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King Conservation District, May 2017
King Conservation District
CitySoil Farm Grows a
New Generation of Gardeners
Fedora Williams, fourth-generation farmer from Kansas, is profiled in her new role as urban gardener at CitySoil Farm in King County Wastewater Treatment's online newsletter, Clean Water Stories.

King Conservation District sponsors CitySoil Farm in partnership with Tilth Alliance, DIRT Corps, and the King County Wastewater Treatment Division. Click on the CitySoil Farm page to learn about their urban agricultural practices.
Join the King
Conservation District Team
We are currently seeking candidates for three positions on the KCD team: Farm Services Program Manager, Farm Resource Planner, and Agriculture Natural Resources Engineer. See the Employment Opportunities page on our website for the full job descriptions and application information.
May is Wildfire
Awareness Month
King Conservation District partners with King County and the Washington Department of Natural Resources to help homeowners be "Firewise."

See the King County Forestry Services website to learn about areas at highest risk of wildfire and strategies for protecting homes and properties.

The KCD forestry staff is available to assist homeowners and communities with wildfire preparedness. For details see the KCD Wildfire Services page.

Wildfire prevention services were highlighted in a recent National Association of Conservation Districts report on the Trilogy Firewise Project.
King County Honors
Snoqualmie Valley Preservation Alliance
with Green Globe Award
King County Executive Dow Constantine recently presented the Snoqualmie Valley Preservation Alliance with the prestigious Green Globe Award for Leadership in Rural Sustainability. Accepting the award were Cynthia Krass, SVPA Executive Director and board member Jim Haack, who also serves as an elected KCD Supervisor.

Formed seven years ago, the Alliance is making great progress on issues central to protecting the Valley, including flooding, development impacts, and water rights. See the Snoqualmie Valley Preservation Alliance to learn more about their remarkable programs.
Farms for Life Links Local
Farmers with People in Need
Farms for Life purchases surplus produce from Snoqualmie Valley farmers for distribution to meal programs, shelters, and service agencies in the Seattle area. The all-volunteer non-profit organization strengthens the agricultural economy while providing fresh, nourishing food to people in transition.

See the Farms for Life website to learn about the participating growers and ways you can support their vital efforts.
Hantavirus is a 
 Threat in King County
In the past few years several people have contracted Hantavirus in King County, resulting in at least one death. Hantavirus is carried by deer mice, which live in wooded areas. Public Health - Seattle King County warns people who live in areas where deer mice are present to take precautions even if they don't see rodent droppings. For details see the Health Department's Hantavirus page.

Deer mice are distinct from common house mice. See the Willard's Pest Control website for highly informative comparision photos.
KCD Partners with
City of Seattle to Fund
Environmental Projects
For two decades the City of Seattle and King Conservation District have collaborated on a grant program to fund projects that support natural resource enhancement and Seattle’s environment and equity agenda.

This year $370,000 is available through the KCD-Seattle Community Partnership Grant Program. Letters of Intent are due Thursday, June 1st. Selected projects will be invited to submit full proposals by July 24th, with final award recipients announced this fall. For full details on the KCD-Seattle Community Partnership Grant Program click HERE.
2017 WaterWorks
Grants Announced
King County Wastewater Treatment Division recently announced the 2017 round of WaterWorks Grants for grassroots projects that protect water quality, control pollution and build healthy communities. Eligible organizations include nonprofits, schools, cities, counties, special purpose districts, and tribes.

A total of $1.86 million in funding is available this year. The Letters of Intent deadline is June 7th. See the WaterWorks Grant page for details and news of upcoming workshops for potential applicants.
Farrel-McWhirter Farm
School Offers Hands-On
Learning Opportunities
The City of Redmond’s Farrel-McWhirter Farm Park is an outdoor classroom offering a wide spectrum of opportunities for children of all ages to get hands-on experience with farms and forests. See the Farrel-McWhirter Farm School website for program details and registration.
Oxbow Farm Scheduling
Kids Summer Camps
In addition to being a working farm, Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center near Carnation provides young people with lively learning opportunities, with different camps for children ages 4-6 and 7-12. See their Summer Camps page to learn about Oxbow Farm's programs and online registration. 
Fun Learning Opportunities
for Children at Bellevue's
Kelsey Creek Farm
Kelsey Creek Farm is one of the City of Bellevue’s hidden treasures. The historic farm provides year-round children's recreational programs, seasonal camps, pony care, and farm experience classes. See the Kelsey Creek Farm website for their full list of opportunities for summer learning and fun.
Help Plant Paradise
May 24th, Kent
Join us from 6:30-8:00 PM Wednesday, May 24th, for a planting party at Hillside Paradise Community Garden. Bring the family and enjoy some great ethnic food, meet your neighbors and discover the great things in store for this unique garden being developed by KCD and World Relief. Click HERE for details.
Volunteer with the
King Conservation District
See the Volunteer Opportunities page on our website to learn about upcoming events and to join the KCD Outreach Team. This month we will host the following volunteer events:
    Native Plant Nursery: May 13 & 19
   Longfellow Creek: May 20
May 5-7: Sammamish Valley Spring Celebration
Explore the fields and farms of the Sammamish Valley.
May 6: Tilth Edible Plant Sale, Seattle
Kickstart your garden with Tilth’s wide variety of plants.
May 7: Agri-Tourism Farm Tour, Snoqualmie
Learn how to make the most of a small farm.
May 8: SnoValley Tilth Meeting & Potluck, Carnation
Visit with neighbors and learn about King County code changes.
May 10: Give Big!
Show your support for community organizations.
May 10: Ecological Restoration Symposium, Seattle
Meet with habitat restoration professionals.
May 11: Urban Shorelines Workshop, North Bend
Beautify and care for streamside properties.
May 11: Forest Health & Firewise Workshop, Skykomish
Improve forest health to reduce wildfire danger.
May 13: KCD Native Plant Nursery Volunteer Event, Renton
Get hands-on experience with native plants for stream and wetland restoration.
May 13: Backyard Wildlife Festival, Tukwila
Celebrate wildlife, nature and gardening.
May 15: Spanish Language Restoration Event, Seattle
Restore Longfellow Creek with Holy Family School
May 19: KCD Native Plant Nursery Volunteer Event, Renton
Get hands-on experience with native plants for stream and wetland restoration.
May 20: Urban Forest Restoration, Seattle
Assist with habitat restoration at Longfellow Creek.
May 20: Friends of the Fields Benefit Dinner, Carnation
Feast with friends while supporting SnoValley Tilth.
May 23: Urban Forest Symposium, Seattle
Explore the intersection of social justice and urban forestry.
May 24: Hillside Paradise Planting Party, Kent
Turn a parking lot into a garden paradise.
May 25: Food Safety for Small Farms, Woodinville
Develop a food safety plan for your farm.
May 27: Save the Frogs! Eco-Fest, Renton
Explore the wonder of amphibians and protect their habitats.
June 5: Noxious Weeds & Invasive Plants Class, Renton
Learn to identify and manage weeds.
June 6: Who’s Who in Hügelkultur, Renton
Share Hügelkultur ideas, information and inspiration.
June 8-11: Vashon Sheepdog Classic, Vashon Island
Visit with KCD staff at one of the nation’s premier sheepdog trials.
June 10: Marine Shorelines Workshop, Federal Way
Learn from experts how to protect bluff and shoreline properties.
June 24, Marine Shorelines Workshop, Vashon
Learn from experts how to protect bluff and shoreline properties.
City of Bothell Celebrates
North Creek Forest
Ribbon Cutting
Bea Covington, KCD Executive Director, joined Gov Jay Inslee, Bothell Mayor Andy Rheaume, Friends of North Creek Forest, and other officials in celebrating acquisition of the 64-acre North Creek Forest.

The KCD Urban Forestry Working Group selected the City of Bothell as one of the first partners in our new Urban Forest Health Management Program, with the support of $22,000 in KCD Urban Forest Health Management funds.

KCD contracted with American Forest Management to assess the health of the forest, and Jarret Griesemer, KCD Forestry Project Coordinator, wrote the stewardship plan and assisted with applying for Washington DNR funding for a Washington Conservation Corps crew to control invasive species in targeted areas of the forest.

See our website to learn more about the KCD Urban Forest Health Management Program.

Planting a Hillside
Parking Lot Paradise
KCD is partnering with World Relief to create a one-acre community garden on the parking lot at Hillside Church in Kent. The garden is uniquely situated to meet the needs of refugees resettled by World Relief in Kent’s East Hill Neighborhood. Nearby East Hill Elementary includes students from over 48 countries and 65% of the student body qualifies for free or reduced lunch.

Check out the Facebook page for the Hillside Paradise Parking Plots Community Garden to see photos of recent work parties and learn about upcoming garden events. Next up is a May 24th planting party.
Revving Up the
"On the Grow" Truck Farm
Three years ago the Des Moines Area Food Bank converted a '94 Ford pickup into a mobile truck farm to show kids how food is grown at Summer Meal sites throughout South King County.

The "On the Grow" garden truck quickly became a favorite at local libraries, gardening classes, and back-to-school fairs. Garden truck partners include WSU Food Sense, International Rescue Committee, and King County 4-H.

The KCD Board of Supervisors recently approved a $40,000 grant to the Des Moines Area Food Bank, pooling member jurisdiction funds from the City of Des Moines, SeaTac and Normandy Park to expand the truck farm to a year-round program to reach more people with food education. Click HERE to see photos of the mobile farm "On the Grow."
We Look Forward to
Seeing You at the 2017
Vashon Sheepdog Classic
KCD is the Educational Sponsor of the 8th Annual Vashon Island Sheepdog Classic set for June 8-11 at Misty Isle Farm. The event draws dogs and their trainers from across the country, as well as thousands of spectators. KCD staff will be on hand to share information about our programs and services.

In addition to the dog trials, tents featuring local food and fiber arts abound, there are plenty of activities for kids, adults can relax in the spirits garden, and everyone is welcome to picnic on the grass or rest in provided seating. Check out the schedule and learn more about the event at:
www.vashonsheepdogclassic.com
On-Farm Ecotourism Tour
May 7th, Snoqualmie
Tour A & W Ranch near Snoqualmie from 1:00-3:00 PM on Monday, May 7th to learn how to make money with your small property. The farm utilizes its eco-sensitive horse and wildlife-friendly small acreage as an event facility. Join us at this exciting, innovative farm tour to see how mud, manure, and pasture management on a horse property can work for you. Register Here.
Beautify & Care for Stream
and Wetland Properties
May 11th, North Bend
Learn how to protect and beautify properties along streams, lakes and wetlands at our free workshop, 6:30-8:30 PM on Thursday, May 11th at North Bend Library.

Topics will include minimizing runoff, controlling invasive weeds, utilizing native plants, and environmental regulations impacting your property. For details click HERE.
WSU Forest Health &
Firewise Workshops
May 11th, Skykomish
June 8th, North Bend
  
WSU Extension Forestry is offering a series of free Forest Health and Firewise Workshops. Learn from WSU and Washington DNR experts about why trees die and what you can do to improve the health of trees on your property. Also learn practical tips on how to improve the chance of your home or cabin surviving a wildfire, which is a serious risk, especially in foothill communities.

See the WSU Extension Forestry website for details and online registration for the free series. which includes evening workshops on May 11th in Skykomish and June 8th in North Bend.
Evento para Restaurar
El Arroyo Longfellow

Mayo 15th, Seattle

Participe con King Conservation District, El colegio Sagrada Familia y la comunidad por un evento para restaurar el Brandon Street Natural Area a lado del Longfellow Creek. El salmón regresa aquí en otoño y está impactado por la lluvia de tormenta. Ayude por plantar arboles y quitar plantas invasoras. ¡Continue el legado de restauración para mejorar los bosques urbanos y la calidad de agua! Sigue aquí por detales.

An Evening with Hügelkultur
Designers & Enthusiasts
June 6th, Renton

Exchange ideas and information with the "Who's Who of Hügelkultur," 6:30-8:00 PM, June 6th, at the King County Wastewater Administration Building Conference Room.

Landscape professionals and permaculture enthusiasts will share their experiences with incorporating Hügelkultur into landscape designs. Following the discussion we will tour CitySoil Farm to check out demonstration mounds. The event is free, but pre-registration is required. To register click HERE.

Where the Water Begins - Land Management Practices for Bluff & Marine Shorelines
June 10th, Federal Way  
June 24th, Vashon Island
King Conservation District invites marine shoreline landowners to attend a free workshop where participants will learn about the ecological, geological and vegetation management issues associated with owning property "Where the Water Begins."

Following the workshops, participants will have access to free KCD technical assistance with designing and installing recommended practices. Workshops will be held at the following locations from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM. with an optional lunch and field trip from 12:30-3:30 PM.
June 10th, Dumas Bay, Federal Way
June 24th, Land Trust Building, Vashon
Learn about Identifying and Managing Noxious Weeds
The King County Noxious Weed Control Program is offering a series of free workshops and weed watcher trainings in June for landowners and landscape professionals. Click HERE for workshop descriptions and schedules.
Reserve KCD Spreader to
Make Effective Use of Manure
The King Conservation District has a two-yard manure spreader for rent to landowners in our service area. The spreader is ground driven and can be towed by a small tractor or pick-up truck. The spreader is available for $30/day or $80/weekend. For details and a link to our online reservation form see the KCD Manure Spreader Loan Program.
Gardens & Manure -
A Match Made in Heaven
   
Nothing brings friends together like spreading manure. The KCD Manure Match Program links livestock owners who have surplus manure with neighbors seeking free sources of soil amendments, compost or mulch. See our Manure Match page to find manure sources and details on how to add your farm to the list.
Take Advantage of KCD's
Free Soil Testing Service
   
The King Conservation District provides up to five free soil tests for all properties in our service area. See our Soil Testing Program page for details.
KCD Staff Participate in
Bike Everywhere Month
May is Bike Everywhere Month and cycling enthusiasts are encouraged to join a team or participate individually. Register with the Bike Everywhere Challenge to log your trips, see your total miles and how much CO2 you saved.

Last year the KCD team made 124 bike trips for a total of 785.5 miles, burned 38,490 calories, and avoided 691 pounds of CO2 emissions. This year our intrepid cyclists will make even greater impact while enjoying the freedom of cycling.
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Copyright © 2017 King Conservation District
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King Conservation District
1107 SW Grady Way, Suite 130
Renton, WA 98057