Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Wilburton Hill Park

Join EarthCorps and the Bellevue Parks & Community Services as we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Wilburton Hill Park! To ensure the health of this forest for generations to come, we will be contributing to the restoration of the park by removing invasive plants (e.g. ivy and blackberry) and planting native shrubs and trees.

At 105.49 acres, Wilburton Hill is the largest upland park in the city, encompassing a wide variety of recreational opportunities. The park’s trail is a major link in the Lake to Lake Trail and Greenway System, and its forest plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems in the heart of Bellevue.

No experience is necessary. Tools, gloves, snacks, coffee, tea, and water will be provided.

Funding provided by Amazon.

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

Approximate Address: 12400 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98005

Meeting Location: Registration will be at the entrance of the park at the NE corner of the parking lot. Look for orange EarthCorps signs.

• Directions from 405-N:Take exit 12 toward 116th Avenue Southeast
• Take Main St to 124th Ave NE
• Use any lane to turn left onto Lake Hills Connector
• Continue onto 116th Ave SE
• Turn right onto SE 1st St E
• Turn right onto Main St
• Entrance will be on your right as Main St turns into 124th Ave
• Directions from 405-S:Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 13B for NE 8th St E
• Merge onto NE 8th St
• Turn right onto 124th Ave NE
• Entrance will be on your left as 124th Ave NE turns into Main St

Bus: Check current routes on King County Metro’s Trip Planner: http://tripplanner.kingcounty.gov/

Parking: There is a parking lot at the park

Funding provided by Amazon.