Lend a hand digging local plants with King County’s Native Plant Salvage Program

Volunteers are needed to dig up trees and shrubs from future construction sites during King County's Native Plant Salvage Program, a two-part restoration project on Saturday, Nov. 3.

After these plants are salvaged by local volunteers, the native plants will then be potted and relocated to King County restoration sites. Once there, they will help reduce erosion, shade streams and provide safe habitat for local wildlife. The salvage site was donated by Quadrant.

Volunteers are needed to for both parts of the event

• From 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., kick off the project by digging up vegetation at a future development site in Redmond.

• From 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., head over to the King County Native Plant Holding Facility in Issaquah, where volunteers will be potting the native plants.

Native plant salvaging is an ideal opportunity for volunteers to learn about local plants, help protect wildlife habitat and meet others interested in environmental restoration.

"Rather than wasting these plants, the salvaged native trees and shrubs can find new life and provide shade for streams and improving habitat," said Greg Rabourn, King County program co-manager.

Volunteers are asked to dress for the weather and be prepared to get their hands dirty. Sturdy shoes or boots are recommended. Gloves, tools and light refreshments will be provided. Bring your own shovel, gloves and containers if you would like to dig additional plants to take home after the event. A parent or guardian must accompany those under 16 years of age.

For more information or to sign up for either event, contact Rabourn at 206-296-1923 or at greg.rabourn@kingcounty.gov. Information on the Native Plant Salvage Program is available at http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/PI/salopps.htm.

Directions to the salvage site: Take State Route 520 east through Redmond and continue north onto Avondale Road. Turn right onto Novelty Hill Road. Turn right onto Eastridge Drive Northeast. Follow signs to the site.

Directions to King County's native plant holding facility: Take I-90 east to Exit 18 toward Highland Drive in Issaquah. Continue onto Highland Drive. Turn right onto Issaquah-Fall City Road. Take a slight left on Duthie Hill Road and stay straight. The holding facility is in Duthie Hill Park, 27101 Duthie Hill Rd.