Stormwater Stewardship Volunteer Event

The City of Mercer Island’s Stormwater and Natural Resources’ departments are starting a new program to improve and beautify ditches around city parks. Ditches are important features because they help transport water away from roadways and mitigate flooding. But debris and overgrown vegetation can prevent ditches from providing these essential services.

For the program’s first event, volunteers will help remove non-native plants and scrape designated ditches near Pioneer Park. Eventually, in the fall, we will install pollinator-friendly plants that also effectively filter stormwater before flowing into Lake Washington. This event DOES count towards Natural Resources’ volunteer bingo!

Tasks at this event may include weeding ditches, transplanting native plants growing in the ditches, and scraping other grasses and weeds away with grubbing tools.

• When: Tuesday, April 14 – 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
• Where: Pioneer Park SE, Meet at the corner of Island Crest Way and SE 68th St. Follow VOLUNTEER EVENT signs
• What to bring: Dress for the weather in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty (think: long pants, boots or sneakers). Bring water. Small snacks, gloves, and tools will be provided.
• Registration: https://volunteersignup.org/MDYWM

Photo credit: Kitsap County