Seattle Works

PROJECT DETAILS FOR BETTER LATE THAN NEVER - CLARKE BEACH PARK

Depending on when you sign up, you will likely receive an email from Seattle Works with this information. Just in case - here's what you need to know!

What do expect
The event will take place rain or shine so please come prepared for the weather... hopefully we'll end up needing sunscreen! We suggest that volunteers dress in layers of older clothes that include long pants, long sleeve shirt and a jacket. Durable footwear such as work boots, hiking boots or running shoes are recommended. Project hosts will provide any necessary tools. If you have your own work gloves, it's recommended you bring them.

We strongly encourage that you and your team find ways to carpool or take public transportation to Saturday's events. Projects will start promptly at noon and end at 3:30pm. Water and some Clif Bars will be available at the project site, but please come having eaten breakfast or lunch and bring a refillable water bottle. Food, drinks and music will follow at the Seattle Works Day AfterParty at Seattle Center. Make sure to bring your ID if you plan on having drinks! (we do have to card...)

Project overview
Join EarthCorps, Mercer Island Parks and Recreation and community members as we celebrate Seattle Works Day. Clarke Beach is located on the shores of Lake Washington and it hosts a wide variety of activities such as swimming, hiking and picnicking. The forested area of this park is threatened by the spread of invasive plants such as Himalayan blackberry & English ivy. These invasive plants, if uncontrolled, cover and kill trees, fill the forest floor, and prevent the sprouting of tree seedlings. This project is part of a larger effort to restore Mercer Island Parks. This summer work will focus on removing patches of blackberry so that additional trees can be planted as part of a Bald Eagle Habitat Mitigation project. Other work may include removing other invasive plants and continuing stewardship on previously restored areas. Even working for just a few hours contributes greatly, and because you are working in a local park, you can revisit your work for years to come.

Participants should expect to learn a brief history of the Park and an overview of the ecology of Northwest urban forests. EarthCorps staff will discuss forest structure, native vs. non-native plant species, environmental restoration, safety, tool use and restoration techniques. The service project includes the removal of invasive plants and planting site preparation. We will also be performing restoration site maintenance such as weeding and sheet mulching.

All ages are welcome at this project with direct parental supervision.

Directions
We encourage volunteers to carpool or utilize public transportation to our events. You can use King County Metro Online to plan your trip.

From I-90 take the Island Crest Way Exit
Follow Island Crest Way south to the four-way stop at SE 68th St Take a left on SE 68th St. Follow the road curving down the hill until you reach the stop sign. Take a right onto East Mercer Way. Clarke Beach will be a few blocks on your left at the 7700 block. It is easy to miss the entrance to the park so keep your eyes peeled once you turn onto East Mercer Way.

Thanks and have a great day!