Months of endless drizzle, early sunsets and near freezing temperatures can grate the nerves to the point where even the hardiest Northwesterners start threatening to pack it all in and fly south.
Then the year eases into spring, the landscape reminds us why Washington is called the Evergreen State, and we remember why we call this corner of the country home.
Clark County residents can help make Southwest Washington a little bit greener on Saturday, April 20, by celebrating Earth Day with the Clark Public Utilities StreamTeam at the Salmon Creek Greenway. Then, celebrate afterward during the annual Earth Day Fest celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. near Klineline Pond.
“This is the 20th year we’ve hosted a tree-planting event on Earth Day and our 12th year at Salmon Creek,” said Ashley King, StreamTeam program coordinator for Clark Public Utilities. “Year after year, hundreds of people come together, make new friends and put in the hard work to preserve and enhance this special place. That community engagement makes this event something to look forward to all year long.”
Regardless of a person’s age or ability, there will be a job for everyone. Most people will take part in planting 20 varieties of native trees around the stream. Girl Scout Troop 45703 will lead a weed pull targeting garlic mustard, an invasive weed that weakens wildlife habitat. The Salmon Creek Watershed Council will also be leading a trash pickup throughout the site. Volunteers can participate in any event they choose, but registration is required to ensure supplies are available.
For those ready to take the lead, StreamTeam seeks experienced planters to guide and supervise small groups during the tree planting. Those who are interested need only partake in one brief training session from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday — more information is available at StreamTeam.net. Anyone can register to plant on April 20 at StreamTeam.net. Every volunteer who turns out on Earth Day will receive a free T-shirt after four hours of service.
“We’re asking everyone who wants to volunteer to register in advance,” King said. “We need to know how many people to plan for — and how many lunches and doughnuts we need to buy so there are plenty of provisions for tree planters, weed pullers and volunteers picking up trash.”
Parking at the greenway is very limited. Everyone who plans to attend is encouraged to park at Chuck’s Produce on Highway 99 and 117th Street, which is closed on Saturdays and has generously granted use of the parking lot. C-Tran will provide a free shuttle from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. that will run every 15 minutes from the Chuck’s parking lot to the event.
Daylong celebration
The Earth Day Fest, an educational and entertaining celebration of the natural world, begins at 10 a.m. with a sing-along with Recycleman. Following the music, Mr. Lizard will roll out his Mobile Zoo, filled with amphibians and reptiles for kids to learn about hands-on.
Just before 1 p.m., OMSI will wow the audience with Radical Reactions, a fun and entertaining introduction to the world of chemistry.
There are also plenty of ongoing activities planned throughout the day, including button making, raffle prizes, the OMSI Science Festival, Mr. Lizard demonstrations and more.
The Earth Day tree planting and cleanup is just one StreamTeam event in an ongoing effort to improve water quality and wildlife habitat in Clark County watersheds. Every year, more than a thousand StreamTeam volunteers spend more than 3,500 hours planting trees and removing noxious weeds at local Clark Public Utilities events.
Last year, more than 360 people volunteered on Earth Day, and more than 1,200 attended the Earth Day Fest. StreamTeam itself is comprised of a core team of five utility employees and six AmeriCorps environmental staff members. Call 360-992-8585 or email StreamTeam@clarkpud.com with questions. Or register to volunteer on Earth Day or for other upcoming events online at StreamTeam.net. There is no need to register to attend the free community Earth Day Fest, however. All are welcome to come any time between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
“The Earth Day planting event leaves a lasting impact not only in our park but in our community as well,” King said. “We’re certainly improving the greenway, but folks make new friends and build lasting memories with their families and neighbors at the same time.”
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 98668.
