You are amazing! Thank you for participating in the torrential rain on Oct. 17 to restore forest and wetland buffer areas at Juanita Bay Park. With the dedicated help of 65 volunteers we planted over 650 native plants, to benefit people and wildlife both now and for future generations.

Many thanks to Village Mart, 12116 Juanita Drive, for sponsoring snacks, and to Starbucks for providing coffee and water. Hungry and thirsty volunteers really appreciated the hot drinks and variety of snacks generously provided!

We welcomed the participation of individuals and groups. Groups included Inglemoor High School, International Community School, Starbucks, Eastside Catholic School, Redwood Hill Church, Cub Scouts 556, Washington Native Plant Society’s Juanita Bay Rollers, and Juanita Bay Park Volunteers. Many thanks to our great EarthCorps and Native Plant Steward leaders.

Participating in restoring natural areas means that you help purify the air and water (plants remove airborne pollutants such as ozone, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and small particulates), reduce stormwater runoff, provide habitat for beneficial wildlife such as birds and butterflies, and provide healthy environmental connections for us and future generations to enjoy. Great returns for your efforts!

Thanks to professional photographer Bill Bankson for doing a great job of documenting our volunteer activity. His photos are posted at:

www.division1studio.com and follow links to volunteer pictures and Oct. 17 event.

In addition, we’ve updated the city’s Green Kirkland Partnership Web page and it now includes pictures of volunteers taken Oct. 17 at Juanita Bay Park. Visit www.ci.kirkland.wa.us/depart/parks/Green_Kirkland_Partnership.htm.

Juanita Bay Green Kirkland Team