Help Create a Healthy Wetland at Dumas Bay Park : Federal Way

ABOUT THIS EVENT:
Join EarthCorps, Friends of the Hylebos, and the City of Federal Way as we spend a day working in one of Federal Way's premier parks on this day of service!  At just under 20 acres, Dumas Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is a hidden treasure on the Puget Sound, with a beautiful beach surrounded by wetlands and forest. The sancturary is home to lots of wildlife, and houses one of the largest Blue Heron colonies in the area.

THE BASICS:
EarthCorps supplies gloves, tools, water and snack bars. We will teach you everything you need to know about tool use, safety, forest health, and the importance of the work you will be doing. No prior experience necessary, just come ready to learn something new!
 
FOR YOUR SAFETY AND COMFORT, PLEASE BRING:

• Clothing that can get dirty (because it will!)
• Long pants and long sleeves (helps protect against prickly plants)
• Sturdy shoes that can handle some mud (closed toed shoes are required: work boots, hiking boots, rubber boots, etc.)
• Rain gear and warm layers (check the weather!)
• Sack lunch and snacks
• Full water bottle
• Travel mug for tea/coffee

The event will happen rain or shine!
 
THIS VIDEO MIGHT GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF WHAT TO EXPECT:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x68cNeaXkTk
 
WHAT WILL WE BE DOING?
While the exact tasks at hand vary, our projects focus on improving the forests and parks in our local cities. Healthy and thriving forests are vital to our community because they absorb and naturally filter rain water, produce clean oxygen, provide living spaces for wildlife, and create a place for people to connect with the outdoors.
 
In order to help create healthy forests, the work can include:

• Removing aggressive weeds (like English Ivy or Himalayan Blackberry)
• Maintaining areas where these weeds have been removed
• Planting trees and shrubs during the rainy season (often Oct.-Feb.)

GROUPS:
If you are coming as a group, the group leaders are expected to have an active and integral role in our events. Leaders, please make yourself known to EarthCorps staff and arrive early in order to meet your group members.
 
YOUTH:
Youth under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult. All volunteers between the ages of 14 and 17 that are not with a parent or guardian must bring a filled out Youth Waiver the day of the event.
 
Youth and school groups are welcome to attend; leaders should contact the Volunteer Team to complete a group waiver.

DIRECTIONS:
Approximate Address: 30844 44th Ave SW Federal Way, WA 98023
 
Parking: Carpooling is encouraged. The parking lots fill up quickly but you can park on the street near the park if need be.
 
By Car:
From I-5 Southbound or Northbound:
Take exit 143, S. 320th St. heading west towards Federal Way. Pass the “Commons at Federal Way” Mall and continue west for about ten minutes. Turn RIGHT on 21st Ave SW. Turn LEFT at SW Dash Point Road. DO NOT turn into “Dumas Bay Centre” but continue on SW Dash Point Rd. Turn RIGHT at 44th Ave SW. Continue on 44th Ave SW until you see the sign for Dumas Bay Park and it’s parking lot on the right.
 
By Bus:
Be sure to check current routes on Metro Trip Planner: http://tripplanner.kingcounty.gov/