RESTORATION AND MAINTENANCE
Habitat Restoration:
Washington State Parks, Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park (FLSSP), and other partners are engaged in a multi-year restoration project at Lake Sammamish State Park, aiming to enhance habitats for salmon, birds like bald eagles and great blue herons, and various other wildlife. A key focus is the 1.5-acre restoration at Tibbetts Creek, vital for the local salmon population.
FLSSP also collaborates with groups like Mountains to Sound Greenway and Trout Unlimited to maintain these projects, ensuring native vegetation thrives over invasive species. This initiative not only supports wildlife but also boosts carbon sequestration and enhances the park's natural beauty.
Landscape Beautification:
Volunteers play a vital role in maintaining the beauty of Lake Sammamish State Park, caring for landscaped areas like the Sunset Beach and Front Entrance gardens.
For those who want to contribute independently, FLSSP offers a flexible weeding program. If you love gardening but lack space, or simply wish to help keep the park tidy during your visits, this opportunity is perfect for you.
To get involved fill out the application. Once approved, you'll receive guidance on weeding locations and best practices, allowing you to make a meaningful impact at the park. Thank you!
Litter Pickup:
During the peak summer season, the influx of visitors can overwhelm park staff, making litter management a significant challenge. In Summer 2023, our dedicated volunteers, in collaboration with various organizations, made a remarkable impact by removing over 1,000 gallons of trash from Lake Sammamish State Park. This collective effort not only enhanced the park's natural beauty but also improved the habitat for local wildlife, demonstrating the power of community involvement in preserving our cherished outdoor spaces.
Trails:
In 2018, Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park (FLSSP) volunteers collaborated with state park planners to launch a Comprehensive Trails Plan (CTP), a visionary 30-40-year project designed to enhance accessibility for all. The plan prioritizes trail projects to improve connectivity for hikers, bikers, and wheelchair users, linking key areas such as the boat launch, East Lake Sammamish Trail, and the City of Issaquah trails.
Recent efforts include upgrading the NW Sammamish Road Trail for better bicycle access and showcasing the ongoing commitment to creating a fantastic and functional trail network that enriches the park experience for everyone.
GET INVOLVED / VOLUNTEER
Join us in making a positive impact at Lake Sammamish State Park! We offer volunteer opportunities for all ages, interests, and abilities, including:
Individual Opportunities:
We have many opportunities you can sign up for; special event support, litter pickup, habitat restoration, landscape beautification, and independent weeding.
Sign up today to make a difference in our community! You don’t need a Discover Pass to volunteer; we provide a day pass for all volunteers. Plus, those who log hours with FLSSP can earn fun swag, and volunteers who complete 24 hours will receive a free Discover Pass from State Parks. Your contributions help free up park staff for other essential tasks and keep our urban park beautiful for everyone.
Private Group Volunteering:
Looking for a team-building experience? FLSSP welcomes community and corporate groups for private volunteering events. We provide the tools, gloves, and project guidance, accommodating groups of 20-25. Please contact our Operations Manager at operations@flssp.org.
We encourage our volunteers to "be safe, have fun, and get some work done!" Past participants have enjoyed seeing the tangible results of their efforts, from litter-free areas to newly planted gardens.