Watershed Park: Eastside Preparatory School (Private)
Join EarthCorps and the Green Kirkland Partnership as we remove invasive species and improve the health of Watershed Park. The park provides many trails and about 70 acres of wildlife habitat. In addition to removing species such as ivy, Himalayan blackberry, herb-robert and Holly, there may also be an opportunity for planting a variety of native species. The Green Kirkland Partnership is an alliance between the City of Kirkland, nonprofit partners, businesses, and the community to restore natural areas in the City. For more information, please visit www.greenkirkland.org.EarthCorps supplies gloves, tools, water, light refreshments and volunteer education that covers safety, information on the park you are working in, forest health, environmental restoration and the overview of the project. No prior experience is necessary, just come ready to learn something new!
The Basics
EarthCorps supplies gloves, tools, water and snack bars. We 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 experience necessary, just come ready to learn something new! Be sure to sign in at registration when you arrive.This video may give you a better idea of what to expect.
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 -OR- sun protection (check the weather!)
- Personal snacks
- Full water bottle (we will have a jug on-site for re-fills)
- Travel mug for tea/coffee
- If you have a favorite pair of gloves, feel free to bring them (otherwise we're happy to provide a pair)
The event will happen rain or shine!
What will volunteers be doing at the event?
While the exact tasks can vary, our projects focus on improving the forests and parks in our local cities. Healthy and thriving forests are vital to our community because they absorb and 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 (weeding or spreading mulch)
- 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 role in our events. After registering your group, please get in touch with volunteer@earthcorps.org 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 help guide 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.
Directions
Watershed Park (5000 block of 112th Ave. NE, South of NE 53rd Street, Kirkland 98033):
From 520: Take the 108th Avenue NE Exit. Merge onto 108th Ave. If coming from the west, merge onto 108th Ave NE. If coming from the east, turn right onto 108th Ave NE. Go straight on 108th Ave NE. Turn right/east on NE 53th St after Emerson High School. Turn right/south on 112th Ave NE and registration is at the end of this road. Park along 112th Ave.
From 405: Take exit 17 towards NE 70th Pl. Turn left (west) onto NE 72nd Pl (becomes NE 68th St). After 0.4 mile, turn left onto 108th Ave. NE. After 0.8 mile turn left onto NE 53rd St. Take a right/south onto 112th Ave NE and registration is at the end of this road. Park along 112th Ave.
Map
Watershed Park 112th Avenue NE Entrance