Fall Planting at Clarke Beach (Mercer Island)!

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Fall Planting at Clarke Beach: Mercer Island Join EarthCorps, Mercer Island Parks & Recreation, and community members to continue working in this great park. Clarke Beach is located on the shores of Lake Washington and hosts a wide variety of activities such as swimming, hiking and picnicking. The forested area of this park has received lots of help over the years, but still needs some work! 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
• If you have a favorite pair of gloves, feel free to bring them (otherwise we're happy to provide a pair)

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. 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.

Directions Clarke Beach Park is located at 7700 East Mercer Way

By Car:
-From I-90 take the Island Crest Way Exit
-Go South on Island Crest Way
-Follow Island Crest Way 4.1 miles to the four way stop at 68th Ave.
-Take a left on SE 68th Street.
-Follow the road until you reach the stop sign.
-Take a right onto East Mercer Way.
-Clarke Beach will be a few blocks on your left at the 7700 block. There is a small gray and green park sign at the entrance to the parking lot, it is easy to miss so keep your eyes peeled.

By Bus:
The bus can be tricky on Saturdays; sometimes there are no buses coming from the Mercer Island Park& Ride. The closest bus stop is at Island Crest Way and SE 68th St. From this stop, the park is a 1 mile walk down 68th street. Follow the EarthCorps A-frame signs to find us.

Be sure to check out the Metro Trip Planner: http://tripplanner.kingcounty.gov/