Showing posts with label natural resource. Show all posts
Showing posts with label natural resource. Show all posts

Friday, August 10, 2012

Redmond's magnificent Cottonwood "snag"


This is a magnificent 6-foot in diameter Cottonwood snag on Harry and Elizabeth's Redmond farm off of Avondale Court.  The tree was left to die naturally in a marshy meadow and now provides rich habitat for birds and wildlife. 

The city and some residents top unwanted trees to "manufacture" snags, but they don't look or function entirely like a true snag. 

By Bob Yoder
Photo By Yoder

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Abbott and Laura's Neighborhood Garden

By Abbott Smith
Redmond, WA.

Following cottage garden traditions, we call our home and garden The Caffeinated Gopher. The moniker comes from the fact that my wife and I tend to dig more dirt in a season than a pair of caffeinated gophers.

The garden is mostly the work of my wife, Laura. As you mentioned she works for Molbak's. She is a Certified Professional Horticulturalist. My role is periodic manual labor and design input. If you must use one of our names, by rights it should be called Laura's garden.

Our garden, like all gardens, is a work in progress. Each year we tweak and adjust. This season we took advantage of the city removing the tree and leaving a manufactured snag to open up the area along the southeast corner of the garden. We've added some new trails through the heart of the Southern border and limbed up an number of the evergreens so that we can bring in some more perennials and deciduous ornamentals.  Read More >>

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

The Wild and Natural Preservation Areas near Redmond, WA. By Susan Wilkins

Redmond Preservation Map
The Long-term plan for the Bear Creek and Evans Creek Basins east of Redmond

By Susan Wilkins
Redmond, WA.

We in Redmond are fortunate to live near some of the wildest natural areas in King County. On the east edge of Redmond, running north-south along Avondale and Mink Road is the Bear Creek Valley. And the deep valley traversed by Redmond-Fall City Road (SR202) contains the Evans Creek Basin. Both of these valleys are heavily forested and surprisingly undeveloped. They both contain significant native salmon runs with wetlands surrounding the network of meandering streams, especially compared to the incorporated, urban areas of nearby Redmond and Sammamish.

The decision to preserve the Bear and Evans Creek drainage basin areas was made more than 20 years ago. According to Paul Reitenbach, Senior Policy Analyst for the King County Department of Development and Environmental Service, in the early 1990s as part of long-term urban growth planning mandated by the Growth Management Act, the county decided to designate the Bear-Evans Creek Corridor and the Soos Creek Basin (in Kent) as permanently preserved natural areas. The King County Comprehensive Plan was written to include tight restrictions on residential and commercial developments in these basins and the county began programs that promoted habitat restoration and reforestation. Land along Bear Creek has been purchased by King County for permanent preservation using Conservation Futures Tax money provided by open space levies. Many landowners along and near Bear Creek have entered into long-term habitat preservation agreements with the county in exchange for reduced annual property tax bills.  

In the Evans Creek Basin, the City of Sammamish owns the Evans Creek Preserve, a 180-acre city park with nature trails, wetlands and meadows. King County has 30 acres under permanent protection in the Evans Creek Natural Area and also own most of the land with steep slopes along Sahalee Way.  Read More >>

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission approves electric and natural gas rate hikes.



 PGE 
The Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission orders Puget Sound Energy (PSE) to raise electric rates by 3.2 % and natural gas prices by 1.3%.   The rates are significantly less than originally requested by PSE.  The new rates will take effect on May 14.   
PGE originally requested an 8.1 percent increase for electric service and 3.0 percent increase for natural gas service.  
The commission also approved an increase of about 30 percent in contributions to PSE’s residential electric low-income assistance program. Customer contributions to the program will increase from $.59 to $.76 a month, beginning May 14.
Source:  Letter from WSUTC responding to a public comment.  Read More >>

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Family Business is Back!

FAMILY BUSINESS IS BACK!
  By Linda and Leon Hussey

This is truly a ‘Family Business’! Leon and Linda Hussey, former owners of Classic Nursery and Landscape Co., are back in business at 12526 Avondale Rd. NE. in Redmond. Since 2002 after selling Classic, the Husseys started another business called “Keep It Simple, Inc. (K. I. S.).”

Keep It Simple sells compost tea makers (invented originally by Leon Hussey) and the organic ingredients to put into the machines to make compost tea. Compost tea is used to replace the biology in the soil and is like ‘vitamins’ to plants. It can often make a plant stronger to ward off diseases.

The Husseys have owned the over 7 acres site located on Avondale since 2002. They sold their business and continued to lease the land to Classic Nursery & Landscape Co. This year they regained the property and are not only moving their current business but starting an ‘urban farm store’ and will also be selling organic hydroponic products. “The Farm” will have chickens, chicken coops, bee hives, rabbits, ducks, dog, cats, healthy feed for animals, as well as bird seed and feeders. As they grow, they will have fresh eggs, produce and many other organic products. The almost 8 acres will be dedicated to sustainability, permaculture and education.  Read More >>

Monday, January 9, 2012

Mayor Emeritus Rosemarie Ives objects to clear-cutting 28-acre urban Group Health site

This Group Health structure in Redmond's Overlake Center will be replaced mostly by a park and nearby 13-story hotel.
  "The City is required to seek opportunities to preserve landmark and significant trees in connection with the design
of the park."  The approved plan identifies "approximately 12 significant trees and no landmarks" in the area of the
future park.  There is no guarantee they will be saved.  - D. Lisk, Assoc. Planner, Redmond.
The following, was presented to city officials by Redmond's Mayor Emeritus Rosemarie Ives, on January 3, 2012 during "Items from the Audience"

Good evening Mayor and Redmond City Councilmembers. My name is Rosemarie Ives. I am here tonight as a resident to ask for reconsideration of the council’s decision on December 13th regarding the Group Health Master Plan and Development Agreement.

As the former mayor, I know that this forested property matters to the people of Redmond and those of us who are here tonight object to the clear-cutting of this iconic site. I believe that the criteria for exception to the tree preservation/retention regulations have been misapplied and not justified.  Read More >>

Monday, December 5, 2011

Letter: Council to decide on stripping 1050 trees from Overlake development; Dec. 6 Hearing scheduled at City Hall


NOTICE OF HEARING, DECEMBER 6, 7:30 PM, CITY HALL


from the desk of Mary W., Reader, Redmond Neighborhood Blog

In case you did not see a Notice of the Redmond City Council's "Continued Open Hearing and Vote on the Overlake - Group health proposed development," it is scheduled for Tuesday Dec 6th at 7:30 PM according to the 3rd page of the Redmond City Council Agenda for that meeting.

Hope to see  you there to support the retention of as many of the large significant and landmark trees as possible and the expansion of the park area.

Mary W.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

UPDATED: A tree gets nailed

Pathway leading to Redmond Junior High
UPDATED:  Students taking this path to Redmond Junior High walk past this tree.  A "pet policy" school district sign is bolted and nailed to it.  The sign is visible from NE 104th. 

GOOD NEWS!  The Administration recently announced a new pet policy and this sign will be removed.  Kathryn Reith, District Communications Director stated that once new signs are made the old signs will be taken down and replaced with the new pet policy. 


Photo and opinion By Bob Yoder

Friday, September 23, 2011

State Senator Andy Hill co-recipient of "Mountain to Sound Greenway Trust" award.

Mountains to Sound Greenway
Congressman Reichert to present award to State Senators Steve Litzow, Andy Hill and Joe Fain for conservation leadership

Snoqualmie, WA - Congressman Dave Reichert will be visiting Snoqualmie Point Park to present State Senator Steve Litzow (R-Mercer Island), Joe Fain (R-Auburn) and Andy Hill (R-Redmond) with an award from the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust honoring their conservation leadership. Litzow, Hill and Fain are being recognized for reaching across the aisle during the 2011 session to continue funding for a critical wildlife conservation program - the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP). The WWRP was initially slated for elimination in the governor's budget.

“In the Pacific Northwest, we take special pride in our natural resources,” said Congressman Reichert. “I am impressed by the state senators’ efforts to save the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program and look forward to adding more allies to the ongoing mission to preserve our environment.”  Read More about the Greenway and Washington Wildlife and Recreation program >>

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Celebrate Earth Day in Redmond, WA.

Perrigo Heights Preliminary Plat Trail  PHOTO/YODER
Arbor Day

Redmond, WA – Bring your neighbors and celebrate the importance of Redmond’s trees and forest ecosystems by joining the City of Redmond Parks and Recreation Department at Arbor Day 2011, Saturday, April 30 at the Watershed Preserve, 21760 NE Novelty Hill Road from 9 am to 12 noon.

This is the first year the City has joined with the Green Redmond Partnership to celebrate Arbor Day. No experience is necessary and gloves, tools and other materials will be available. It is important to dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.  All ages are welcome.  For information or to participate in this event, please contact Chris Tolonen at 425-556-2369 or ctolonen@redmond.gov .


Sustainable Redmond Announces Spring Film Series

Redmond, WA – Sustainable Redmond (http://www.sustainableredmond.org/) is sponsoring two documentaries this spring on the Eastside. On April 17th they will show “Good Food – Sustainable Food and Farming in the Northwest” in Kirkland; and on May 10th they will present “Fixing the Future” in Redmond. This is a great chance for those on the Eastside to see some wonderful sustainability-related documentaries without having to drive to Seattle, and with free admission!   Read More >>

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

My experience removing "second growth" trees from our Redmond yard

Pam on a tree stump in our front yard
UPDATED: 04/2022  As much as I love trees, it was time to remove this double-trunk Doug fir from our front yard.  The tree diameters for each "fork" at breast height was 27 inches.  This one was a 70-year old, second  growth, beauty and it wasn't an easy decision.

When we moved into our "East Firs" Burnstead home 25 years ago, the fir was about half the size.   But, for about the last 7-10 summers the tree sucked up every drop of water around it, killing off our shrubs and grass.   Acidic pine cones, needles and branches dropped like rain on the roof.  Street appeal?  Suffocating.  Only 18 feet from our house, the exposed tree was a potential hazard.  So after much thought I filed for a city tree removal permit and hired Rudy Schulze of "Top Notch Tree Service" (360-420-9970) to do the work.

Towering  double-trunk fir on the left was removed
after getting a permit from the city.
We thought about removing only the large trunk and leaving the smaller one.  But, Rudy and one other certified arborist said no; that taking one trunk out would be like pruning more than 50% of the tree - not a healthy choice.  So, by the arborist's definition I removed two large significant trees joined at the hip. 

Some tips:  Watch out for the "Evergreen" arborist companies.  A few of them aren't arborists and just want your money. I was quoted $2,000 just for this tree.  I paid Top Notch $950 and a tip.  They dropped the limbs next to my vine maple with precision.   The next day, Rudy's partners hauled away all the wood for free and offered affordable stump grinding services.  Not only pros, but personable!   Visit the the International Society of Arboriculture website to find an ISA certified arborist.

The city requires a permit for removing "significant trees" and Landmark Trees. There's no fee.  For me, when hugging a large tree I know it's a Landmark when I can't touch my fingers.  You're allowed to remove up to two healthy "significant" trees (six inch diameter more) or one Landmark every 365 days with a permit.  

I found the permit here by searching Google. Read the fine lines.  Every tree you remove a tree you must replace it with a smaller tree.  If this is a hardship and you love trees, the City is updating their tree regulations and you may be able to donate to a Tree Fund.

Photos and Story by Bob Yoder, March 23, 2011

Saturday, February 12, 2011

LOTS Going On at King Conservation District

ELECTIONS!  NATIVE PLANT SALE!  SPRING FARM TOURS & WORKSHOPS!
RAIN GARDENS!  STREAM PROTECTIONS! NEWSLETTER AND MORE...
The King Conservation District (King CD) is a natural resources assistance agency authorized by Washington State. Our mission is to promote the sustainable use of natural resources through responsible stewardship. A five-member Board of Supervisors is responsible for all District programs and activities.  Funding for District programs and services comes from a local special assessment and state grants.
Go to KCD website for details on the following:
  • 2011 Board of Supervisors Elections, 2/15 - 3/15, Vote by mail or in person!
  • 20th Annual Native Plant sales, 3/4 - 3/5
  • 2011 Spring Farm Tours and workshops - free educational events!
  • Rain Garden Workshops - 3/8 (Kirkland) - 5/12.  206-292-9870
  • Protect streams and wetlands - pasture and manure management - 425-282-1904
  • Complete list of Native Plants and where they grow best.
  • Winter Newsletter - Email:  District@Kingcd.org
 MORE?  GO TO:  http://www.kingcd.org/

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Pearl Jam forest tree planting event at Hartman Park

CLC GreenRedmond Hartman Park volunteers, 2009
Help Pearl Jam mitigate their carbon emissions by volunteering to plant native trees and shrubs at Hartman Park on Saturday, March 5.

Last year Pearl Jam partnered with Cascade Land Conservancy (CLC) to mitigate the 7,000 metric tons of carbon emitted during their 2009 world tour. Together we are restoring 33 acres of forested parklands in Kent, Kirkland, Seattle and Redmond. These restoration efforts are part of CLC's Green City Partnerships, a program with cities and the community to restore our beloved forested parklands.

Join us to help your favorite band mitigate their carbon while also leaving a legacy of healthy forested parks for future generations.  Hartman Park, Saturday March 5,  10-2. 

Dress for the weather and come prepared to get your hands dirty. Long pants and sleeves, sturdy shoes and a water bottle are highly recommended.

Please Register by clicking below so that we can plan accordingly for the event.

Click here to register for this event…

Photos by Bob Yoder

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Are Open for Business in Redmond

U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee (left) and Redmond Mayor John Marchione (middle) cut the ceremonial gas hose with Jim Blaisedell of Charge Northwest holding the handle. Four electric vehicle charging stations will be running in Redmond, including two at City Hall. (courtesy of City of Redmond)
With the ceremonial cutting of a gas hose, a new era in Redmond began. With energy advocates, local officials and Redmond High School environmental students in attendance, the first Level II charging stations for electric vehicles opened January 13 at Redmond City Hall.

Also on hand to address the audience was US Representative Jay Inslee, a longtime environmental advocate, a member of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming and founder of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) -- and Redmond students.

Representative Inslee commended the City of Redmond in stepping forward to help break the country’s addiction to foreign oil. “When 60 percent of the nation’s cars are electric – that will be the same as getting 82 million cars off the road, thereby cutting our CO2 emissions by one-third,” stated Inslee.  Read more...

Read  More >>

Sunday, September 26, 2010

80 Rose Hill area parents and youth turn out for the Hartman weed-pull!

See the long, brown, linear band of dirt where the weeds were pulled?
Correction:  I've been advised a large group of workers at this event was not reported.  My apologies. Laura Svancarek informs me she set up extra credit for Ms. Marsh's Honors Bio-Chem classes at Redmond High and they accounted for the large influx of youth volunteers.  Laura is a Land Steward and reports she and another Hartman Land Steward, Alvin Loong ran the event.   Laura and Alvin are Juniors at Redmond High.  Laura reports, "We walked among the volunteers and helped them with individual questions regarding plant identification and what they should be doing, and were continually finding new places for the volunteers to work as they removed the blackberries from each area."  Thank you, Laura.  10/05/2010    

Saturday was a beautiful day to work in the forest!  A large group of volunteers from the Rose Hill area spent 3+ hours on Saturday pulling weeds in the Hartman Greenbelt on 176th Ave. NE.   The neighbors across the street were obviously smiling.  Some may have pitched in.      
The turn-out was huge.  Over 80 volunteers showed up for this Cascade Conservancy "GreenRedmond" event.  Many were from Kirkland.   Students from Rose Hill J.H.were out in force, earning school credit for their work.  But, perhaps the largest contingent of  "urban foresters" were scouts from two Kirkland LDS wards.  Jim Balkman greeted the workers while Jeff Burnham, President of the Kirkland LDS Stake (six wards) pitched in - literally!   Some weed piles were almost five feet tall. 
A hard-working maintenance supervisor from the City of Redmond appeared to be running the whole show.  The Land Steward couldn't make it that day, and Councilmember Myers infamous bicycle and clippers were not to be seen.   But, the volunteers did just fine!  
Report and Photo by Yoder

Friday, June 25, 2010

Do you know you need a city permit to remove trees from your property?

Do you (and your neighbors) know that a city tree cutting permit is required to fell trees on your property?   Single Family Homeowners on lots < 10,000 sf are allowed to remove 2 healthy, "significant" trees per year.  A "significant" tree is defined as 6 inches to 30 inches in diameter.  In addition, diseased and/or dangerous trees may be removed with a city permit. 

A city permit is required to remove any significant tree or any tree over 30 inches.   Take a picture of the trees you want removed and map out the tree's location before heading down to the City Hall Permit Center (2nd floor).  A certified arborist should be able to help you with the permit. 

Summer is a good time to remove large, diseased trees growing dangerously close to your home.  Winter storms can easily knock down large trees.  If you confirm a neighbor is felling trees without a permit, contact the authorities.   For more information on tree-cutting visit this City of Redmond web page:  http://redmond.gov/aboutredmond/announceTrees.asp

Opinion By Bob Yoder

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Redmond Scouts reforest Hartman woodlands in celebration of 100 years of Scouting

Redmond Scouts prepared Hartman woodlands for reforesting in celebration of 100 years of Scouting.  Redmond Boy Scouts from units 597, 612 and 613, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spent the morning of Saturday,  February 28th clearing invasive ground foliage from the bicycle trail south of Hartman park to prepare for reforesting the park. The scouts dug up and pulled blackberry bushes, removed ivy and cleaned up garbage to commemorate. This is one of 100 service projects planned by scouts in the Chief Seattle Council in 2010 to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of BSA. For more information on the 100th anniversary of scouting go to http://scouting.org/100years.

Top photo:  Spencer (left), Forest Steward Doug Schmidt (center) and Charlie holding blackberry root (right).

Middle photo:  Forest Stewards Doug Schmidt and Bob Yoder

Bottom photo:  Thirty scouts put in 60 hours of restoration work.  Two troops were from the local "Hartman building" and one was from the Novelty Hill LDS Church

By Nate Niederhausern, Scout Communications, LDS
Photos by Niederhausern
Nate is a long-time reader & FB friend. 

THANKS TO THE SCOUTS AND DADS FROM TROOPS 597, 612, 613!!   Special thanks to Paige Norman for informing us of the "100 years of Service Program."   And thanks to the GreenRedmond Partnership of  Citizen volunteers, City workers, and Cascade Conservancy administrators.   

#####

GreenRedmond be having an orientation for prospective new volunteer Forest Stewards on Saturday, March 13th.  Join our team of  dedicated volunteer Stewards and learn how you can adopt your own restoration project!  Email greenredmond@cascadeland.org  for more information.

To register and learn more:  http://www.cascadeland.org/stewardship/green-cities/green-redmond-partnership/Forest%20Steward%20Program

Thursday, February 11, 2010

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

Friday, September 11, 2009

Updated: Cindy Jayne - An extraordinary Redmond community leader and volunteer.

This strory was authored by Bob Yoder

Cindy Jayne is an amazing Redmond community leader and volunteer.  I first met Cindy reporting on a Parks & Trails Meeting.  I wanted to write her story.  Cindy has taken the summer off and is "working" full time on a backyard landscaping project right now, but she kindly offered a little of her time to share the biography of her volunteer life in Redmond.   Hold your hat, here goes: 

1992  Moved to Redmond - Lives west of Marymoor Park, in the View Point Neighborhood.
2004  Joined Northwest Earth Institute.  http://www.nweiseattle.org/
2005  Steering Committee member for Seattle Northwest Earth Institute
2006  Joined City of Redmond Trails Commission
2007  Joined City of Redmond Pedestrian-Bicycle Citizen Advisory Committee
2007  Laison between PED-Bicycle Advisory Committee and Parks & Trails Commission
2009  Vice Chair of City of Redmond Parks and Trails Committee
2009  Forest Land Steward (with husband Jeff) for Westside Park.
2009  Derby Day Redmond-Green booth volunteer and parade participant.
2009  Starting up "Sustainable Redmond Group",  http://www.scallopswa.org/

Northwest Earth Institute's Sense of Place course is part of what prompted Cindy to join the Trails Commission.   This course focuses on one's knowledge and commitment to the local community. The Institute is giving a presentation of their "discussion courses" for those who want to learn more, Thursday,  September 17, from 7-8 at the Redmond Library, Room. I.   Say hi to Cindy!

Professionally, Cindy worked for 13 years for Physio-Control in Redmond, designing medical devices.  She has a Bachelor's and Masters in Electrical Engineering, and an MBA.  She switched to consulting work in 2008. 
"I had the perfect commute for many years - 5 miles each way, most of which was along the Sammamish River trail. I would ride my bike to work typically twice a week, year round, which both reduced my carbon footprint, and gave me a good workout and fresh air."
Cindy Jayne's personal mission and philosopy on life:
"As I have learned more about climate change, I came to view that as the most critical issue that affects our planet today. It impacts so many other aspects, including poverty, disease, forests, and wildlife. I feel it is a moral responsibility that we all have to try to leave the planet in better shape than we inherited, for the sake of all the world's children (of all species) and future generations.  I am hopeful that not only can we change course, but that doing so will improve our lives by helping bring communities together, and shifting our culture away from consumerism and toward meaningful relationships. As the saying goes, the best things in life aren't things."
Thank you Cindy Jayne for all you do for our community!  

Cindy would love to hear from anyone interested in being part of "Sustainable Redmond".  She can be contacted at cindy@nweiseattle.org.   

by Bob Yoder

Saturday, June 13, 2009

BMX jumpers & parents work 35 hours to improve the Water District forest.

Above are some of the amazing GreenRedmond volunteers who donated time on Saturday restoring the Hartman Greenbelt. We had a ball! CLICK ON PIC! EXPAND THE VIEW!

Updated, 6/17 - The above crew are mostly BMX dirt jumpers and their parents who donated precious time to improve the Hartman water district greenbelt. The BMX'ers use the greenbelt a lot for their BMX sport so it was rewarding to see many of them pitch in. We had 21 volunteers this day and the space looks so much better now! Several came all the way from Redmond Ridge. Mayor Marchione walked by our site asking twice what we were doing! "Building a park!" Pulling weeds! we exclaimed! He talked a little about the Council elections and how happy he was with Carolyn Hope the new Parks Planner, saying she's achieved so much in four months.

Several months ago, I went through a 6 hour training program put on by the City and Cascade Land Conservancy and PRESTO! I'm now a "Land steward" for the City's GreenRedmond Forestry Program. My job is to recruit and train volunteers who want to improve the Hartman Greenbelt. Mostly, we remove invasive plants, like Himalayan blackberries and ivy. Though, we've also found concrete waste and trash. In the Fall we will mulch and plant. This community work is rewarding in many ways. For example, #1 it's great exercise, #2 at the end of the day look at your work and are amazed about how much everyone accomplished, #3 you feel good about improving the forest habitat and appearance, #4 you meet new people, #5 students can get community credit and recognition from the City.

Norah Kates of the Cascade Conservancy summarizes: "GreenRedmond" is a partnership between the City of Redmond, the residents of Redmond, and Cascade Land Conservancy as exemplified in this photo. (Norah Kates is in the center; Chris from Parks Ops is right; Doug is the assisting steward). GreenRedmond works to restore and maintain all 1,035 acres of forested parkland in the city. So far this year we’ve gotten 215 volunteers who have donated 574 hours of their time to the Partnership, and the field season is just starting.
The Parks and Recreation department will be hosting work parties on the last Saturday of every month, there will be other events on the RedmondGreen website. So far we’re working in Farrel-McWhirter, Grass Lawn Park, Hartman Greenbelt, Idylwood Park, Viewpoint Neighborhood Park, and Westside Park/Bridle Crest Trail."

-- Norah Kates, Cascade Conservancey.

Click the pics to see all the people!
The website for GreenRedmond Partnership Land Steward is here.
Green trees deliver green benefits. - article recommended by Cascade Conservancy.