To date, the Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group and its volunteers have spread mulch, removed 5,000 square feet of non-native invasive species and planted about 500 native trees and shrubs at Auburn’s Fenster Nature Park
But more trees are needed to restore and maintain the banks of the Green River for the sake of beleagured salmon and the environment.
“We have been regularly hosting events, but unfortunately have not been able to get the number of trees in the ground that we were hoping for,”.said Erik Rigaux, Stewardship Coordinator for the MSFEG.
Rigaux said the organization wants to get another 700 plants in the ground over the course of the next month before planting season closes. The group has set April 2 as the day it wraps up its ambitious volunteer tree-planting campaign at the park at 2027 4th St. SE.
Water temperatures too warm for salmon have been identified as a major issue in the Green River, especially as exacerbated by climate change. Healthy forests along the Green River provide critical shade to cool the water.
Here is the work schedule ending on April 2:
March 12: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
March 19, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Fenster Nature Park
March 26 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
April 2, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Volunteers will work alongside not only the Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group but also The Green River Coalition and the City of Auburn, spreading mulch, removing non native invasive species like Himalayan blackberry and planting native trees and shrubs.
What to bring
● Clothing that welcomes dirt, like jeans and thick pants, or skirts or dresses with leggings underneath – basically, any outfits that cover those legs – are appropriate;
● Shorts or capris are not recommended;
● MSFEG will provide work gloves, but feel free to bring your favorite pair;
● Rain jacket and rain pants;
● Close-toed shoes are essential, and sturdy sneakers, rain boots or hiking boots are ideal;
● Full water bottles and snacks.
● MSFEG will provide water, but bring a water bottle to cut the use of single-use plastics.
The event is open to anyone and everyone, including students who need service hours. Volunteers should come prepared to work up a sweat
To sign up, visit https://www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp3442474.jsp.
Parking
Park along the road on 4th St. SE before entering the site. There are many No Parking signs about, so please make sure you are parked legally. Follow signs to the worksite. If you use GPS, please double check against a map.
The King County Flood Control District, WRIA 9’s “Regreen-the-Green” grants program, and the King County Wastewater Treatment Division Waterworks program are bankrolling the work.
