We are at risk of losing 70% of Seattle’s forested parks in just 20 years.

According to Seattle Public Utilities, Seattle’s forests provide the equivalent of $1 million per year benefit in stormwater management.

The average acre of conifer forest captures 13 tons of carbon dioxide each year.

Conifers along roadways trap soot in their leaves, which results in cleaner air and reduced incidence of asthma.

English Ivy was once celebrated for its ability to climb walls and make them green, but it has become an invasive villain in the Pacific Northwest. In urban green spaces, ivy climbs trees instead of walls. The extra vegetation then weakens the plant it grows on, making it more susceptible to disease and blowdown.

Himalayan Blackberry was introduced into North America in 1885 as a cultivated crop and occurs in pastures, riparian areas, wastelands, fence lines and right-of-ways. Blackberry stems grow to 15 feet before arching and then trailing over the ground for up to 40 feet. As stems touch the ground they root at the nodes, producing a dense thicket that chokes out native species.

The Maple School Natural Area

Like many green spaces in Seattle, this 15-acre greenbelt on Beacon Hill has been overrun by invasive English Ivy and Himalayan Blackberry. The invasive species crowd out native plants, destroying ideal habitat for native wildlife in our city.

EOS Alliance hosts work parties with staff and volunteers to remove invasives and plant native species at Maple School. This restoration project is part of the Green Seattle Partnership and is funded in part by the USDA Forest Service and the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks.

In addition to removing invasives and planting native trees and shrubs, volunteers at our work parties have a chance to learn about urban forest ecology and identifying native and invasive species. Plus, we always have a lot of fun!

Workplace and Group Volunteer Opportunities

Come volunteer at Maple School Natural Area with your organization! EOS Alliance can set up a work party any day of the week if you have a group of more than eight volunteers. Habitat restoration is a fun volunteer opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and do something active, while improving the ecology, health and aesthetics of our city. You could also call it DIY carbon offsets!

Call us today to set up a work party for your organization! Email sust_staff@eosalliance.org or call us at 206-762-2553.