Courtesy of Earthcorps.org
Join EarthCorps' volunteer stewards and the Port of Seattle as we work along the Duwamish River! This property was once a narrow driveway and parking lot until it was reconstructed in 1995 to be a new public space. Now it has public access, picnic tables, a hand boat launch, and a small natural area! Environmental stewardship activities began in 2000 and EarthCorps is working with the Port of Seattle to continue removing additional weeds along the main river and replacing them with native plants.
The Basics
We will supply the gloves and tools and will teach you everything you need to know about tool use, safety, forest health, and the importance of the work you will be doing. No prior experience necessary, just come ready to learn something new! This video may give you a better idea of what to expect.
This event is led by the Puget Sound Stewards, who are part of our program that matches enthusiastic and motivated volunteers to nearshore habitat restoration sites in need of longterm stewardship.
For your safety and comfort please bring:
- Clothing that can get dirty (because it will!)
- Long pants and long sleeves (helps protect against prickly plants)
- Sturdy shoes that can handle some mud (closed toed shoes are required such as work boots, hiking boots, rubber boots, etc. NO sandals, flats, or heels)
- Rain gear and warm layers (check the weather!)
- Sack lunch and snacks
- Full water bottle
The event will happen rain or shine!
What will volunteers be doing at the event?
While the exact tasks at hand vary, our projects focus on improving the forests, shorelines, and parks in our local cities. Healthy and thriving forests and shorelines are vital to our community because they absorb and naturally filter rain water, produce clean oxygen, provide living spaces for wildlife, and create a place for people to connect with the outdoors.
In order to help create healthy forests, the work can include:
- Removing aggressive weeds (like English Ivy or Himalayan Blackberry)
- Maintaining areas where these weeds have been removed
- Planting trees and shrubs during the rainy season (often Oct.-Feb.)
Groups
If you are coming as a group, the group leaders are expected to have an active and integral role in our events. Please get in touch with volunteer@earthcorps.org before the event to make sure everything is in order. On the day of the event, make yourself known to the staff (in bright yellow vests) and arrive early in order to meet your group members.
Youth Policy
Youth under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult. All volunteers between the ages of 14 and 17 that are not with a parent or guardian must bring a filled out Youth Waiver the day of the event.
Youth and school groups are welcome to attend; leaders should contact the Volunteer Team to take care of all necessary preparations.
Closest Address: 4032 W Marginal Way SW, Seattle, 98106 - just north of SW Dakota St.
- From Downtown:
- Take WA-99 / Alaskan Way Viaduct going south to the West Seattle Bridge exit toward Harbor Island.
- Merge onto the West Seattle Bridge.
- Take the 1st exit at Delridge Way SW / SW Spokane St toward South Seattle Community College.
- Take the SW Spokane St ramp. And turn right onto Chelan Ave SW.
- Stay in the 2 left lanes and Chelan Ave SW becomes W Marginal Way SW.
- Continue on W Marginal Way SW.
- On your left you should see a Port of Seattle sign “T-105 Public Access”. It may be hard to spot so look for EarthCorps event signs.
- From I-5:
- From I-5 Northbound take Exit163, from Southbound take Exit 163A to the West Seattle Bridge toward Spokane St.
- Go straight over the West Seattle Bridge.
- Take the 1st exit at Delridge Way SW / SW Spokane St toward South Seattle Community College.
- Take the SW Spokane St ramp. And turn right onto Chelan Ave SW.
- Stay in the 2 left lanes and Chelan Ave SW becomes W Marginal Way SW.
- Continue on W Marginal Way SW.
- On your left you should see a Port of Seattle sign “T-105 Public Access”. It may be hard to spot so look for EarthCorps event signs.
- From West Seattle
- Take 9th Ave SW to Highland Park Way SW which descends into the Duwamish Valley.
- At W Marginal Way SW turn left and head north.
- On your right you should see a Port of Seattle sign “T-105 Public Access”. It may be hard to spot so look for EarthCorps event signs.
- From Hwy 509 Northbound:
- Take the WA-99 S Exit
- Turn left onto W Marginal Way S
- W Marginal Way S turns slightly right and becomes Highland Park Way SW
- Turn right onto W Marginal Way SW and head north.
- On your right you should see a Port of Seattle sign “T-105 Public Access”. It may be hard to spot so look for EarthCorps event signs.
