I joined a large group of volunteers to participate in a restoration planting project in Interlocken Park, not far from where I live. I arrived late, so I didn't hear Seattle Mayor Greg Nichols speak.

Interlocken Park is primarily a forested ravine in the middle of the city which provides sanctuary both for us city dwellers as well as many forest creatures. The crowd included many young (high-school, college age, and twenty-something) volunteers as well some middle-aged ones, such as myself, and older folks. The project was supervised by the local Earth Corps. There were eight separate work sites in the park planting northwest native species of groundcover, shrubs, ferns, and small trees. In addition, crews of staff from the Seattle Parks Department and volunteers were also doing restoration planting. When we finished in the first site, I joined one of these groups and planted ferns and other plants for another hour.

I walked home thoroughly tired and woke up sore this morning, I was glad to have learned about these groups and look forward to future volunteer opportunities.