MLK WEEKEND OF SERVICE AT UNION SLOUGH: EVERETT ( PUGET SOUND STEWARD LED)
Join EarthCorps' Puget Sound Stewards and the Port of Everett as we kick off MLK weekend of service by continuing restoration efforts at Union Slough natural area in the Snohomish River Estuary. Union Slough was created through a dike breach in the Snohomish River estuary in 2001, restoring tidal flooding to an agricultural field and creating approximately eight acres of marsh and mudflat habitat. An additional 4.6 acres were added to the site by another dike breach in 2005. Extensive and diverse saltmarsh vegetation has appeared and spread naturally at the site since 2001.
The Basics
We'll supply gloves, tools, and water. 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 prior experience necessary, just come ready to learn something new!
This event is led by the Puget Sound Stewards, who are part of our program that matches enthusiastic and motivated volunteers to nearshore habitat restoration sites in need of longterm stewardship.
Safety & Comfort
- 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: work boots, hiking boots, rubber boots, etc.)
- Rain gear and warm layers (check the weather!)
- Sack lunch and snacks
- Full water bottle
- Travel mug for tea/coffee
The event will happen rain or shine!
Video
What will we be doing?
While the exact tasks at hand 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 naturally 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
- 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 and integral role in our events. Please get in touch with volunteer@earthcorps.org before the event 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 meet your group members.
Are you or anyone in your group under 18?
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.
Location
Meeting Location:
Just north of Everett off east side of Hwy 529 at 40th PL
Driving Directions:
From the North:
- Take I-5 South to exit 198 (Hwy 529/ N. Broadway/Port of Everett).
- Stay on Hwy 529 for approximately 1/2 mile crossing a large drawbridge over Steamboat Slough- get into the right hand lane.
- Turn right onto 34th Ave NE immediately after crossing the bridge.
- Turn right to stay on 34th Ave NE which will turn right again and become 37th Ave NE.
- Turn Left onto 40th PL NE.
- Make an immediate right into the Port of Everett Union Slough restoration site parking lot.
From the South:
- Take I-5 north to exit 195 (Marine View Dr/Port of Everett).
- Turn left off the ramp to head north on E. Marine View Dr.
- Stay on E. Marine View Drive for one mile.
- Turn left to merge onto Hwy 529 heading north towards Marysville (NOTE: the turn itself isn’t marked, but < ¼ mile before the turn there is a sign that says “Hwy 529: next left”).
- Travel north on Hwy 529 crossing over a large drawbridge over the Snohomish River and a smaller bridge over Union Slough.
- After crossing the smaller bridge, turn right onto 40th PL NE.
- Make an immediate right into the Port of Everett Union Slough restoration site parking lot.
From downtown Everett:
- Head north on N. Broadway St (Hwy 529) towards Marysville.
- As you leave Everett, stay in the left hand lane to merge onto Hwy 529.
- Travel north on Hwy 529 crossing over a large drawbridge over the Snohomish River and a smaller bridge over Union Slough.
- After crossing the smaller bridge, turn right onto 40th PL NE.
- Make an immediate right into the Port of Everett Union Slough restoration site parking lot.
