EOS Helps Out with Duwamish Alive!

Last Saturday, EOS joined forces with CleanScapes and the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition to host one of nine Duwamish Alive! river rehabilitation volunteer events around Seattle. While the total number of volunteers for the day has yet to be calculated, our site alone drew 56 dedicated volunteers out of bed to partake in the clean-up effort. In addition to the volunteers attending from local Seattle neighborhoods, we were also joined by 10-15 Japanese students spending the fall at the University of Washington studying Environmental Science. 

Despite an extremely wet morning, the rain cleared up just in time for us to get our hands dirty and move the project forward. Located at Gateway Park North at 7699 8th Avenue South in Georgetown, the volunteers worked to rid the industrial area of materials contaminating the Duwamish River as well as clear the park of invasive species to create a safe and enjoyable space for visitors. By picking up garbage on and around 8th Avenue, transplanting trees and shrubs, removing invasive blackberry, and mulching path and planting areas, we made significant progress in the effort to transform the area from a polluted and weed-infested piece of land to an inviting and sustainable green space. 

In the coming weeks, we will be participating in a follow-up volunteer event to plant trees and shrubs in two freshly installed bioswale natural drainage areas located on 8th Avenue South. Not only will these drainage areas serve as storm water retention ponds to prevent toxins from flowing into the Duwamish River, but the plants and soil within them will act as additional barriers by filtering pollution from the water itself. With ongoing efforts, we hope to completely rehabilitate the river, park space, and native wildlife in and around Gateway Park North into a clean and self-sustaining space for Georgetown residents and river enthusiasts to enjoy. For more information about the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition and the projects they are currently conducting with Duwamish Alive!, visit their website:  http://www.duwamishcleanup.org/programs.html#DuwamishAlive