Tukwila: Codiga Park
Join EarthCorps and the City of Tukwila as we continue to work in the Codiga Park natural area on the Duwamish River. This former dairy farm is now part park and part tidal wetland that provides shelter and food for wildlife like ospreys, great blue herons, bald eagles and juvenile salmon. In 2005, the City of Tukwila and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers partnered to excavate the center of the property, creating a side channel that offers young salmon a chance to rest, forage for food and avoid predators in a more natural wetland habitat. The new channel was planted with native vegetation that thrived. The shoreline of the river, however, remained dominated by invasive Himalayan blackberry and Japanese knotweed. Since 2008, the riverbank has been cleared of invasive weeds and planted with native plants. EarthCorps’ Sound Stewards monitor and maintain Codiga monthly to promote healthy native plants. Work alongside Sound Stewards to ensure the success of the Codiga Park restoration site!The Basics
Registration is required. EarthCorps supplies gloves, tools, water and snack bars. We will teach you everything you need to know! 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 in our local cities. 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 and green spaces, the work can include, but is not limited to:
- Removing 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
Meeting Location
12535 50th Place S, Tukwila, WA 98178
Transportation
Metro Flex: Book a short ride on your phone and get picked up a few steps away from your front door. Rides are the same cost as a bus trip: $2.75 for adults, $1.00 with ORCA LIFT and RRFP, and free for youth. Metro Flex is available in Tukwila, Kent, Renton, Skyway, and more. Download the Metro Flex app or call 206-258-7739 to ride. Learn more at kingcounty.gov/metroflex.
Driving Directions:
- From the north:Take I-5 south and take Exit157 to Martin Luther King Jr Way / WA-900 E.
- Turn right onto S 129th St.
- 129th St becomes 50th Pl S.
- Codiga Park is on the left.
- From the south:Take I-5 North to WA-599 N exit (Exit 156)- toward Tukwila / W. Marginal Way.
- Stay right to take the exit toward Interurban Ave S.
- Turn left to stay on Interurban Ave S.
- Turn right at 42nd Ave S, go over the bridge
- Turn right onto S 124th St.
- Turn right onto 50th Pl S.
- Codiga Park is on the right.