Get your hands dirty and join Kent Parks, Starbucks and REI to celebrate National Public Lands Day, Saturday, September 24 at Lake Fenwick Park, 25828 Lake Fenwick Road, Kent. Volunteers are needed to continue the environmental restoration of the Park’s 140 acres.   Kent has participated in National Public Lands Day for the last five years.  The event on September 24 will be held rain or shine, with orientation beginning at 9:00 am and projects continuing until 12 noon.

Last year was the largest National Public Lands Day in history.  Approximately 170,000 people volunteered at more than 2,000 sites across the nation.  They contributed to over $15 million in improvements to public lands.  The event began in 1994 with 700 volunteers.  It was established as a way to continue the promise of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the 3 million Americans who worked from 1933-1942 to preserve and protect America’s natural heritage.

All ages and abilities are welcome!  Registration is required for planning purposes; the deadline is September 21.  Contact 253-856-5110 or download a registration form at www.KentWAParks.com to volunteer.  Tools and gloves are supplied, but extra shovels and pruners are always welcome.  Volunteers are advised to wear sturdy shoes or boots (no flip-flops or sandals allowed) and to dress for the weather.

The 4th Avenue and Meeker Street Starbucks is donating coffee and hot chocolate, as well as water and snacks, and each volunteer will receive an REI volunteer t-shirt.

In a press release dated October 21, 2010, the City of Kent announced that the corporate headquarters of REI has been named the Kent Green Business of the Year. It had previously won the award in 2007 and 2008.

REI received the award because the company continually focuses on minimizing its impact on the planet including a lofty inspiration to be a zero-waste-to-landfill and climate-neutral company by 2020. In 2009, for example, the company recycled 88% of its operational waste by volume including paper, glass, cardboard and wood pallets.

In the press release, Kevin Hagen, REI’s director of corporate social responsibility said, “We’re honored to be recognized for our efforts to reduce our impact, but we recognize we have much work to do. To achieve our steadfast commitment, we will continue to focus on collaboration as key to our long-term strategy.”

To read the full press release, click here.

For more information about REI’s stewardship philosophies, visit REI online.