Cub Scouts restore Redmond forest.

Cub Scouts James, Nathan, and Alec with parents in Hartman forest

What a fun time we had in the forest today! Pictured are three Cub Scouts and their parents (Anne, Dale, Jeannie). Are they hard workers!

Lots went on behind the scenes to pull of the event.  City Maintenance crews provided the trees and tools.  Norah Kates from Cascade Conservancy showed us how to use the tools and be safe.  Volunteeer Land Steward, Doug Schmidt coached the cubs on how to plant and mulch the trees.  We planted 17 trees!

The Cubs were industrious and could have planted more.  But, environmental education is part of the Den Leader Jeannie's mission. So after a snack, Land Steward Doug took us on a tour through the forest to look for invasive (bad) plants. Doug is highly trained with a Master's in restoration.  We found English Ivy, Himalayan Blackberries, Stinkweed, and a giant Holly Tree. Doug said these plants aren't from here and are bad. They grow fast in sunlight and smother the forest floor.  The Cubs did a great job digging out these weeds before they planted their trees. 

As we walked through the forest, we saw giant Cedars, Hemlocks, and Maples. The Cubs know that some of the trees they planted may one day grow that tall! If they decide to plant again next year, they'll see how fast their trees have grown.  The link shows the forest area we worked is: http://tiny.cc/0j5Xd.

Lots of forestry restoration work remains.  If you want to schedule a forestry work party contact Norah Kates at: norahk@cascadeland.org. or me.  If you are a larger organization we have plenty of big jobs to in this forest. To learn more about our GreenRedmond Partnership visit: http://www.greenredmond.org/.

By Bob Yoder
GreenRedmond Volunteer