Duwamish Alive! is seeking Volunteers to plant native plants, remove invasive vegetation and clean up river debris Saturday, Oct. 17, during a community stewardship event at sites in White Center, Tukwila and West Seattle.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and marks 20 years of caring for the Duwamish River and its watershed.
Volunteers can find participating events and register at DuwamishAlive.org.
The coalition said volunteers will help maintain restored habitat by planting, removing invasive plants and spreading mulch to improve soil health. A kayak cleanup will also remove debris from the river to reduce its harmful effects on fish and marine life. The event welcomes families and volunteers of all ages.
A welcoming ceremony will take place from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at White Center Heights Park. King County Executive Girmay Zahilay is scheduled to speak and introduce a county program connecting community members with organizations that serve their communities, according to the coalition.
The ceremony will include information about the program and opportunities to learn about local environmental issues. Volunteers and people stopping by are welcome to attend.
The Duwamish River ecosystem supports five salmon species, including threatened Chinook salmon, an important food source for southern resident orcas, the coalition said. River otters, beavers, bald eagles and blue herons also depend on habitat within the watershed.
Restoration work extends beyond the river itself. According to the coalition, forested areas such as the West Duwamish Greenbelt help filter air pollution and polluted stormwater runoff. Expanding tree cover also helps reduce summer heat, which disproportionately affects people with low incomes and communities of color.
The coalition brings together local organizations to improve the health of the river and surrounding lands, with community volunteers providing support for that work.
Following the stewardship event, Duwamish Alive! will celebrate its 20th anniversary at Duwamish Waterway Park in South Park. The celebration runs from 1 to 6:30 p.m. as part of the Current Festival, featuring music, food, art and kayaking.
From their website:
“Duwamish Alive collaborates with community, municipalities, non-profits and businesses within the Duwamish River Watershed to preserve and enhance habitat for people and wildlife, towards improving the health of the Puget Sound.
“Our primary goals are to:
- “Increase awareness of environmental issues impacting the Green-Duwamish Watershed
- “Promote healthy, functioning habitat in the Duwamish River Watershed through increasing and connecting habitat and addressing critical issues affecting the watershed’s health.Involve community members in direct stewardship of the watershed through volunteer work parties, environmental education and neighborhood celebrations
- “Maintain and improve the collaboration of organizations, businesses and municipalities working in the Duwamish River Watershed to provide integrated efforts and solutions”
