Help Create a Healthy Forest at Hylebos Blueberry Park in Federal Way!

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Join EarthCorps and the City of Federal Way as we work to improve the health of this forest next to the Hylebos Creek and its wetlands. During certain times of the year, salmon can be seen in this portion of the creek. The site is also home to a former blueberry farm and a blueberry patch still exists today and is free and open to the public during the fruiting season. 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! Be sure to sign in at registration when you arrive.

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 such as work boots, hiking boots, rubber boots, etc.NO sandals, flats or heels)
• Rain gear and warm layers -OR- sun protection (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.)

GroupsIf you are coming as a group, the group leaders are expected to have an active role in our events. After registering your group, please get in touch with volunteer@earthcorps.org 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 Teamto take care of all necessary preparations. DirectionsApproximate Address: 630 SW 356th St., Federal Way, WA 98003

By Car:

• From I-5, take 142B.
• Merge onto S. 348th St. heading west
• Turn left (south) onto Pacific Hwy (Hwy 99)
• Turn right (west) onto S. 356th St.
• Turn right into a large gravel parking lot near a blueberry farm (Lot is directly across S. 356th St from the Brookelake Community Church).

By Bus:
Be sure to check current routes on Metro Trip Planner: http://tripplanner.kingcounty.gov/

You will see our registration table in a grassy clearing near the road on your right. Park in this smaller dirt lot opposite our registration area.