Volunteers Protect Our Urban Forests in Two Successful Events
Snoqualmie, WA – On two Saturdays in October, masked volunteers of all ages planted trees and spread mulch to protect our treasured community forests, which include more than 1,000 acres of open space and forestland as well as 10,000 street and park trees. Green Snoqualmie Day, held at the Three Forks Natural Area on October 16, was the largest Green Snoqualmie Partnership event since the pandemic began, while the Arbor Day event on October 23 gathered neighbors in a Snoqualmie Ridge park. Both events helped ensure our urban forests’ long-term health by planting new trees adapted to site and climate conditions.
Green Snoqualmie Day
On Green Snoqualmie Day, the City partnered with Forterra and the Snoqualmie Tribe to lead a planting at the Three Forks Natural Area beyond the dog park. In tandem with the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, which also led a group, 60 volunteers planted approximately 660 plants and trees in fields previously filled with aggressive Himalayan Blackberry. The new, drought-resistant shrubs and trees will protect the established conifers and deciduous trees that provide shade to cool the Snoqualmie River for downstream salmon. The productive, sunny day also featured food and giveaways from local nonprofits and businesses.
Arbor Day
On a neighborhood Arbor Day event at Chanticleer Park, 20 volunteers planted nine Snowgoose cherry trees and mulched the entire site with woodchips to provide nutrients to the newly planted trees. The rain held off just long enough to provide a good window with residents of all ages working together to accomplish the planting and mulching.
Ways to Participate
Learn more about upcoming volunteer events through the Green Snoqualmie Partnership, an initiative to restore and steward Snoqualmie’s forested parks and natural areas. You can also learn about forest steward opportunities to maintain a specific area. Contact Charlie Vogelheim of Forterra at cvogelheim@forterra.org or Urban Forester Phil Bennett at pbennett@snoqualmiewa.gov for more information.
Gail Folkins, City of Snoqualmie
gfolkins@snoqualmiewa.gov
snoqualmiewa.gov
425-888-1555 / 425-275-7950