Environmental service projects at the Union Bay Natural Area (UBNA) will focus on maintenance tasks associated with ongoing ecological restoration projects. Participants can expect to add mulch to new planting sites, remove invasive plants such as Himalayan blackberry, plant live willow and dogwood stakes, etc.

The various tasks will require different levels of physical exertion so volunteers can pick and choose as they like, but all participants should be ready for physical activities such as bending over to lift moderate loads, using tools such as shovels, loppers, and saws, pushing wheel barrows, etc.

Background info on UBNA and its restoration can be found at the following links:
http://depts.washington.edu/ubna/
http://depts.washington.edu/uwbg/research/ubna.shtml
http://yeslerswamp.org/

Volunteer opportunities:
Tuesday, April 23, 9am-noon -- ALL VOLUNTEER SPOTS NOW FULL
Saturday, April 27, 9am-noon -- ALL VOLUNTEER SPOTS NOW FULL
Saturday, May 11, 9am-noon -- ALL VOLUNTEER SPOTS NOW FULL

To sign up for these opportunities, you must email eschelp@uw.edu with your name, student ID number, and the date you would like to attend.

What to bring:

Projects will take place rain or shine and will only be cancelled if the weather poses an immediate threat (thunder/lightning or high winds).  Therefore, participants should check the weather prior to the event and dress accordingly.  Wear clothes that are tough, waterproof, and that you don't mind getting dirty, as you will likely be digging in the ground and encountering sticks, thorns, etc.  Hiking boots, jeans, and an old rain jacket are good choices.  Gloves will be provided.

Also consider bringing a water bottle, snack, and notebook if you would like to take notes about the project.


Where/when to meet:

Participants will meet at the tool cage on the west side of Merrill Hall at the Center for Urban Horticulture: http://www.washington.edu/maps/?NMH

Directions:

If walking from main campus, walk west across parking lot E1 and continue west along Wahkiakum Lane past the soccer/intramural fields, over the stream and through UBNA. Merrill Hall is the first building after the stream.

If driving from main campus, go east on NE 45th St past the U Village.  Take a right on Mary Gates Memorial Drive.  Take a right into one of the Center for Urban Horticulture parking lots and then meet on the west side of Merrill Hall.