Join EarthCorps, Mercer Island Parks and Recreation and community members for urban forest restoration in this 25 acre open space. The forested area of this park is threatened by the spread of invasive plants such as English ivy. The City of Mercer Island's open space properties are losing trees and native vegetation from the rampant growth of invasive, non-native plants. This trend is expected to cause significant additional losses in the next twenty years. This will result in the decline of the benefits that open space properties currently provide to the public. Your help is needed to prevent these losses.

Work will focus on installing survival rings around native trees that are covered in English ivy, removing other invasive plants and continuing stewardship on previously restored areas. In the planting season we will be installing native trees, shrubs and ground cover. Even working for just a few hours contributes greatly, and because you are working in a local park, you can revisit your work for years to come.

EarthCorps supplies gloves, tools, water, light refreshments and a talk that covers safety, the park, forest structure, environmental restoration and the overview of the project. We suggest that volunteers dress in layers of older clothes that include long pants, long sleeve shirt and a jacket. Durable footwear such as work boots, hiking boots or running shoes are recommended for these events. These events take place rain or shine so please come prepared for the weather.

Driving Directions:
From I-5 merge onto I-90 E via EXIT 164 toward BELLEVUE / SPOKANE. Merge onto ISLAND CREST WAY via EXIT 7B. Follow Island Crest Way for about 2.5 miles. Look for EarthCorps signs along the way. End at 9100 SE 53rd Place. Look for EarthCorps signs.

Court-ordered community service volunteers are accepted. Youth volunteers are welcome. This is a service-learning opportunity. Volunteer with your family.

If you are under 18 years of age: go to www.miparks.net and click on volunteer opportunities. The Volunteer Activity-Youth Form needs to be signed by a parent. Snacks, tools, and gloves will be provided! The minimum age for this opportunity is 10 years old.

This opportunity is sponsored by: EarthCorps

This volunteer opportunity addresses the following social interests

Community Development Environmental

Volunteers will work with the following groups

People of Color Older Adults (55+) Adolescents (13-17) Religious Groups Adults (26-54) Students Families / Parents Women Men Young Adults (18-25) Military

We need volunteers who are free at these times

One-Time

We are looking for volunteers with the following skills

Environmental Restoration General Maintenance Construction / Maintenance

This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers

Court-ordered Families Adolescents (13-17) Individual Adults (26-54) Large Group (11+) Adults (55+) Small Group (2-10) Children (5-12) Young Adults (18-25)

Upcoming Dates:

Date Time # volunteers requested   Sep 20, 2008 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM 30

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Contact Person:
Chris LaPointe, Volunteer Program Manager, (phone), (email)

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Address:

SE 53rd Open Space Mercer Island, WA 98040 This location is handicap accessible (See a map)

Directions:

From I-5 merge onto I-90 E via EXIT 164 toward BELLEVUE / SPOKANE. Merge onto ISLAND CREST WAY via EXIT 7B. Follow Island Crest Way for about 2.5 miles. Look for EarthCorps signs along the way. End at 9100 SE 53rd Place. Look for EarthCorps signs.

Web Site: http://www.earthcorps.org

Miscellaneous Information

Are Youth Volunteers Welcome?
	Yes
What is the minimum age for volunteers?
	10
Are court-appointed community service volunteers okay?
	Yes
Can families with young children volunteer for this opportunity?
	Yes