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Water Quality Improvement

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Jun 01

Spring Accomplishments and Summer Activities

Posted on June 1, 2016 at 8:10 AM by Allan Warren

NCCC(web)NCCC Team
This last spring, the Pierce Conservation District was awarded our second AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) team. NCCC AmeriCorps is a full-time, team-based residential service program where members are organized into teams and serve in local communities in all 50 states. NCCC teams complete four different 6-8 week long projects in different locations across the country during their 10 month term of service.

During their time with us this 12-member crew continued blackberry removal on the South Prairie Creek Preserve, built raised beds for the Wapato Community Garden, set up plantings for a Clarks Creek restoration event, assisted with leading the Earth Day event at Silver Creek, mulched and weeded at the McKinley Depave site, and so much more. Thank you Team Blue 1!

Earth Day Events

Over two days PCD volunteers rolled their sleeves up and got dirty in celebration for Earth Day. First, an Airforce group worked along Leach Creek to mulch 200 trees in preparation for summer on Friday, April 22nd. Then, on April 23rd, we were joined by Congressman Denney Heck and Puyallup Councilmember Shadko along Silver Creek to plant 60 trees and mulch 300 plants. Thanks, Volunteers!

stenciled-drainEver Wonder What Goes On in a Catch Basin?
PCD is working with Bonney Lake to inspect 2,000 of their catch basins over the summer. We are looking for interested volunteers to spend at least 20 hours working with us to check out what is going on under those grates. Volunteers must be able to work M-F between 9am and 3pm and lift up to 50 pounds. If interested, contact Caleb at calebm@piercecountycd.org.

Tree Program
This year, the Pierce Conservation District will be piloting a Tree Program that will soon be available to all residents in Pierce County. The goals of this program are to increase tree canopy, decrease stormwater runoff, increase food access, increase community knowledge of tree benefits, and support local businesses.

We will first focus on areas in Tacoma, Puyallup, and Spanaway. Requests for a tree will open in July and go through until November. Residents will be able to pick up their trees after participating in a short tree care training. A watering bag and mulch will be provided with each tree. If you would like to find out more or apply for a tree, check out our website.

Green Puyallup Partnership
In early April, 6 citizens joined us in learning how to become a Habitat Steward, to learn how to lead community volunteers in restoring our work sites. Between the 6 Habitat Stewards they have decided to work at two sites: Meeker Creek Open Space and Southeast Silver Creek. Over the upcoming months we will work together to set priorities and monthly work party schedules. If you want to volunteer with one of our Habitat Stewards, contact Melissa at melissab@piercecountycd.org.