Update from the Living Laboratory

With the weather warming slightly, planting has begun at restoration site A15. Aubrey Tingler, the AmeriCorps member who is collaborating with FLSSP on this project has hosted 4 restoration events so far. The first two focused on invasive removal. The most recent event was the inaugural tree planting and 83 total plants were planted by 8 hard-working volunteers. On February 27^th, there was a second community planting event, which completed the majority of the first phase of planting the site. The largest volunteer turnout was 20 volunteers on January 23^rd for invasive removal work. Aubrey hopes to keep that kind of momentum going through the spring, when combatting the return of invasive blackberry will be critical to the survival of the young plants. In March, a group of YMCA teens will be undertaking a half-day service project at the site. They will be planting, removing debris, and removing invasive species. The community and FLSSP members are encouraged be on the lookout for the next opportunity to volunteer for invasive removal, which is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, March 26^th. Come help the little native plants survive!

To volunteer or for questions contact Aubrey Tingler at aubrey.tingler@parks.wa.gov