Earth Heroes sought
King County is seeking nominations for its Earth Heroes at Schools award.
The annual award honors teachers, students, staff, school volunteers, specific programs or entire schools that have contributed to both the protection of the local environment and the education of students on environmental issues.
“Our schools are the source of many fine examples of leadership and inspiration when it comes to protecting our environment,” said King County Executive Ron Sims.
“Recycling, restoring habitat, composting lunchroom waste and growing pesticide-free gardens are among the many types of projects conducted by students, teachers and others in our schools,” Sims said. “We want to recognize these leaders and their accomplishments.”
Nominations for 2009 Earth Heroes at School are due by Friday, Feb. 27. Winners will be honored at an event in April.
The program recognized Snoqualmie Elementary School last year for creating a culture of environmental stewardship. Students and teachers made conservation a daily practice and part of curriculum, inspiring other district schools to do the same.
In acknowledging the accomplishments of environmental leaders in the school community, the program hopes to bring attention to their innovation, creativity and dedication and inspire others to adopt similar actions to protect the environment.
Earth Heroes can be nominated by colleagues, classmates or the general public. Self-nominations are also encouraged. Nomination forms and the list of 2008 winners can be found at www.your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/education/earth-heroes.asp, or by calling Donna Miscolta at (206) 296-4477.
Youth restoration work planned at Three Forks
The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust is planning a service project for high school students, 9 a.m., Monday, Feb. 16, at the Three Forks Natural Area in Snoqualmie.
The trust and Snoqualmie have undertaken an effort to restore a section of the Meadowbrook slough. The slough contains habitat for fish and wildlife, but invasive weeds, including Himalayan blackberry and Japanese knotweed, threaten to overrun the site. Volunteers will continue to remove invasive plants, mulch newly planted trees and do some restoration from recent flood damage.
Sixty high school students from across the region will work to improve the local envrionment. Trees reduce greenhouse gases, reduce erosion, filter pollutants and shade creeks, improving water quality for threatened salmon.
For more information, or to volunteer, visit www.mtsgreenway.org/volunteer, e-mail to volunteer@mtsgreenway.org or call (206) 812-0122.
Greenway to hold
volunteer events
The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust is offering residents an opportunity to get outdoors this winter.
Every Saturday, Mountains to Sound is hosting volunteer events throughout the region. Volunteers will work on trail maintenance and remove invasive plant species in North Bend, Squak Mountain and other areas. Events usually run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with half day options available. Upcoming events include ivy removal on March 7, at Riverfront Park in North Bend, trail maintenance at Squak Mountain on Feb. 14 and 21, and March 7. Tree potting at the Greenway Native Plant Nursery is scheduled for Feb. 14. No experience is required.
Find out more or sign-up at www.mtsgreenway.org or call (206) 812-0122.
