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Department of Natural Resources and Parks

November 1, 2002

News Release
Volunteers needed to help fish and wildlife

Friends of Luther Burbank Park and King County staff need volunteers to help improve fish and wildlife habitat while restoring three acres of wetlands at Luther Burbank Park on Mercer Island, Saturday, November 16, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Volunteers will replace invasive species with native plants and shrubs while maintaining existing native plants.

Wetlands at Luther Burbank and throughout the region provide a healthy habitat for fish and wildlife while protecting water quality by filtering water runoff. Luther Burbank wetlands, and many others along the lake, are damaged by silt and invaded by exotic vegetation due to the lowering of the lake many decades ago.

Volunteer efforts are the key to the success of wetland restoration at Luther Burbank and other King County wetlands. King County Parks and Natural Lands receive help from more than 5,000 volunteers giving over 30,000 hours each year.

Luther Burbank Park will be closed to the public during the wetland restoration as King County prepares to turn over the park to the City of Mercer Island in January. King County employees will staff the parking lot allowing volunteers only to enter.

Below are additional King County Parks programs that are also in need of both individual and group volunteers:

  • Park Ambassadors. King County needs Park Ambassadors who will be responsible for maintaining restoration projects or caring for parks. In exchange for 100 hours of volunteer time in one year, volunteers receive training, a hat, vest, pack and free admission to King County pools and interpretive programs.
  • Adopt a Park. Groups can adopt a park or portion of a trail by volunteering at a site at least four times in a 12-month period. Volunteers will help enhance the beauty of public lands with clean-up projects, tree plantings, weeding and watering.
  • Group Volunteer Projects. Projects can be arranged for groups interested in volunteering for a one time work party in a King County park or natural area.

To sign up or for more information about wetland restoration at Luther Burbank Park or other volunteer opportunities, contact King County volunteer coordinator,
Tina Miller, at (206) 296-2990 or tina.miller@kingcounty.gov.

 Related Information

King County Parks Division

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