Give a plant a new chance at life with King County's Native Plant Salvage Program

Volunteers are needed to dig out and pot up native vegetation during King County's two-part restoration project on Saturday, Nov. 4. Salvaged native plants are relocated to King County restoration sites where they help reduce erosion, shade streams and improve fish and wildlife habitat.

Volunteers can get their hands dirty at one or both of the salvage activities:

• From 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., dig up native plants and shrubs from a site in Snoqualmie that is scheduled for development;

• From 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., pot up the rescued vegetation at King County's Native Plant Holding Facility in Issaquah.  
  

After recuperating at the holding facility, the plants are given new life at habitat restoration sites throughout King County.

"Once replanted, these native plants will help restore stream banks, wetlands and buffers near a variety of capital improvement and roads projects," said Greg Rabourn, King County community stewardship specialist.

Volunteers are asked to dress for the weather and be prepared to get dirty. Sturdy shoes or boots are recommended. Gloves, tools and light refreshments will be provided. A parent or guardian must accompany volunteers under 16.

Another native plant salvage volunteer event is set for Dec. 2 at the same times and locations.

For more information or to sign up for either event, contact Rabourn at 206-296-1923 or at greg.rabourn@kingcounty.gov. Information on the native plant salvage program is available at http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/PI/salopps.htm.

Directions to the salvage site: Take I-90 east to Exit 27. Turn left onto Southeast North Bend Way. The site is on the north side of Southeast North Bend Way, near 37500 SE North Bend Way in Snoqualmie. Parking is available on the shoulder of Southeast North Bend Way and on 372nd Avenue Southeast.

Directions to King County's Native Plant Holding Facility: Take I-90 east to Exit 18 toward Highland Drive in Issaquah. Continue straight onto Highland Drive. Turn right onto Issaquah-Fall City Road. Take a slight left onto Duthie Hill Road. The holding facility is located at 27101 Duthie Hill Rd. in Duthie Hill Park.