GROW...

I was planted with care. I may grow for 1000 years.

Our fundraising goal for 2013 is $48,000.

In the last two months generous and caring people have contributed $26,800 toward our programs. 

With two extraordinary exceptions, contributions range from $10 to $500. People living in North Creek Watershed understand it takes a modest budget and three elements to save North Creek Forest.

1. Land purchase: We believe grants, not individuals, are the best source of funds for this. Our small budget covers operations. Part of our operations is to help the city get larger grants for land purchase.

2. We restore and protect this rich habitat through direct stewardship actions. That takes volunteer recruitment, coordination with the city, tools and substantial planning. For example: The tree at the left must be watered 1 to 3 times a week during the summer for up to three years. This summer we watered over 400 new plants. Next summer there will be 800 and 1200 plants (or more) in 2014.

3. We support education so each generation inherits not only a rich forested habitat, but a desire to protect and improve it. Some students will likely go on to work with landowners and jurisdictions, protecting and improving key parts of the whole watershed and bringing Puget Sound back to health. It starts with planting a tree.

---

THE EXTRAORDINARY EXCEPTIONS
We know we are doing important work and doing it well.
However when people offer a check for $10,000 it deeply affirms our choices.

Steve and Tricia Trainer
Last month we received a $10,000 gift from Steve and Tricia Trainer. They have been involved in giving to many organizations. Tricia said, "We think you are doing something wonderful". There are spiritual undercurrents in the Trainer's philanthropy. Included is the Chief Seattle Club: "Providing a sacred space to nurture, affirm and renew the spirit of urban Native peoples."

For all of it's biological significance North Creek Forest is foremost a place for renewal.  Thank you Steve and Tricia.

Ready for work. The city is letting us use this 20' container for our tools.

The Rose Foundation
Yesterday we received a Grassroots Grant from the Rose Foundation for $10,000, the maximum amount under this program. We spoke with Tim Little, co-founder and Executive Director. He told us, "Of all the applications received, ours was one of the easiest to decide." We got a 100% yes vote from the trustees.

The grant will be used to secure a part time Volunteer Recruiter/Coordinator and pay for supporting tools and materials. We want to increase volunteer hours by 400% this academic year. It's a big forest.

---

Click on the Rose Foundation's logo and see why we are grateful to be a small part of their their great work.

---

WHAT WE NEED AT THIS TIME

Tools: What we don't have to buy will save money for other needs. If you have extra tools in good shape please contact us (see Contact Page). Someone will pick them up and transport them to our storage container. Click HERE to see our current inventory. Anything on this list is helpful. Our tool stock will need to be about double what it currently is.

Money: If you are in a position to give money please consider including us in your gifts. We need to raise an additional $21,000 for our 2013 budget. $10 dollars buys 2 pair of double leather gloves. $20 dollars buys a sturdy pair of loppers. $100 will feed an army of volunteers blazing through blackberries.

Method of Payment: You can just use the PAYPAL button on the top right of this page. Or you can mail a check to:

Friends of North Creek Forest
PO Box 2053
Bothell, WA 98041-2053

Thank you all for joining us in leaving a legacy for future generations and for providing a special place for education, recreation and renewal.