EnviroStars Green Business Directory (external link)
Support businesses that get a nod of approval from EnviroStars! EnviroStars (external link) is a regional program that certifies businesses such as dry cleaners, auto repair shops, and dentists for their efforts to properly manage and reduce hazardous waste. The program is a service of the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks. To locate an EnviroStars-certifed business, call (877) 220-STAR (7827) or look for the EnviroStars logo.

Computers: It may not be worth much cash, but it's definitely not trash!
Did you know computer monitors and other electronic parts can contain hazardous materials that shouldn't go in the trash? Visit the Computer Recovery Project to find out where to donate or recycle your computer, or contact the King County Solid Waste Division at (206) 296-4466.

King County Online Exchange
If you need an outlet for those usable, but unwanted items, and you don't want to throw them away...then this is the place for you. And listing items on the Online Exchange is not just limited to King County households. Organizations in King County are welcome to list items on the Online Exchange.

Salmon Friendly Gardening
A salmon friendly, easy-care landscape can blossom, if you take a few important steps in the fall. Try digging in with the following tips:

• prepare your garden for winter: clean up dead plants to reduce hiding places for pests
• replace pest or disease-ridden plants with resistant varieties
• turn your healthy yard trimmings into compost; turn that compost into healthy soil
• use organic mulch around plants to suppress weeds and improve the quality of the soil

To find out more, contact the Natural Lawn & Garden Hotline at (206) 633-0224.

Think Twice Before Using Pesticides
Learn more about your plants and the good insects in your yard so you can make knowledgeable choices about pest control. Find out when you need to intervene and when natural predators, such as ladybugs, green lacewings, and parasitic wasps, can help you control pests. Pesticides wash off your plants when it rains, flow into stormwater drains and then into local streams.

Naturescaping Workshops
Honey, I Shrunk the Lawn! Learn how to create a low-maintenance, wildlife friendly, native plant landscape at one of our Naturescaping workshops this fall. Some workshops even include an opportunity to dig up plants for your yard. Call 206-296-1923 or email greg.rabourn@kingcounty.gov for details.

Treat Yourself to a Professional Car Wash
Professional car washes are a better option for salmon than parking lot car washes. Professional car washes conserve water and treat wastewater. Wastewater from parking lot car washes contains toxic hydrocarbons and other organic compounds like oils, grease, nutrients, heavy metals and suspended solids that get dumped untreated directly into local streams and Puget Sound. This is a threat to salmon and other aquatic life. Visit the Puget Sound Car Wash Association Web site (external link) for an alternative to fundraising car washes.

For a full fall lineup of water conserving tips, check out our new Web site. For a Bert the Salmon baseball card, call 206-296-8361.

Small Change for a Big Difference
The Community Salmon Fund provides grants up to $50,000 for projects that improve or protect salmon habitat on private property in King and parts of South Snohomish counties. For more information, call Nick Pearson at (206) 691-0700, Ken Pritchard at (206) 296-8265.

King County offers several other grants to help communities protect and restore streams, beaches, wetlands, and natural habitat in urban areas. To find out more, visit the Environmental Grants and Awards page or contact Ken Pritchard at (206) 296-8265. No deadlines exist for most grants up to $5,000. The maximum award is $50,000, but amounts vary depending on the type of project and its location.

Storm Drain Stenciling Project
Storm drain stenciling is a great project for volunteers from ages 8 - 80. Spring through fall is the best time of year to stencil because the road must be dry in order to stencil a storm drain. FREE kits and instructions are available on how to stencil in unincorporated areas of King County.

Find Out Where Water Goes When You Flush
Did you know the choices you make every day can help protect water quality in our community? Tour Washington State's largest wastewater treatment plants and find out how King County protects your health and the environment. Open houses highlight wastewater programs and projects, and staff members will be on hand to answer questions. Join a two-hour walking tour and find out how you can make a difference.

• Tour participants must be at least 12 years old.
• Wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes. Sandals are not permitted on the walking tour.
• Dress for the weather, portions of the walking tour are outside.

Contact Community Relations at (206) 296-8286 for reservations or to arrange an alternate tour date. Visit the Wastewater Treatment Division page for additional information.

Salmon Education School Resources
Department of Natural Resources and Parks programs programs and resources for teachers and students.

Programs for Teachers & Parents
King County has a wealth of programs for parents and educators. Click here to download the current guide.

Wheels to Water is a program that provides a free Metro bus for students to go on water quality education field trips. Contact Laura Gray 206-296-8265, to reserve your free Metro bus.

Want an easy way to get to FALL FOR SALMON events? Go Metro!
When you ride Metro, you help reduce traffic congestion, keep the air and roads clean, and save money. Metro can help you navigate smart moves by bus or bike, carpool or vanpool. Service is available to various Fall for Salmon activities. Call Rider Information at (206) 553-3000, (800) 542-7876 for help planning a trip.