RBC Wealth Management has announced a donation of $5,000 to the Kirkland Parks Foundation to support the restoration of Denny Creek at O.O. Denny Park. The project will promote native vegetation along the Denny Creek riparian corridor and contribute to better water quality in the stream and Lake Washington. It will be a collaborative effort between the Kirkland Parks Foundation and the Green Kirkland Partnership.

The Kirkland Parks Foundation was chosen from among hundreds of applicants from around the world, based on its commitment to addressing water issues and protecting water in urbanized areas.

Kirkland’s land base includes almost 500 acres of natural parklands comprised of a mosaic of forests and meadows, wetlands, streams and shoreline areas. These natural areas face numerous threats: remaining natural areas are fragmented, and increasingly dominated by non-native invasive plants that prevent regeneration of native plants.

“Huge swathes of non-native Himalayan blackberry and other invasive plants are replacing the towering forests so iconic of our region,” the company states in its release. “Our forests are disappearing and along with them the benefits they provide, which include reduced storm water runoff and improved water and air quality. Resources to address these issues are limited.”

The Green Kirkland Partnership is an alliance between the City of Kirkland, non-profit organizations, and the local community. The Partnership has been working since 2005 to restore natural areas by removing invasive plants and planting native vegetation, with most of the work done by volunteers. The RBC donation will help to pay for professional restoration crews to work with volunteers.

This year, the RBC Blue Water Project has committed $3.2 million in grants globally, to 152 organizations that are committed to improve urban water quality, enhance storm water management and protect and restore urban waterways.

“At RBC, we know that water is essential to everything we do – from our most basic daily needs to ensuring our global economy can function successfully,” said Kris Olsen, Branch Director. “By supporting the efforts of Kirkland Parks Foundation we are sharing our love of our local waters and helping to raise awareness and fund water projects to provide access to drinkable, swimmable, fishable water, now and for future generations.”

The announcement is part of RBC’s annual Blue Water Day, a time for RBC employees around the globe to come together to protect their local water sources through “Makeovers”: clean ups, plantings and awareness-raising. In 2015, over 25,000 employees completed 850 Makeovers worldwide.