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Summer Newsletter
What is in this Newsletter?
Meet Green Kent Partnership Steward, Terry Hooks
Meet the New Kids on the Block
Featured Weed-Watch Out!
Upcoming Restoration Events
Natural Yard Care Workshops
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MEET THE GREEN KENT PARTNERSHIP STEWARD
Terry Hooks from REI is the Morrill Meadows Park
Steward. A brief, but eloquent bio in her own words: “I was born and raised in Washington; I love it here, being close to the mountains, lots of lakes and the ocean...and also my family. I'm married to my best friend; not everyone can say that. And my sisters are the greatest. They mean more to me than I think they know. Getting outside is my way to rejuvenate. I love to hike, camp, paddle, play sports and ride my bike, among other things.
Giving back to the community by volunteering is gratifying and fun for me. I found I wasn't getting outside or volunteering as much as I really wanted to, so when I heard about the opportunity with the Green Kent Partnership, I thought it sounded like a good fit for me. The training was great and although I was nervous about leading my own work parties, it hasn't been hard at all. I think I've done 4 parties this year with varying group sizes. If I had one thing to tell potential volunteers, people who may be on the fence about whether it's right for them or not...a volunteer experience is what you make it. The level of work is driven by you...as strenuous or light at you want or need it to be. It can be social...I've had groups of friends sign up and have seen people make new friends through volunteering; it can also be a great way to relieve stress!” Thanks, Terry, we are so happy you are on our team!
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
Kelley & Paul Dallapiazza have recently moved to the area from Montana and they are jumping right in to help their new community. Aren’t we lucky! Please join us in giving them a warm welcome and a round of applause.
They have chosen to become Stewards of a site at Clark Lake Park. On Aug. 27th Kelley and Paul worked with 6 other community members to get their site ready for “ReLeaf,” which is a big community Green Kent work party and planting event on Oct. 8th. Watch for the flyer on this event and as always more information can be found on www.greenKent.org. Everyone is welcome to come and dig in!
Check out these before and after pictures. WOW, great work! Welcome to Kent!
FEATURED WEED-Watch out for this one!
Conium maculatum: uttering these two words will make Socrates tremble in his grave. It should make anyone tremble! Conium maculatum is commonly known as poison hemlock. Bearing no resemblance to a hemlock tree, this plant originated in Europe and is now commonly spread throughout the northern United States…including right here in Kent.
Steve Crowell, our Lake Meridian Park Green Kent Steward, found and removed two poison hemlock plants from his stewardship site. Great work, Steve!
This plant is dangerous; very few people survive after consuming it. And with more and more people eating wild plants, the rate of exposure is increasing. It is easily confused with wild carrot, Italian parsley, Queen Anne’s lace, parsnip and others. But, once you know what to look for it is easily distinguishable.
The signature markings on a poison hemlock plant are the reddish purple spots which are present on the stalk. We have posted some great photos on our Facebook Page, please take a look.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sept. 24th National Public Lands Day
Sept. 28th Green River Natural Resources Area
Oct. 2nd ReLeaf at Clark Lake Park
Oct. 22nd Make A Difference Day
Oct. 29th The Fall Clean-Up
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE WITH YARD CARE WORKSHOPS
Would you like to learn how to design a beautiful, low maintenance yard without all those chemicals? Is your lawn in need of a minor (or major) overhaul. Come to the Fall Natural Yard Care workshops and learn how from the area's best (and most entertaining) yard care gurus! Each workshop is FREE and open to the public.
Workshop 1: Garden Design & Designing a Natural Lawn
Wednesday, September 21, 7-9pm
Workshop 2: Growing Healthy Soil and Natural Pest Control
Wednesday, September 28, 7-9pm
Workshop 3: Smart Watering and Designing with Plants
Wednesday, October 5, 7-9pm
Location: Kent Meridian High School - Cafeteria
To register, or with questions about any of our free workshops, contact: Todd Hunsdorfer, 253-856-4727, naturalyardcare@KentWa.gov
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