The community is invited to join the city of Kirkland and the Green Kirkland Partnership on Nov. 17 to celebrate the more than 2,000 volunteers responsible for restoring more than 500 acres of natural areas in Kirkland.

Green Kirkland Day is an annual event recognizing the contribution of thousands of volunteers. The day features events at six parks, including Everest, Crestwoods, McAuliffe, Juanita Bay, O.O. Denny and Josten Park.

The main event, with space for more than 150 volunteers, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Everest Park, 500 8th St. S. Volunteers are needed to help at all sites to plant more than 800 native trees, shrubs and ground covers and tend to new native plantings.

No experience is necessary and volunteers of all ages are encouraged to join. Registration for the Everest Park event is available on the EarthCorps website at bit.ly/2018GreenKirklandDay.

“Our dedicated volunteers are essential to restoring and maintaining Kirkland’s incredible natural areas,” said Lynn Zwaagstra, director of parks and community services for the city of Kirkland. “Green Kirkland Day is an opportunity for community members to connect with nature, celebrate Kirkland’s urban forests and have fun with family and friends while engaging in environmental stewardship.”

Volunteers are encouraged to dress for the weather in clothes that they don’t mind getting dirty (warm layers and rain gear are encouraged), wear close-toed shoes and bring a filled water bottle. Tools, training and gloves will be provided. Lunch, snacks and hot drinks will also be provided courtesy of the event’s sponsors: REI, Regence, KIND bar, PCC Kirkland, and partners at Forterra. More information about volunteering is available on the Green Kirkland Partnership website.

The Green Kirkland Partnership is an alliance among the city of Kirkland, nonprofit partners, businesses and the community to restore more than 500 acres of natural areas in the city. The majority of the restoration efforts are accomplished by volunteers.

The partnership seeks to remove invasive plants from city parks and plant native species. Its mission is to restore and maintain healthy forested and natural park lands by building a supportive community that works together to protect Kirkland’s valuable natural resources for current and future generations. Achieving this involves training and supporting volunteers in restoration activities.