Nature Consortium honors Dr. King with habitat cleanup
Volunteers looking to join in on MLK Day are invited to help restore important habitat in Seattle’s largest remaining forest. Seattle-based nonprofit Nature Consortium will host a Weekend of Service in the West Duwamish Greenbelt in West Seattle, with volunteer events on Saturday, January 18th and Monday, January 20th from 10am to 2pm.
Though the quality of habitat has been severely degraded over the past hundred years, the greenbelt remains an important part of the Duwamish Watershed. At nearly 500 acres, the forest plays a critical role in filtering the air and water pollution in the Duwamish River corridor created by urban runoff and industrial waste.
A study published last year revealed that residents of South Park and Georgetown, two neighborhoods surrounding the polluted Duwamish superfund site, have a life expectancy eight years shorter than the Seattle area average.
Nature Consortium’s work in the West Duwamish Greenbelt will aid the restoration of the watershed, creating a healthier environment for South Seattle and allowing more equal access to its natural resources.
On MLK Weekend, Nature Consortium and volunteers will plant trees and other native plants, remove invasive weeds, and help protect the forest for the future. The plants will help to reduce storm water runoff, filter pollutants in the water, and reduce erosion. As these plants absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air, they also improve air quality and help reduce the effects of climate change.
In the spirit of Nature Consortium’s mission to “connect people, arts, and nature,” these outdoor events will also feature live musicians to entertain volunteers while they work. Nature Consortium will provide the tools, gloves, and training – plus coffee, tea, and snacks, along with more information about how volunteers can help continue Dr. King’s legacy in the environmental movement. This is a fun and family friendly event for all.
For more information or to register for a volunteer event, visit www.naturec.org/volunteer.
Event Details:
Saturday, January 18th
Pigeon Point Park (part of the West Duwamish Greenbelt)
1901 SW Genesee St, Seattle, WA 98106
10am – 2pm
Monday, January 20th
West Duwamish Greenbelt – Soundway
Riverview Playfield
7098 12th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106
10am – 2pm