Kicking off UW-REN Site 5

The 2015-2016 North Creek Forest UW-REN Team

For the fifth year in a row we are fortunate to be selected as a Community Partner with the UW-Restoration Ecology Network (UW-REN). Each year, a team of students from this year-long capstone class takes on a restoration project in North Creek Forest.

If our first work party is any indication - we have another strong team and we look forward to seeing the restoration progress through the winter and spring. Read on for more info and many more photos.

Since this year's site is fairly wet, we consulted with wetlands specialist Kim Peterson of Blue Heron Services, who advised that we install a silt fence to protect from soil erosion. The UW-REN team and members of our Stewardship Committee gathered early in the morning to install the silt fence before the first work party.

After the early morning fence install, we were joined by a terrific crew of hard working volunteers who helped spread about 20 cubic yards of mulch along the trail - which will also help prevent erosion, and allow easier access to the interior of the restoration area.

An old fashioned bucket brigade is the easiest way to get mulch down the stairs.

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Earlier in the week, Northwest Arboriculture dropped off a truckload of donated mulch. Midway through our work party, another truckload was delivered by Bartlett's Tree Service (plus a third load after the work party was over).

This mulch came to us from Boy Scout Troop 420, who collected and recycled 425 Christmas trees from community members. We were honored to be the recipient of this wonderful community recycling effort!

And the mulch smelled great!

Thanks to Northwest Arboriculture, Boy Scout Troop 420, Bartlett's Tree Service, all of our Volunteers, and everyone in Bothell who recycled their Christmas Tree with Troop 420!

Want to join us next time? We'll be back at it on January 30 and February 6. We'd love to see you! Check our Volunteer page for details and to RSVP.