March 5 native plant salvage event helps keep King County green - naturally

Land that is scheduled for clearing and development can still provide benefits to habitat elsewhere in King County – but only with the help of volunteers.

King County’s native plant salvage program is looking for volunteers to take part in a March 5 salvage effort in Issaquah. Volunteers are needed to dig out native trees and shrubs from property that is going to be cleared, then pot the vegetation at the King County native plant holding facility near Sammamish for future use.

Salvaged native plants will be used to enhance local habitat restoration projects by reducing erosion, shading streams, wetlands and estuaries, and improving fish and wildlife habitats throughout King County.

Volunteers can get their hands dirty for a worthy environmental cause from 9 a.m. to noon at the salvage site, which is provided by Ichijo USA Co., LTD, or from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the King County native plant holding facility.

Free plants are available to volunteers who salvage plants for King County, and for those who help pot them.

A parent or guardian must accompany volunteers under 16 years old. Dress for the weather and be prepared to get dirty. Sturdy shoes or boots are recommended. King County will provide gloves, tools and light refreshments.

For more information or to sign up for either event, please contact Cindy Young at 206-296-8065 or e-mail cindy.young@kingcounty.gov. To learn more about King County’s Native Plant Salvage Program, visit the website at http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/stewardship/volunteer/plant-salvage-program.aspx.

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