Volunteer Event: Ellis Pond (Mercer Island)

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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 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

By Bus: 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.