Third annual Green Kirkland Day

The Green Kirkland Partnership asks for volunteers to help plant over 1,000 native plants and celebrate Green Kirkland Day this Saturday.

“The health of our parks and open space is improving each day due to the dedication and efforts of volunteers,” said Lynn Zwaagstra, director of parks and community services for Kirkland, in a press release. “Green Kirkland Day offers opportunities for community members to connect with nature, celebrate Kirkland’s urban forests and have fun with family and friends while engaging in environmental stewardship.”

There are four sites for the event, and activities will begin at all sites at 10 a.m. O.O. Denny Park is the main event site, with space for 150 volunteers. Activities at O.O Denny Park will run until 2 p.m. The other event sites have room for up to 30 volunteers, and they include: Juanita Beach Park from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Juanita Bay Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and McAuliffe Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Volunteers will receive a free lunch courtesy of lunch sponsors Forterra and Patagonia. Logistical support for the events is provided by Forterra, Tilth Alliance and EarthCorps, with funding support from the King Conservation District.

“The support and enthusiasm for these events clearly demonstrate that building community and building healthy forests go hand in hand; you can’t have one without the other,” said Joanna Nelson de Flores, Forterra Green Cities Program Director, in a press release. “Volunteers are crucial in the positive transformation happening in Green Cities across the region.”

All community members are welcome to volunteer, and no experience is necessary to participate. Tools, gloves and training will be provided.

“Kirkland’s forest restoration could not happen without the dedication of our volunteers,” said Zwaagstra, in a press release. “More than 500 acres of City-owned forests and natural parkland have already benefited from their tireless stewardship. We look forward to working together to create even more beautiful space for our community to enjoy.”

Volunteers can find out more about Green Kirkland Day events and register online at www.greenkirkland.org. Contact Green Kirkland Partnership at greenkirkland@kirklandwa.gov or 425-587-3306 with questions.