The Green Redmond Partnership between the city of Redmond, Forterra and dedicated volunteers are hosting a Green Redmond Day from 9 a.m. to noon on Oct. 27.
Since 2009, volunteers have dedicated more than 26,100 hours to plant 10,730 trees and 21,750 shrubs throughout 15 different Redmond parks. They have helped bring more than 1,000 acres of forested parkland into active management through the removal of non-native, invasive plants and native trees and shrubs.
“This is our biggest planting celebration of the year for the Green Redmond Partnership. Our goal is to have the community out and help us to plant the future forest of our parks,” said Forterra’s stewardship coordinator Nicole Marcotte. “It’s really important for residents to connect with their local green spaces to realize the benefits that they provide, beyond ecosystem services but also providing the opportunity to connect with their neighbors and to create memories with their family.”
Green Redmond Partnership is hosting planting work parties in three parks this year. They will be planting trees at Farrel-McWhirter Park, Juel Community Park and Smith Woods. People of all ages are welcome to volunteer and no experience is required. People are encouraged to dress for the weather and to wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes. Volunteers younger than 15 need to be accompanied by an adult.
“The Green Redmond Partnership, through dedicated volunteers, is making a difference in the restoration efforts of forests and parkland,” said Mayor John Marchione in a press release. “Its tree planting programs create a positive impact on our current community and will continue providing benefits for future generations.”
Green Redmond Day is currently full with 120 volunteers. The Green Redmond Partnership is planning to host additional planting work parties in November and December. They also have various work parties throughout the year that don’t involve planting.
To find future events or to learn more about the Green Redmond Partnership, visit their site greenredmond.org. Volunteers can also contact them at 206-905-6924.
