Help Create a Healthy Wetland at West Hylebos Park (Federal Way)

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Join EarthCorps/Friends of the Hylebos in working at the beautiful West Hylebos Wetlands Park as we continue to protect this valuable resource in Federal Way! Home to one of the few remaining intact peat bogs in Puget Sound. Wetlands provide places for animals to live and are attractive places for people to relax, stroll and learn about nature. The Basics EarthCorps supplies gloves, tools, water and snack bars. We will teach you everything you need to know about tool use, safety, forest health, and the importance of the work you will be doing. No experience necessary, just come ready to learn something new! This video may give you a better idea of what to expect. For your safety and comfort please bring:

• Clothing that can get dirty (because it will!)
• Long pants and long sleeves (helps protect against prickly plants)
• Sturdy shoes that can handle some mud ( closed toed shoes are required: work boots, hiking boots, rubber boots, etc.)
• Rain gear and warm layers (check the weather!)
• Sack lunch and snacks (to refuel)
• Full water bottle (we will have a jug on-site for re-fills)
• Travel mug for tea/coffee

The event will happen rain or shine! What will volunteers be doing at the event? While the exact tasks can vary, our projects focus on improving the forests and parks in our local cities. Healthy and thriving forests are vital to our community because they absorb and filter rain water, produce clean oxygen, provide living spaces for wildlife, and create a place for people to connect with the outdoors.

In order to help create healthy forests, the work can include:

• Removing aggressive weeds (like English Ivy or Himalayan Blackberry)
• Maintaining areas where these weeds have been removed (weeding or spreading mulch)
• Planting trees and shrubs during the rainy season (often ~Oct.-Feb.)

Groups If you are coming as a group , the group leaders are expected to have an active role in our events. Please get in touch with volunteer@earthcorps.org before the event to make sure everything is in order. On the day of the event, make yourself known to the staff (in bright yellow vests) and arrive early in order to help guide your group members. Youth Policy Youth under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult. All volunteers between the ages of 14 and 17 that are not with a parent or guardian must bring a filled out Youth Waiver the day of the event.

Youth and school groups are welcome to attend; leaders should contact the Volunteer Team to take care of all necessary preparations. Directions Closest Address: 411 S 348th St, Federal Way, WA 98003

By Car from I-5:

• Take Exit 142-B in Federal Way.
• Head West on S. 348th Street. You will cross over Enchanted Parkway and Pacific Highway.
• After passing the park 'n’ ride, the park entrance will come up on your left. We reccomend that you park in the Park and Ride and walk to the park since parking is limited at the park.
• Look for Friends of the Hylebos and the EARTHCORPS signs and volunteer table.