Seattle: Kubota Garden
Join EarthCorps and Seattle Parks and Recreation as we work to restore this beloved park. Located in the Rainier Beach Neighborhood in SE Seattle, Kubota Garden is an American-Japanese Garden designed and built by Mr. Fujitaro Kubota. Construction of this gem began in 1927 and lasted beyond the lifetime of Mr. Kubota. Today, the Gardens are owned by the City of Seattle and maintained by the Seattle Parks Department. The garden is surrounded by a natural buffer of urban forest, some of which has only recently been acquired by the city.
During this event, we'll be removing non-native English Ivy and other maintenance tasks. Water, tea, snacks, and tools will be provided.
The Basics
Registration is required. EarthCorps supplies gloves, tools, water and snack bars. We will teach you everything you need to know about tool use, safety, forest health, and the importance of the work you will be doing. No experience necessary, just come ready to learn something new! Be sure to sign in at registration when you arrive.
This video may give you a better idea of what to expect.
For your safety and comfort please bring:
- Clothing that can get dirty (because it will!)
- Clothing that will protect your legs against prickly plants (no shorts, please)
- Sturdy shoes that can handle some mud (closed toed shoes are required such as work boots, hiking boots, rubber boots, etc. NO sandals, flats, or heels)
- Rain gear and warm layers -OR- sun protection (check the weather!)
- Sack lunch and snacks (to refuel)
- Full water bottle (we will have a jug on-site for re-fills)
- Travel mug for tea/coffee
- If you have a favorite pair of gloves, feel free to bring them (otherwise we're happy to provide a pair)
The event will happen rain or shine!
What will volunteers be doing at the event?
While the exact tasks can vary, our projects focus on improving the forests and parks of Seattle. This project is supported by Seattle Parks and Recreation as a part of the Green Seattle Partnership. The Green Seattle Partnership's goal is to restore the 2500 acres of forested park land by 2025. Healthy and thriving forests are vital to our community because they absorb and filter rain water, produce clean oxygen, provide living spaces for wildlife, and create a place for people to connect with the outdoors.
In order to help create healthy forests, the work can include:
- Removing non-indigenous weeds (like ivy or blackberry)
- Maintaining areas where these weeds have been removed (weeding or spreading mulch)
- Planting trees and shrubs during the rainy season (often ~Oct.-Feb.)
Groups
If you are coming as a group, the group leaders are expected to have an active role in our events. After registering your group, please get in touch with volunteer@earthcorps.org to make sure everything is in order. On the day of the event, make yourself known to the staff (in bright yellow vests) and arrive early in order to help guide your group members.Youth Policy
Youth under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult. All volunteers between the ages of 14 and 17 that are not with a parent or guardian must print and bring a filled out Youth Waiver the day of the event.
Youth and school groups are welcome to attend; leaders should contact the Volunteer Team to take care of all necessary preparations.
Directions
Approximate meeting address:
9817 55th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
The parking lot entrance is on 55th Ave S near Renton Ave S. Additional free, street parking is available along 55th Ave S and Renton Ave. S. As with all public parks, we encourage you to leave valuables at home, but if you must bring them, store them out of sight before you reach the Garden.