Earth Day Green Events Sprouting Across Kirkland on Saturday

Saturday marks the 42nd celebration of Earth Day, and the those involved in Kirkland’s “green” efforts are encouraging residents to participate in events sprouting across town from Bridle Trails State Park to the Juanita Woodlands.

Events range from work parties to a recycling collection event. And remember, efforts to improve the local environment continue year-round and depend on individuals. Many who care take it upon themselves do small things that help, such as picking up and packing out litter left at local parks by the thoughtless.

For on-going efforts, see the city’s “Kirkland Green” home page, and for on-going volunteer events check out the Green Kirkland Partnership and Kudos Kirkland.

Here is the lineup of local events during Saturday;s Earth Day:

• Green Kirkland Partnership event. Earth Corps and Native Plant Steward volunteers will lead activities from 9 a.m. to noon to remove invasive plants and spread wood chip mulch. Sign up online at www.earthcorps.org.

• Juanita Woodlands work party and kids’ event. The Finn Hill Neighborhood Alliance is teaming with with Let’s G.O.!, (“Get Outside”) a youth-led Nature Network initiative for a two-pronged event from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Alliance is hosting a work party to tidy up recently planted native trees by weeding around them from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Let’s Go! will leads kids 5 to 11 and their parents in games and short hikes that connect the children with the environment, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Both events start at 76th Avenue NE and NE 120th. For details click here.

• work party. Join the Bridle Trails State Park Foundation for this 9 a.m to noon work party to remove invasive blackberry, ivy, holly and laurel and plant native plants in the beautiful 482-acre forest park that stretches between Kirkland and Bellevue. Carpooling is encouraged because the event starts at a residence along 132nd Avenue on Rose Hill and parking is limited. For details, click here.

• Residential Recycling collection at Houghton Park and Ride. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can safely recycle items that normally cannot be collected curbside at this city-sponsored event in the park and ride lot at NE 70th and 116th Avenue NE. Find event information, click here.

Finally, the city’s Green Team is encouraging participants to share their Earth Day stories on its Facebook site in words and photos. Post your story at www.facebook/com/KirklandEnviro.