Full Text
N E W S R E L E A S E FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oct. 1, 2015 Contact: Meghan Pembroke, communications director, [PHONE REDACTED] Volunteers connect with nature and help protect our urban forests on Green Everett Day EVERETT – Volunteers are needed to roll up their sleeves and join the 2nd Green Everett Day for an energetic morning of forest restoration work that marks the beginning of the tree-planting season in the Pacific Northwest. The work party kicks off on Saturday, Oct. 17, starting at 9 a.m. at Forest Park, 802 E. Mukilteo Blvd. The event provides an opportunity for individuals to celebrate their local forested parks and give back to their community by working with the Green Everett Partnership to restore some of the 354 acres of forested parkland throughout the city. All ages are welcome and no experience is necessary. At Green Everett Day last year, volunteers planted over 650 native trees and shrubs. “When it’s time to plant on Green Everett Day, I will feel fully rewarded for the many hours spent clearing ivy this past year,” said John Davis, a forest steward who has been volunteering at Forest Park since 2007. “I enjoy working with the Green Everett Partnership and other volunteers to care for the public places we love—like Forest Park”. Tools will be provided, as well as instruction on how to plant trees properly to ensure a long and healthy life—an excellent learning experience for kids and aspiring gardeners alike. Snacks and refreshments will be provided by Sno-Isle Natural Foods Co-op and Zippy’s Café. A welcome speech will begin at 9 a.m. at the picnic shelter next to Cedar Hall. All volunteers will have the chance to win a 4-person camping tent donated by REI, along with other fun prizes (must be present to win). Having access to healthy parks is vital to a city’s quality of life. Everett is the first city in Snohomish County to become a Green City Partner. Eight cities including Everett, Redmond, Seattle and Tacoma make up the Green Cities Network, collectively working to restore and maintain more than 7,500 acres of publicly owned urban natural areas and forests. Each Green City has partnered with Forterra to established a ---PAGE BREAK--- community-based restoration program that brings together local nonprofits, community groups, city agencies, neighborhood leaders, and local businesses to support healthy urban green spaces for the future of our region. RSVP by email to [EMAIL REDACTED]. For more information about Green Everett Partnership, visit greeneverett.org