Thousands of trees to be planted as part of Growing Green Program

Volunteers are needed for a series of tree plantings in parks and wetlands during February.

The plantings are part of Clark County Environmental Services’ Growing Green Program, which is designed to increase native vegetation and tree canopy, enhance wildlife habitat, and improve water quality.

Volunteers will plant trees, lay weed mats to reduce competition from other vegetation, and install plant protectors to decrease trunk damage from rodents.

Volunteers are needed for the following park plantings:

• Saturday, Feb. 11, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hockinson Meadows Community Park, 10910 N.E. 172nd Ave.

• Monday, Feb. 20, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hockinson Meadows Community Park, 10910 N.E. 172nd Ave.

• Monday, Feb. 20, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mackie Park, on Northeast 130th Avenue off Northeast 99th Street

Lunch will be provided at all three events. Registration forms, maps and additional information can be found on parkhero.org. More information also is available by contacting Karen Trout at Karen.Trout@clark.wa.gov or (360) 397-6118 ext. 1627.

Also, volunteers are needed for a planting on Saturday, Feb. 18, 9 a.m. to noon, at the University Place wetlands, next to 2512 N.E. 172nd Circle, Ridgefield.

More information on that event is available at volunteerclark.com or by contacting Ellen Manderfield at Ellen.Manderfield@clark.wa.gov or (360) 397-2121 ext. 7745.

Volunteers should dress appropriately for the weather, wear sturdy shoes or rubber boots, and bring gloves.