The first day of Spring is this Saturday, March 20th (at precisely 10:32am PDT), and what better way to spring into this bloomin’ season than by whacking some invasive ivy at Walker Preserve?

King County Miller/Walker Creek Basin Steward Dennis Clark wants all our Readers to know that this is a great way to celebrate spring.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Ivy Removal Party at Walker Preserve.

WHEN: Saturday, March 20th from 9am – 11am.

WHERE: Walker Preserve – Enter off First Ave. S. just south of the Normandy Park Assisted Living Center (16625 First Ave. South). The entrance is a gate directly opposite the intersection of S. 168th St. and First Ave. S.

If driving, your parking options include:

• Two-three spaces for high clearance vehicles just inside the gate
• Three spaces in the small lot at SW 171st St. and Second Ave. S.W.
• On the street along S. 168th St. on the east side of First Ave. S.

INFO: From a flier:

Saturday is vernal equinox and the weather forecasters are saying it’s going to be a beautiful day.

You’ll want to celebrate this first day of spring outside as much as possible – and I’ve got just the activity to get you started!

From 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, join me and your neighbors for two vigorous hours of ivy removal at the Walker Preserve.  Details are in the attached flier.

Your volunteering will continue steady progress in improving the health of the urban forest and Walker Creek in the Preserve including:

• Removal of ivy from all trees in the preserve during 2008 and 2009
• Planting in October 2008 of 38 grand fir, 10 Douglas fir, and 7 western red cedar trees to improve the diversity of tree species
• Restoration in August 2009 of 200 feet of stream on the Preserve property and Short family property with the installation of large wood and spawning gravel and the planting of native trees and shrubs on the banks
• Removal in 2008-2009 of all ivy from the forest floor inside the loop at the end of the trail

Photos documenting this progress and the labor of many volunteers are at the 2008 stream blog and 2009 stream blog.

This progress demonstrates that sustained work by volunteers can improve the health of our public natural lands.  Be part of the on-going transformation and join us Saturday!

NOTE: Access to the Preserve is off First Ave. S. for this event.  You cannot reach the project via the 2nd Ave. S.W. entrance due to the bridge closure.  Details on access are in the attached flier.

RSVP so I can bring enough tools and donuts.

Due to the duration and location of the work at the end of the trail in the heart of the Preserve, there will be no porta-potty – plan accordingly!

Dennis Clark
206-296-1909
Miller/Walker Creek Basin Steward
Miller/Walker Creeks Basin Stewardship

Monday, Jan. 18th is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and to honor his legacy, the local American Red Cross and HOPE worldwide Washington are holding a “Day of Service” where they are seeking volunteers to help, beginning at 10am and continuing to 1pm.

Here are the details:

WHAT: American Red Cross and HOPE worldwide local “Day of Service”

WHEN: Monday, Jan. 18th:

• 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.: Rally Celebration with Seattle Sea Gals, Blue Thunder
• 11:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Volunteers canvass neighborhoods in White Center and Burien
• 11:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Educational activities from American Red Cross & HOPE worldwide in the SW Boys and Girls Club

WHERE: Kick-off rally will take place at the Southwest Boys & Girls Club, located at 9800 8th Ave SW in White Center. Canvassing will take place in White Center and Burien neighborhoods.

INFO: From their press release:

Volunteers will gather at the SW Boys & Girls Club for a community rally and educational activities and interactive safety demonstrations for neighborhood youth.

The Seahawks Sea Gals, Blue Thunder and Seahawks heroes Mack Strong and Leonard Weaver will be on hand.

After the rally, volunteers will canvass door-to-door throughout local neighborhoods, talk with residents and leave behind door hangers with safety information. The door hangers include information about smoke alarms, creating a household fire escape plan and tips for cooking and heating a home safely this winter. The door hangers provide information in English and Spanish.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. recognized that strong families and communities make dreams come true. The Red Cross and Hope worldwide want to honor that legacy by keeping local neighborhoods safe.

Home fires remain one of King County’s most common disaster threats. Right here in our community, the American Red Cross Serving King & Kitsap Counties responds to a residential fire every 48 hours.

When the weather gets colder the potential for home fires always grows, but according to a recent survey conducted by the American Red Cross and National Fire Protection Association, this year the potential for home fires may increase even more as people, concerned about the cost of heating their homes, plan to use an alternative source of heat- like a space heater or stove- to lower their bills.

The American Red Cross is a non-profit, humanitarian agency dedicated to helping make families and communities safer at home and around the world.  For more information, visit www.seattleredcross.org.

HOPE worldwide is an international charity that changes lives by harnessing the compassion and commitment of dedicated staff and volunteers to deliver sustainable, high-impact, community-based services to the poor and needy. For more information, visit www.hopeww.org.

In August, a portion of Walker Creek in Normandy Park was reconstructed to make it a better fish habitat, and this Saturday (Oct. 3rd) from 9am to Noon, volunteers will be the first members of the public to see the restoration (the Walker Preserve remains closed while the new pedestrian bridge is being constructed).

Volunteers are sought to help remove the remaining ivy and other invasive plants around the restored area to ensure its revegetation with native plants is wildly successful.

• Do you want to be the first to see the recent Walker Creek restoration?
• Do you care about a healthy environment for your children?
• Do you want to get rid of the stress of the work week by whacking non-native, invasive weeds?
• If so, recruit your friends and family and join us to help restore a section of Walker Creek!

Here are the details:

WHAT: Walker Creek Preserve Stewardship Work Party

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 3rd from 9am to Noon

WHERE: Walker Creek Preserve in Normandy Park; enter through a gate off First Ave South just south of Normandy Park Assisted Living Center at 16625 First Ave South.

If driving, your parking options include:

• Two-three spaces for high clearance vehicles just inside the gate
• Four-five spaces at the far southeast corner of the Assisted Living center (staff said it would be okay for us to use this area); immediately turn left after entering off First Ave.; cars will have to park head-to-tail
• Three spaces in the small lot at SW 171st St. and Second Ave. SW
• On the street along S. 168th St. on the east side of First Ave. S.

INFO: We will continue the work of removing English ivy from trees and the forest floor along Walker Creek.

What do you need?

• An eager attitude
• Sturdy shoes or boots
• Water bottle
• Gloves (if you have them)

We provide gloves, tools, and snacks!

This project is a cooperative effort of the Cities of Normandy Park, Burien, and SeaTac; the Port of Seattle; and King County. These governments are working with residents to improve water quality and create healthy streams in the Miller and Walker Creek basins.

RSVP: Please RSVP in advance so a donut with your name on it is saved; to sign up or get more info, contact Dennis Clark, Miller/Walker Creek Basin Steward, at:

• dennis.clark@kingcounty.gov
• 206-296-1909

Our friends at Burien Parks sent us a note, asking if we could put out a call for a Volunteer to serve as a Day Trip Driver for the Senior Program.

Here are the details:

Are you fun, flexible, people-oriented and like to travel?

Burien Senior Program is looking for responsible and experienced drivers for day trips throughout Western Washington.

If you want to see more of your home-state for free, this volunteer position might be for you.

Call 206-988-3700 for a volunteer application or stop by the community center at 425 SW 144th St, Burien to talk to the Senior Program Director.

Your help is needed to help bicycles and pedestrians in Burien – Sustainable Burien is teaming up with the Cascade Bicycle Club and the City of Burien to count the number of people who walk or bike to their destinations.

In a partnership with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Cascade Bicycle Club, volunteers will count people bicycling and walking on paths, bike lanes, sidewalks, and roads. We’ve targeted key locations around Burien.

Volunteer shifts available are:

• Tuesday, Sept. 29th
• Wednesday, Sept. 30th
• Thursday, Oct. 1st

There are two shifts available:

• 7am to 9am
• 4pm to 6pm

WSDOT will use this count information to track progress toward the state’s goal of increasing bicycling and walking in Washington and reducing the number of vehicle miles driven.

Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond puts it simply:

“When people have safe and convenient places to walk and bicycle, they are more likely to leave their car at home. This count helps us to measure the demand for and benefits of existing paths and trails, and to identify new needs.”

To volunteer, contact the Cascade Bicycle Club at organizer@cascadebicycleclub.org or call 206-957-0689.

To contact or learn more about Sustainable Burien, visit http://sustainableburien.org.

Last fall, a hardy band of volunteers ventured down into the ravine beneath the Sylvester Road bridge in Normandy Park, where they worked to clear hundreds of pounds of garbage around Fox Creek, a tributary stream to Miller Creek. While these folks removed most of the trash, some remains, and more hardy souls are requested to help haul the rest of this garbage out this Saturday, May 16th between 9am and 11am.

There is also an abundance of invasive English ivy that has grown up many of the trees. If left unchecked, this invasive weed will kill the trees and deprive the stream of the benefits they provide. Volunteers will girdle the ivy at the base of the trees, greatly extending their lives.

So, once again the call goes out to watershed citizens who will brave the steep slopes of Fox Creek ravine to care for this ecological resource and improve water quality downstream:

WHAT: Fox Creek volunteer garbage/ivy removal in the ravine below Sylvester Bridge

WHEN: Saturday, May 16th from 9am to 11am

WHERE: Meet at the hairpin turn on 11th Place SW just down the hill from the intersection with Sylvester Road, Normandy Park.

INFO: Please RSVP via email to Dennis Clark so he can plan accordingly and to guarantee your doughnut!

WHAT TO WEAR/BRING:

• Shoes with gripping soles and good ankle support – we’ll be on steep slopes
• Clothes that can get dirty if you slip
• Layers of clothing – you’ll warm up quickly moving up and down the slope or gathering trash along the creek
• Hard hat if you have one – I have plenty if you don’t
• Sun glasses or safety glasses if you wish to use them (primarily due to bushes)
• A water bottle

PARKING:

• Parking is limited. If you can carpool, walk, or bike, that would be great. We will meet at the hairpin turn at the top of 11th Place S.W., just below the intersection with Sylvester Road. If you aren’t familiar with this location and need to MapQuest or Google it, use the following as your destination address: 16856 11th Pl. S.W., Normandy Park, 98166.
• If you drive, proceed down 11th Place S.W. past the hairpin and park as far off the road as you can. Take care to avoid blocking driveways or damaging the neighbors’ vegetation.

STUDENT PARTICIPATION:

• Students 16 and older are welcome.
• Those under age 18 should download and complete this form with a parent or guardian’s signature to allow their participation. Those over 18 do not need to fill out the form; they can sign in on Saturday.

Miller/Walker Basin Steward Denni Clark recently spotted a wild otter in Miller Creek, and here’s his report, along with an invitation that you “otter” help clean it up this coming Saturday, April 11th starting at 9am:

Burien and SeaTac just keeping getting wilder.

On April 2nd I observed an otter climbing over a weir (a small dam) in Miller Creek just upstream of the SeaTac/Burien city boundary along Des Moines Memorial Drive.

After climbing over the dam, the otter continued swimming upstream on SeaTac Airport property. The scofflaw otter paid no heed to the “no trespassing” signs. While the otter’s destination is unknown, it may be on a quest to see the mythical 20-foot tall image of an otter known to appear over SeaTac (“Hector the Sea Otter” on the tail of a Frontier Airlines plane).

River otters long have been observed in the lower portions of Miller Creek in Normandy Park but not this far upstream in some time. Presumably the otter made its way upstream from Normandy Park through the culvert underneath First Ave. South, through Burien, and then through the long culvert underneath SR509/Des Moines Memorial Drive.

You might catch of glimpse of the otter if you volunteer for the April 11th Miller Creek Appreciation Day stewardship project and stream tour. The tour will include the section of the stream where the otter was seen.

It’s a great local way to celebrate Earth Month – work on and go on a rare tour of your local stream!

On April 11th, beginning at 9 a.m., help our on-going efforts to restore Miller Creek. Volunteers will remove invasive plants and put mulch around native trees and shrubs along Miller Creek at the S. 144th St. site in Burien. Normandy Park councilmembers and residents have been working to restore the stream here since October 2007 and it shows great improvement. At 11 a.m., immediately following the restoration project, participants will go on a tour of the creek where it has been reconstructed on the grounds of SeaTac Airport. This is a rare opportunity to both serve and learn about the stream upstream of Normandy Park — don’t miss it!

For more details, download a PDF flyer here, or contact Basin Steward Dennis Clark at 206-296-1909.

At 11 a.m., immediately following the restoration project, participants will go on a tour of Miller Creek downstream where it has been reconstructed on the grounds of SeaTac Airport. You will see parts of the stream not normally accessible to the public. Port of Seattle biologist Josh Feigin will be our guide.

A short drive will be necessary to go from the restoration site to the tour location. If you need a ride, please contact me.

Details and maps are in the Miller Creek Appreciation Day flier (attached; also available at the website).

Please RSVP so we can plan accordingly and to guarantee your doughnut!

Dennis Clark
Miller/Walker Creek Basin Steward
206-296-1909 additional contact information

WHAT: Miller Creek Appreciation Day stewardship project and stream tour

WHEN:  9am – 11am Stewardship Project; 11am – 12:30pm Tour

WHERE: 9am Restoration: South 144th St., one block west of Des Moines Memorial Drive (northeast Burien just north of SR 518 and east of SR 509)

11am Tour: From the restoration location, go south down Des Moines Memorial Drive.  After passing under SR 509, turn left on S. 168th St. After again passing under SR 509, turn left at the first (unmarked) intersection.

INFO: What do you need?

• An eager attitude
• Sturdy shoes or boots
• Water bottle
• Gloves (if you have them)

We provide gloves, tools, and snacks!

This project is a cooperative effort of the Cities of Burien, Normandy Park, and SeaTac; the Port of Seattle; and King County.  These
governments are working with residents to improve water quality and create healthy streams in the Miller and Walker Creek basins.
Advance sign-up is encouraged to help us plan.

RSVP: For sign up and questions, contact:

• Dennis Clark, Miller/Walker Creek Basin Steward
  • dennis.clark@kingcounty.gov
  • 206-296-1909

This Saturday (Mar. 21st) Spring will have sprung so it’s time to get your garden gloves on, dig out those pruning shears and help the Walker Wetlands by removing invasive plants from 10am to Noon.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Walker Wetland invasive plant removal work party

WHEN: Saturday, March 21st from 10am to Noon

WHERE: Walker Wetlands, located at sw 176th near Des Moines Memorial Drive

RSVP: Advance sign up is encouraged to help plan. Please contact Dennis Clark, Miller/Walker Creek Basin Steward, dennis.clark@kingcounty.gov, or phone: 206-296-1909.

INFO: Here’s a link to a PDF Poster with more info. Link to King County’s page is here.

Celebrate spring (Vernal Equinox is March 20) by volunteering at your local wetland!

Here’s your chance to see the big wetlands at the head of Walker Creek up close.

The City of Burien purchased the wetlands in 2005 to preserve the upper portion of Walker Creek.  While the wetlands themselves continue to serve as a giant sponge and filter benefiting the creek, the edges of the wetlands need a bit of care.

There’s some litter to clean up and then we’ll dig up those pesky blackberries that threaten to overwhelm the healthy native vegetation around the edge of the wetlands.

This is your chance to take a peek inside the wetlands before the vegetation leafs out.

What will the volunteers do?
Volunteers will help protect the health of the Walker wetland by removing invasive, non-native plants. The biggest problem is Himalayan blackberry. Volunteers will cut the canes and then dig up the root balls – hard work but satisfying. Volunteers of all ages are welcome but children need to be
accompanied by a parent or an adult.

Why are we doing this stewardship project at the Walker wetland?
The Walker wetland was purchased by the City of Burien in 2005. The Walker wetland sustains the health of Walker Creek by storing and then slowly releasing water. The water also is filtered by the wetland plants. Lastly, the wetland is home to birds and small animals.

Stewardship is needed to preserve the health of the wetland and the larger Walker Creek stream basin.

While the wetland is basically healthy, invasive plants are creeping in around the dryer edges. This stewardship project will help control this unwanted vegetation.

What do volunteers need? The requirements are simple!

• An eager attitude
• Sturdy shoes or boots (you will not be walking in the wetland itself but if it’s raining, you’ll want footwear that keeps your feet dry)
• Leather-palmed gloves (we also will have plenty to loan)
• Filled water bottle
• We provide tools and snacks!

Who’s organizing this event?
This project is a cooperative effort of the Cities of Burien, Normandy Park, and SeaTac; the Port of Seattle; and King County. These governments are
working with residents to improve water quality and create healthy ecosystems in the Miller and Walker Creek basins.

Parking
Park on S. 176th St. east of Des Moines Memorial Drive. Please do not park on Des Moines Memorial Drive.

Celebrate spring in the green – the green of the Walker Wetland!

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The deadline for applying to be on one of the Advisory Boards for the City of Burien has been extended to Monday, Feb. 23rd.

If you’re wondering “why should I join one of these things?” here’s a testimonial from resident artist Maureen Hoffman, who served on the Arts Commission:

“Community is important to me.

Very important.

So that’s been the biggest aspect of being on the Arts Commission: giving to my community, nudging its direction, and building the community around me.

I have stepped into “circles” I likely may never have been a part of, and for that I have been immensely blessed. Art and Design are also key in my life, and to be on the Arts Commission at a time when Burien’s aesthetic expression is becoming so tangible and so visible has been exciting.

There is tremendous momentum in Burien, evident all around, and to have a hand in that, in even a small way, has been satisfying in ways I hadn’t envisioned.”

The four Advisory Boards are:

• Arts Commission
• Business and Economic Development Partnership
• Parks & Recreation Board
• Planning Commission

All appointments are made by the City Council and are for four-year terms (ad-hoc committee appointments are for the duration of the study or special purpose).

Applications are being accepted through Monday, February 23rd,and here’s how to get in on the action:

• Apply online by visiting the city’s website here.
• Download an Advisory Board Application and mail it to:

Citizen Advisory Board
City of Burien
15811 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Suite C
Burien, WA 98166

• If you prefer the “real world” in-person method, you can pick up an application at:

Burien City Hall
15811 Ambaum Blvd. SW
Burien, WA 98166

Further information about Burien’s citizen advisory boards is available by contacting:

Monica Lusk
City Clerk
(206) 248-5517
MONICAL@burienwa.gov

In King County, Countywide Community Forums are a network of small group meetings where people throughout the county can discuss current issues and provide feedback to King County officials.

Two to four times a year, registered Citizen Councilors meet in homes, libraries and other locations to learn more about an issue that matters to them, discuss it with the group and complete a detailed survey on their views.

The next round of forums will be held in February on the topic:

“Citizen Priorities for County Government:
Budget and Strategic Options.”

For more information on Countywide Community Forums, please go to this website.

Where and when are the forums?
Forums are organized by fellow Citizen Councilors at homes, workplace or libraries 2-4 times a year during a one-month participation window set by the Auditor. When notified of an upcoming round of forums, you will be able to select the time and place that works best for you on the Countywide Community Forums‘ website:

www.CommunityForums.org

If you prefer, the Volunteer Coordinators will help you choose the most convenient forum over the phone; just call (206) 296-1633.

Here some more info from their website:

Do you want to get more involved?
If you would like to be more involved in Countywide Community Forums, you can volunteer to be a Community Forums Host/Convener. Conveners find a convenient meeting place and conduct a forum session. You can organize your own group or volunteer to convene a group of citizens who have already registered. Please register as a convener or contact us to let us know that you are interested.

There are also opportunities to get involved as an outreach volunteer. Outreach volunteers help spread the word about the community forums to their community or organization. In particular, we are looking for outreach volunteers in South King County.

Contact us by email or by calling (206) 296-1633.

What to expect at a forum?
At each forum meeting, 4-12 participants:

• Watch a short video and/or review a brief written summary of the key facts and different perspectives on the issue under discussion.
• Take two minutes each to state their views on the topic, uninterrupted by other members of the group.
• Participate in an open group discussion.
• Complete an “Opinionnaire®”: a confidential survey tool that asks specific questions about the current topic and the forums process.

To attend this meeting, you must click here to Sign up/Sign in!

The City of Normandy Park’s Annual Arts Festival is scheduled for June 6th and 7th, and they’re currently seeking help in the following areas:

• Artists
• Vendors
• Volunteers
• Park Board in the Walk-in-The-Park

The first deadline to apply is May 15th; others are listed below.

This is an opportunity for artists of all ages to take part in a juried arts show and to sell their handmade art and crafts. It is a wonderful time for everyone in the community to enjoy viewing the talent of local artists, participate in the annual Walk-In-The-Park, or to just kick back and listen to the sounds of live music.

Those interested in participating in 2009 should contact the Normandy Park Arts Commission at:

• artscomm@ci.normandy-park.wa.us
• Recreation and Community Services
  801 SW 174th
  Normandy Park, WA 98166
  Phone: (206)248-8258
  Fax: (206)439-8674

2009 Forms will be available March 10th.

ARTS FESTIVAL EVENTS:

• JURIED ART SHOW
  The juried show is open to amateurs and professionals. Awards are given in both categories. For those who are new to the art experience, the City offers art classes throughout the year. These classes can prepare you for our annual Art Show.
• ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR
  An opportunity to sell or purchase original art work and crafts.
• ENTERTAINMENT
  Live music throughout the day. Performers include various local youth groups.
• WALK-IN-THE-PARK
  Hosted by the Park Board. Join us at City Hall for our annual walk-in-the-park.

2009 ARTS FESTIVAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

• Call for Artists and Volunteers:
  • Open now thru May 15
• Call for Art Market Vendors:
  • Open now thru May 15
• Accept Artwork:
  • Mon, June 1, noon-8pm
• Set-up juried art show:
  • Tue, June 2, 4-8pm
• Judging of juried show:
  • Wed, June 3, TBA
• Artists Receptions and Award Announcements:
  • Fri, June 5, 7-8:30pm
• Vendor Setup:
  • Fri, June 5, 4-8pm
  • Sat, June 6, 8am-9am
• Vendor Booth Time:
  • Sat & Sun 10am-4pm
• Arts Festival and Craft Fair:
  • Sat/Sun June 6 & 7th 10am-4pm
• Entertainment:
  • TBA
• Vendor Breakdown
  • Sun, June 7, 4pm-6pm
• Pickup art work:
  • Sun, June 7, 4pm-6pm
  • Mon, June 8, 8am-noon
  • Tues, June 9, 8am-3pm

For more information, visit the City’s Recreation, Arts, and Community Services website.

BTB Advertiser El Dorado West Retirement Community is holding a special Golden Years Seminar on “Experience in Action” Volunteerism for Those People 55+ on Monday, Feb. 23rd at 10am.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Golden Years Seminar on “Experience In Action” Volunteerism for People age 55+

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 23rd at 10am

WHERE: El Dorado West, located at 1010 SW 134th Street in Burien (see map below); 206.248.1975

COST: FREE!

INFO: Presented by Solid Ground / RSVP, Refreshments Served; more info at their website.

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The City of Burien is seeking volunteers to serve on one of four Advisory Boards:

• Arts Commission
• Business and Economic Development Partnership
• Parks & Recreation Board
• Planning Commission

All appointments are made by the City Council and are for four-year terms (ad-hoc committee appointments are for the duration of the study or special purpose).

Applications are being accepted through February 13, 2009, and here’s how to get in on the action:

• Apply online by visiting the city’s website here.
• You can also fill out an Online Application Form.
• You can download an Advisory Board Application and mail it to:

Citizen Advisory Board
City of Burien
15811 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Suite C
Burien, WA 98166

• If you prefer the “real world” in-person method, you can pick up an application at:

Burien City Hall
15811 Ambaum Blvd. SW
Burien, WA 98166

Further information about Burien’s citizen advisory boards is available by contacting:

Monica Lusk
City Clerk
(206) 248-5517
MONICAL@burienwa.gov

United Way of King County is seeking help in Burien – readers are needed to read to area children on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 10am-11am.

Here are the details:

More than half of all kindergartners in our state are entering school without the social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills they need to be successful.  Research shows that those who start behind often stay behind.

The good news is that reading with kids on a regular basis can make a real difference. That’s why we are inviting you to become a Volunteer Reader for United Way of King County.

We’re looking for friendly, responsible people to read with young kids—one-on-one (not group reading)—at select preschools, Head Start classrooms, and child care centers throughout King County (all sites and shift times are listed via weblink below).

Did you know that a typical child from a low-income family enters kindergarten with a listening vocabulary of 3,000 words, while a typical child of a higher income family enters with a listening vocabulary of 20,000 words?

Volunteer Readers can help bridge that gap with books.

By simply committing 1-2 hours a week of your time for a minimum or six months, you can have a profound impact on the lives and outcomes of young children in our community.

We need volunteers at a site in Burien, 306 SW 146th St
reet (see map below) on the following days/times:

• Mondays, 10:00-11:00am
• Wednesdays, 10:00-11:00am

For more information:  www.uwkc.org/readers or call 206.461.3656

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Sustainable Burien is having its next meeting this Sunday Oct. 26th at the Burien Library, from 2:30-4:30pm (with doors opening at 2pm).

From their website:

Sustainable Burien is a grassroots group of people exploring, communicating and demonstrating ways of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the resources of the future.

For more information, go to: http://www.sustainableburien.org.

This summer isn’t the only thing that’s moving fast these days – so are the numerous invasive weeds!

Now you can combine summer fun with your inner extreme gardener by taking part in a major weed-whacking expedition in the Miller Creek area of Burien on Sat. July 19th, from 9am to 11am.

The goal is to protect the investment in the native trees and shrubs volunteers planted there last October.

We call it Speed Weed-Whack Volunteering!

TASKS:

• Carefully unwind the bindweed (morning glory) climbing up the new trees and shrubs
• Dig up those blackberry canes coming back using the tiller-mattock hand tools – fortunately, the canes are small and weak thanks to last year’s grubbing
• Spread the remaining mulch on trees with buckets
• Clip grass from around the willow stakes with shears

With a dozen people, this work will get done faster than a morning glory weed can sprout, and work won’t need to be done at the site again until the fall.

The location is on S. 144th St. about two blocks west of Des Moines Memorial Drive in Burien (see map below).

It is recommended that you bring:

• Sturdy shoes
• Re-usable water bottle
• Gloves if you have them (I have plenty to loan)
• Your enthusiasm!

Please RSVP by 10am, Friday, July 18 to ensure that there are enough tools for all.  But if you decide to come at the last minute, don’t worry as there will be a few extra tools.

Rumor has it that there will also be donuts provided!

More info here, or contact Dennis Clark at (206) 296-1909.

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The City of Burien and Volunteers for Outdoor Washington is having an “Earth Day In May” clean-up celebration at Seahurst Park this Saturday, May 31st, from 9am to 12:30pm:

Meet and sign-in will be at the Seahurst Park North Picnic Shelter.

All-ages are welcome and no tools are necessary, so bring the family and enjoy a day in the great outdoors while helping to preserve this wonderful local resource.

Don’t forget that after the clean-up is over, there will be a very cool Beach Naturalist Walk lead by Environmental Science Center Naturalists (and no, the term “naturalist” doesn’t mean they’ll be au naturel…), where you may see something like this:

Sign up at www.trailvolunteers.org or for more info call (206) 988-3700.

If you believe the imminently wonderful weekend “Weather Advisory” (which we do since it’s about 68 degrees right now), this weekend will be gorgeous and sunny.

What better way to celebrate the belated arrival of Spring (or does this qualify as an early Summer?) than by heading on over to Shorewood Park on Saturday from 10am – Noon for a mulch spreading and invasive plant removal work party?

Volunteers will be working in the lower portion of the park so follow the short trail till you reach them. Parks Board Chair Jean Spohn will be leading the effort on Saturday so be sure to get signed in with her. You do not have to stay the whole time – come for as long as your schedule allows.

Shorewood Park is located at 28th Avenue SW and SW 118th Street (follow Ambaum to 116th Street, turn left and head west on 116th Street; at 28th Avenue SW take a left and go 2 blocks; the park entrance is on your left).

If you have loppers bring them along.

And don’t forget the sunscreen!

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From United Way of King County:

More than half of all kindergartners in our state are entering school without the social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills they need to be successful.

Research shows that those who start behind often stay behind. The good news is that reading with kids on a regular basis can make a real difference.

That’s why we are inviting you to become a Volunteer Reader for United Way of King County.

United Way of King County is currently recruiting volunteers to read aloud to young children (ages 3-5), one or two at a time (not group reading), at preschools, Head Start classrooms, and child care centers throughout King County.

We particularly need volunteers in Seattle’s Central District, Beacon Hill and Rainier Valley, Burien, and Des Moines.

What’s involved:

• Read to kids, one or two at a time, for one hour each week.
• Commit to at least six months with the program, preferably longer.
• Be friendly, energetic, and responsible.

Why read to kids:

• It’s fun!
• It’s the best way to prepare kids for school.
• It gives kids a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

All opportunities are between 9am-4pm Monday to Friday only.

To volunteer, or get more information, visit the United Way of King County website.

Please forward this to anyone who might be interested in this opportunity. Together we can create positive, lasting change in our community. We look forward to hearing from you!

FRIENDS OF BURIEN PARKS Needs You!

 

Do you enjoy:

• Watching Burien keep getting better and better?

• Enjoying a summer sunset over the Olympic Mountains on the beach or hiking the forested trails at Seahurst Park?

• Relaxing at Lake Burien Park evening concerts?

• Bringing the kids to the new play equipment at Manhattan Park?

• Playing soccer or baseball at Moshier Park?

• OR participating in one of the City’s 300 arts, sports, health, environmental education, or special interest recreational programs, trips, or events? 

If so, consider meeting new friends and neighbors by joining the Friends of Burien Parks.

Since 1993, this non-profit organization has enhanced park facilities, recreation programs, and cultural services.

Currently, the group’s focus is assisting with the new Town Square and Jacob Ambaum Park.

Your ideas, assistance, and energy is needed!

Please consider getting involved by contacting Gloria Gould-Wessen at (206) 241-8142.