Plant native trees with StreamTeam at the Salmon Creek Greenway on Saturday, April 21 to celebrate Earth Day. Then celebrate afterward at the annual Earth Day Fest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. near Klineline Pond.
“This is our nineteenth Earth Day tree-planting event, and our eleventh year at Salmon Creek,” said Ashley King, StreamTeam program coordinator for Clark Public Utilities. “Volunteers, families and kids can sign-up to plant native trees in the morning or just come to enjoy the Earth Day Fest — it’s free and open to all in the community.”
For the Earth Day tree-planting, the StreamTeam seeks experienced planters to be team leaders, and a training for those interested in leading groups of tree-planters will take place on April 14 — more information and sign-ups available at StreamTeam.net. Anyone can sign up to plant on the 21st at StreamTeam.net and every Earth Day volunteer gets a free lunch and a t-shirt for four-hours of service.
“In addition to tree-planting, we’re also asking helpers to pick up trash with the Salmon Creek Watershed Council,” King added. “And pull garlic mustard with Girl Scout Troop 45703. There are a lot of different ways to make a difference on Earth Day and activities appropriate for all ages and abilities.”
Because parking is scarce near the greenway, everyone attending is encouraged to park at Chuck’s Produce on Highway 99 and 117th, which is closed on Saturdays. Free C-Tran shuttles will run every 15 minutes from Chuck’s parking lot to the greenway between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.
At the Earth Day Fest, entertainment starts at 10 a.m. with the Audubon Society showing several large birds of prey, including vultures, eagles and hawks, and Mr. Lizard Portable Zoo will follow with reptiles that kids can see and handle. In the early afternoon, Rhys Thomas’ Science Circus shows off the wonders of physics fun for the kids.
The Earth Day tree planting and cleanup is part of ongoing watershed restoration in Clark County and this year StreamTeam is marking its 25th anniversary of this work. Each year more than 1,000 volunteers put in 3,500 hours working on StreamTeam plantings and projects. Volunteers plant more than 50,000 native trees each year. Their efforts help restore habitat for salmon, reduce erosion and improve water quality. They also work with Clark County to monitor water quality and wildlife in the area.
StreamTeam also sponsors a seven-week Stream Stewards workshop series every fall. Applications are due in September and the Stewards learn about the ecology, hydrology, wetland habitat, wildlife, water quality and stream restoration of the Salmon Creek watershed from local experts. They learn what makes a healthy habitat and how communities affect habitat. In exchange for the extensive training, volunteers commit to 45 hours of service with the StreamTeam or its program partners in the first year as a Stream Steward.
StreamTeam partners include the Salmon Creek Watershed Council, Clark County Environmental Services Vegetation Management, WSU Watershed Stewards, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, NW Wild Fish Rescue and Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation.
A core team of four utility employees and six AmeriCorps environmental staff members keep the program running year round. Call 360-992-8585 or email StreamTeam@clarkpud.com with questions. Or register to volunteer on Earth Day or other upcoming events online at StreamTeam.net. There is no need to register to attend the free community Earth Day Fest, however.
Last year, about 1,800 people showed up to work and play at the annual Earth Day Fest. “We dig in, plant trees and celebrate Earth Day every year, rain or shine,” said King. “And if getting your hands dirty isn’t for you, stop by the Fest for a free afternoon of entertainment and activities — it’s become a fun annual tradition that continues to grow each year.”
Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98688.
