued vegetation at King County's Native Plant Holding Facility in Issaquah.

After recuperating at the holding facility, the plants are given new life at habitat restoration sites throughout King County.

"Once replanted, these native plants will help restore stream banks, wetlands and buffers near a variety of capital improvement and roads projects," said Greg Rabourn, King County community stewardship specialist.

Volunteers are asked to dress for the weather and be prepared to get dirty. Sturdy shoes or boots are recommended. Gloves, tools and light refreshments will be provided. A parent or guardian must accompany volunteers under 16.

For more information or to sign up for either event, contact Greg Rabourn at 206-296-1923 or at greg.rabourn@kingcounty.gov. Information on the native plant salvage program is available at http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/PI/salopps.htm.

Directions to the salvage site: Take I-90 east to Exit 25 and turn left onto Snoqualmie Parkway. Watch for event signs directing to a dirt road on the left. If you reach Douglas Avenue you have gone too far.

Directions to King County's Native Plant Holding Facility: Take I-90 east to Exit 18 toward Highland Drive in Issaquah. Continue straight onto Highland Drive. Turn right onto Issaquah-Fall City Road. Take a slight left onto Duthie Hill Road. The holding facility is located at 27101 Duthie Hill Road in Duthie Hill Park.