Increase Biodiversity at Picnic Point Park!

Dig in alongside members of Olympic Fly Fishers of Edmonds and local conservation partners for our annual winter planting at Picnic Point Park—a scenic Puget Sound beach park with sweeping views of Whidbey Island and the distant Olympic Mountains.

This event is open to the public, and all ages and levels of ability are welcome. Tools, seeds, plants, and all other necessary materials will be provided.

This year’s planting will look a little different…

For the first time, our work will focus primarily on direct seeding along the shoreline, using native coastal grasses and wildflowers selected specifically for this environment. Seed-based plantings like these help stabilize soils, reduce erosion, and establish long-term native ground cover that supports insects, birds, and nearshore marine life.

In addition to seeding, we’ll also be planting beach strawberry, a native species that has thrived at Picnic Point in past years. Beach strawberry spreads naturally, helps hold sand in place, and provides low-growing shoreline cover—making it a natural complement to this year’s seed-focused work.

Volunteers will work in areas previously cleared during earlier restoration efforts. Representatives from Snohomish County and local stewardship partners will be on site to help guide the work and share insight into how these plantings contribute to shoreline health.

A vegetated shoreline slows erosion, improves habitat for birds and nearshore life, and enhances one of our region’s most beautiful saltwater beaches.

Please join us as we continue caring for this beachside habitat along the Sound.

WHAT TO BRING

• Dress in layers for cold weather
• Wear long sleeves and long pants you don’t mind getting dirty, wet, or muddy
• Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required
• Fleece jackets, sweatshirts, or a heavy coat are recommended
• Bring rain gear if rain is in the forecast—rainy weather is great for planting
• Bring water and a snack

Hand tools and gloves will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer. Please do not bring power tools or herbicides.

WHERE TO MEET

Meet at the Picnic Point parking lot:

7231 Picnic Point Rd

Edmonds, WA 98036

The sign-in location is near the pedestrian overpass of the BNSF railway on the west end of the parking lot.

WHERE TO PARK

Free parking is available in the park’s main parking lot. This lot can fill up on weekends and during good weather, so please plan to arrive early or carpool if possible.