Earthworks Park will “Celebrate Earth Day” on April 17, 2010 to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day.

Celebrate Earth Day by spending the morning at this landmark park. It’s a fun, environmental education event for volunteers of all ages and abilities.  Come clean up this landmark park named for the Earth we are celebrating. There will be pruning, planting and invasive plant removal.

April 5, 2010 update–Earth Day Registrations are closed out. All volunteer slots have been filled. For those wanting to volunteer, there are two additional opportunities coming up:

• Arbor Day, April 24 @ Fenwick Park – Download and complete this registration form.
• Off-leash Park Work Party, May 1 at Morrill Meadows Park – Contact Brian Levenhagen.

Want to help keep Kent clean and well maintained? Then join the city parks department and other volunteers for upcoming volunteer projects. The City of Kent seeks volunteers including corporate work groups, students, scouts, faith-based groups, clubs and individuals to volunteer in Kent parks this spring. Here are just a few of the opportunities available to make a different in the Kent community. Pre-registration is required and must be done at least three days prior to the event. Some events are filled up early, so register well in advance. For registration/volunteer forms, visit KentWAParks.com or call 253-856-5110.

March 19:  Spring Community Pride Day and Graffiti Paint-out

April 23:  Earth Day at Park Orchard Park

April 30:  Arbor Day at West Fenwick Park

June 4:  National Trails Day at Park Orchard Park

July 5:  After-the-Fourth clean-up at several area parks

In honor of Earth Day, King County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks offers these five steps to Natural Yard Care:

1) Build healthy soil with compost and mulch.

2) Plant right for your site. Choose plants that resist pests, use less water and that will provide habitat for wildlife.

3) Practice smart watering. Select drought-tolerant plants, use soaker hoses and water timers, and let the rain soak in.

4) Think twice before using pesticides. Choose disease-resistant plants, pull weeds before they spread, and only use chemicals as a last resort for ridding your yard and garden of pests.

5) Practice natural lawn care. Mow higher and leave grass clippings, water deeply, aerate your lawn and consider weeding your yard and garden manually before using “weed and feed” or other chemicals.

For more information, call 206-633-0224 or e-mail help@gardenhotline.org to ask for the Natural Yard Care brochure.

Helpful online resources:

Soil and composting (King County)
Natural lawn and garden care
Water conservation, indoors and outdoors

Thanks to Victoria Andrews from the City of Kent for this information.

Kent Parks Hosts April Events:  Earth Day (April 18) and Arbor Day (April 25)

Calling all…

* students looking for community service opportunities
* church and corporate groups
* scout troops
* elementary students and their families
* neighbors and other individuals

* service clubs

Even though our weather has been, to say the least, unpredictable, crocus are blooming, leaves are popping out and we’re eager to begin our spring volunteer season. Our first two events are Saturday mornings, rain or shine (or snow), from 9:00 AM sharp until 12:00 noon:

Earth Day, April 18th at Lake Fenwick Park (park in the middle or south entrance, meet at the north entrance)

Arbor Day, April 25th at West Fenwick Park (park in the lot or across the street at Trinity Community Church, 3807 Reith Rd.)
The flyers explain what we will be doing.  A reminder: wear sturdy boots…absolutely no sandals or flip-flops!

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged: register yourself or your group no later than 3 days before each event. Thanks – that really helps us plan.

Please try to arrive at 9:00 AM for orientation and safety tips. Younger volunteers who can’t stay for the whole 3 hours can sign out whenever they need to. We’re expecting a big group for both of these popular events, so everyone’s cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Registration forms and info are available online.