Help Create a Healthy forest at Lake Hills Greenbelt in Bellevue!

Join EarthCorps, Bellevue Parks & Community Services, King Conservation District and the Ivy Out! Program as we plant trees and shrubs in the beautiful Lake Hills Greenbelt. This greenbelt serves as a wetland corridor that connects local streams, lakes, wetlands and forests. As beautiful as it is, this green space could still use some extra help, and that's where you come in!

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 prior experience necessary, just come ready to learn something new!
 
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: 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!
 
THIS VIDEO MIGHT GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF WHAT TO EXPECT:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x68cNeaXkTk
 
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. Leaders, please make yourself known to EarthCorps staff and arrive early in order to meet your group members.
 
YOUTH:
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 complete a group waiver.

DIRECTIONS:

Approximate Address: 15500 SE 16^th Street, Bellevue, WA 98007

Meeting Location: Meet at the garden shelter at the Lake Hills Greenbelt Community Demonstration Garden
 
By Car from I-90:
(Carpooling is highly recommended as parking might be tight)

• Take exit 11B toward 148^th Ave SE
• Continue north on 148^th Ave SE (past Bellevue College)
• Turn right on SE 16^th St.
• Parking lot will be on the left (just past the Bellevue Park Ranger Station but before the little red barn building)

By Bus:

• Be sure to check current routes on Metro Trip Planner: http://tripplanner.kingcounty.gov/