Resource Conservation News and Events
EVENTS
Plant Bullies: Invasive Weeds Workshop & Demonstration
Weeds are a nuisance for any gardener, but some invasive plants also pose a serious threat to the health of our urban forests and natural landscapes. King County noxious weed expert, Sasha Shaw, will show examples of invasive plants that are threatening community parks, waterways and natural areas. She will explain how invasive and noxious weeds spread, where they come from, and what we can do to stop them from spreading any further.
Come learn how to identify the most serious weeds so you can find new infestations while they are still small enough to control.
DATE: July 7
TIME: 10:30 am - 12:00 noon
WHERE: Bellevue Demonstration Garden, 15500 SE 16th St, Bellevue, WA
(in the picnic shelter)
This workshop is part of the 2012 Saturday Morning Workshops offered by the WSU Master Gardener Program. Everyone is welcome. No registration necessary.
Savvy Gardener Classes - Spring
Cascade Water Alliance and the City of Redmond have teamed up to bring you the Savvy Gardener Class series. These classes will inspire you to create beautiful and healthy lawns and gardens that don’t require excessive water or chemicals. Over 100 classes are being offered all over the region, including several classes in Redmond. For a complete list of all classes visit Savvy Gardener.
NEWS
Puget Sound Starts Here Month!
We are pleased to announce that the Governor has officially declared May as Puget Sound Starts Here Month.
For great suggestions on how you can join us in PSSH month, visit: My Puget Sound under the STORM-PSSH Month Group latest posting.
Be sure to purchase your discounted Mariners tickets at Mariners Tickets before May 4th.
Great Blue Herons Nesting at Marymoor Park Now!
These days, Eastside dog walkers at the Marymoor Park Off-Leash Area are surprised to see more than a half-dozen huge nests and an equal number of giant birds up in a stand of trees near the Sammamish. Worth the time to check out!
Want more information on native plants?
Visit these great sites:
King County Go Native
Washington Native Plant Society
Changes to Recycling at King County Transfer Station
Beginning February 1, 2012, King County is eliminating the collection of standard curbside recyclables at the Cedar Falls, Enumclaw, Houghton, Renton, and Shoreline transfer stations. These include: glass bottles and jars, tin and aluminum cans, plastic bottles, mixed paper, newspaper, and cardboard. In Redmond, residents with curbside recycling can recycle all these items in their recycling cart. Extra material that does not fit in your cart can be placed curbside in clearly marked containers, also at no extra cost. For more information about curbside recycling in Redmond visit Waste Management/Redmond.
King County Solid Waste Fee Increase
Effective January 1, 2012, the King County Solid Waste disposal fee will increase. The fee increase will cover rising operating costs and help pay for modernizing the 1960s-era network of transfer stations operated by the King County Solid Waste Division. The average residential customer who puts out one container of garbage per week for curbside collection is likely to see an increase of about 82 cents per month in the garbage bill from their hauler.
For more information visit King County Solid Waste Facilities.
Say 'No' to Junk Mail & Phonebooks! New Online Service
The King County EcoConsumer program has joined forces with non-profit Catalog Choice to provide a convenient website where residents can opt out of thousands of different catalogs, coupons, credit offers, circulars, newsletters, other junk mailings and unwanted phone books. In addition to making mail and phone book opt-outs easier, this partnership will allow King County to make solid estimates about the amount of paper waste being diverted from its regional landfill.
Using ZIP codes, Catalog Choice will provide to the County data on the amount of mail being reduced and the number of County residents participating. Visit the new website Catalog Choice.
Whole Foods Market in Redmond & Nature Vision
Every time you shop at Whole Foods Market in Redmond (17991 NE Redmond Way), be sure to take your reusable bag with you! At the register, you’ll have the option of donating $.10 per bag to a nonprofit – just tell the cashier that you’d like your Bag Donations to go to Nature Vision!
Green Redmond Partnership
Volunteer with the Green Redmond Partnership at one of the City's parks or become a Forest Steward. There are dates at different locations throughout the year.
Volunteer Opportunities for the Environment
Sign up for an exciting volunteer opportunity including Salmon Watching, Storm Drain Marking, and much more!