Volunteer Event: Fall Planting at Ellis Pond (Mercer Island)

Save to Favorites

Fall Planting at Ellis Pond: Mercer Island

ABOUT THIS EVENT:
Join EarthCorps and the City of Mercer Island as we assist this dedicated community in working in this one-of-a-kind park on Mercer Island. Ellis Pond is the only year round pond habitat on Mercer Island and many bird and animal species call this pond home. The local neighbors have been stewards of the pond for many years and could use your help!

THE BASICS:
EarthCorps supplies gloves, tools, water, light refreshments and volunteer education. We will provide everything you need to know about tool use and safety, forest health, information on the park, and the importance of the work you’ll be doing. No prior experience necessary, just come ready to learn something new!

FOR YOUR SAFETY AND COMFORT, PLEASE BRING:

• Clothing that can get dirty (because it will!)
• Long pants and a long sleeve shirt (helps protect against prickly plants)
• Sturdy shoes that can handle some mud (closed toed shoes are required: work boots, hiking boots, or running shoes are all fine)
• Sack lunch and snacks
• Full water bottle

EarthCorps runs our events rain or shine! Remember to check the weather and bring appropriate layers and raingear/sun wear if needed.

THIS VIDEO MIGHT GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF WHAT TO EXPECT:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x68cNeaXkTk

WHAT WILL WE BE DOING?
While the exact tasks at hand 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 naturally filter rain water, absorb toxins in the air, produce clean oxygen, provide living spaces for wildlife, and they create a place for people to connect with the outdoors.

In order to help create healthy forests, we focus on removing aggressive weeds (like English Ivy or Himalayan Blackberry), maintaining areas where these weeds have been removed, and planting trees and shrubs during the rainy season.

GROUPS:
If you are coming as a group , the group leaders are expected to have an active and integral role in our events. Leaders, please make yourself known to EarthCorps staff and arrive early in order to meet your group members.

YOUTH:
All unaccompanied volunteers between the ages of 14 and 17 must bring a filled out Youth Waiver the day of the event. Youth under 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Youth and school groups are welcom to attend; leaders should contact the Volunteer Team to complete a group waiver.

Directions:
BY BUS: The bus can be tricky on Saturdays. The closest bus stop is at SE 47th St & Island Crest Way. For specific directions from your address, go to www.tripplanner.metrokc.gov.

BY CAR:
From I-90, take the Island Crest Way exit and head south on Island Crest Way.
Stay on Island Crest Way for about a mile and then turn left at SE 47th.
Take another left on 90th Ave.
The park is at the end of the street. Do not drive all the way to the end of the street as it can be tough to turn around. Park higher up closer to the intersection of SE 47th and 90th Ave and walk down to the end of the street.