The City of Pacific needs volunteers to participate in a Pacific Meadows Wetlands Habitat Restoration planting party Saturday.

Volunteers are asked to meet at 8:45 a.m. in the “pocket park,” Milwaukee Boulevard South, between 5th Southwest and Strawberry Court Southwest, Pacific. The planting effort will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wetlands scientist Tom Dee will give a brief talk on the importance of wetlands to water and air quality, and will demonstrate proper planting techniques to student and adult volunteers. Teams will be formed to plant and mulch native shrubs and trees in a section of publically-owned wetlands in the Pacific Meadows neighborhood. Adults will work with student/youth teams.

Lunch and coffee will be provided at noon. Bring a shovel, boots and gloves and wear comfortable clothing.

The project is designed to benefit wildlife, water quality and the Pacific Meadows neighborhood greenbelt and open space.

The margins of the Pacific Meadows Wetlands are choked with a monoculture of invasive, non-native Himalayan blackberries.

“The City of Pacific invites you to participate in a natural resource project where you will plant and learn about restoring natural wetlands using native plants,” said Jay Bennett, City of Pacific Community Development and Public Works Director.

“We are asking the public to take part in our efforts to enhance the wetlands area in Pacific Meadows, creating new habitats for wildlife, improving water quality and increasing the value to the community.”

According to organizers, the planting event should go quickly. Digging will be easy in the soft soil, they explain, with the plants mostly in one-gallon containers, with a few four-foot trees mixed in. Each volunteer easily can plant 10 shrubs in under four hours, organizers said.

For more information contact Jay Bennett at 253-929-1110 or e-mail him at jbennett@ci.pacific.wa.us.