Snohomish County Healthy Forest Project

09/04/2026

Want to learn what can and can’t be recycled, how to reduce waste and why individual and community-level actions make a difference toward climate change? Become a WSU Snohomish County […]

09/01/2026

The Snohomish County Healthy Forest Project is hoping that you will help with a research project about western monarch butterflies. Monarch butterflies occasionally occur in western Washington, but some butterfly researchers, lepidopterists, theorize that climate change will make their occurrence more frequent. This study will test this hypothesis by providing important habitat for monarch butterflies to study their use of the site. Volunteers will remove grasses and weeds in a 11.5 by 11.5 foot plot and then transplant showy milkweed plants. Thanks to Nico Strickland, Western Washington University graduate, for recommending the study and arranging this work party with us! Sign up using the link in our bio.

Please wear long sleeves, long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty or snagged on prickly plants. Bring a full water bottle and a snack. Hand tools and gloves will be provided, but you can bring your own if you wish. Remember to bring rain gear if rain is in the forecast.

We're still experiencing summer weather, so remember to bring your water bottle and wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing in layers that you can remove. If the temperature is above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, mandatory cool-down breaks will be enforced. There is plenty of shade at this work site, but no drinking water source, so please take the necessary precautions to have a fun time with us!

08/26/2026

Join us Saturday, August 29, from 10 a.m. to noon for a Summer Cleanup at Picnic Point Beach.

This is the last free weekend before school starts for most local districts. Bring the family for a morning outdoors, or send your high schooler to earn community service hours toward graduation requirements. Check with your school for details on qualifying activities.

We'll clear grass and weeds crowding the native strawberry and wildflowers planted earlier this year, then re-mulch to protect them through the winter. Time permitting, we'll also pick up litter and clear invasive species like blackberry and ivy.

Tools and gloves will be provided. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes you don't mind getting dirty. Bring water and a snack.

This event is open to the public, all ages and abilities welcome. Representatives from Snohomish County, Picnic Point Forest Stewards, and Olympic Fly Fishers of Edmonds will be on site.

Learn more or sign up directly through the county’s website here: https://cerv.is/0282x312

08/05/2026

Sno-Isle Libraries and Everett Public Library are now open as cleaner air centers through Thursday.

Community Transit and Everett Transit are providing free rides. For more information and smoke safety tips see www.snoco.org/smoke.

08/05/2026

Calling all nature lovers - we need you! Healthy Forest Project staff need help to remove blackberries at Kayak Point Park on Sunday, August 16, from 10 AM - 12 PM. Volunteers will get a waived parking fee for the day. Thank you to the volunteers who made a huge dent on the project back in February and May!

Less blackberry means less competition for light and water and less damage to the trees and understory that make up the forest. When we replant the restoration project this fall, the native plants installed will provide better food and shelter to the critters that live there. They will also slow down and absorb storm water, store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and release oxygen more effectively than blackberries. Not only are the native plants better for the environment, but they're also easier for our operations and maintenance staff to manage! Your help goes a long way, so we hope to see you there.

Register online using the link in our bio. Please wear long sleeves, long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty or snagged on prickly plants. Bring a full water bottle and a snack. Hand tools and gloves will be provided, but you can bring your own if you wish. Remember to bring rain gear if rain is in the forecast.

We may reschedule for safety if wind gusts are expected to be over 25 mph, the ambient temperature is over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, or the Air Quality Index is over 150. If air quality is poor, we recommend wearing an N95 mask while exerting yourself outside. There is plenty of shade at this work site, but no drinking water source, so please take the necessary precautions to have a fun time with us!

07/30/2026

Snohomish County's Office of Energy and Sustainability (OES) is seeking community members who are passionate about sustainability, climate resilience, and protecting the county's natural resources to serve on the Climate Action Advisory Committee.

The committee plays an important role in advising the County on policies, programs, and strategies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while helping communities prepare for the impacts of climate change. Members bring diverse perspectives and experiences to help guide efforts that support a healthy, resilient, and equitable future for Snohomish County residents, businesses, and the environment.

We are currently recruiting to fill six open positions on the committee. The first round of applications will be reviewed beginning September 1 and interested community members are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Learn more and apply: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/5621

07/23/2026

Thank you to the many volunteers who have contributed to the Healthy Forest Project at Lord Hill Regional Park. In May, volunteers pulled blackberries away from the seasonally flowing stream that drains into the Snohomish River near the southern entrance of the park. If you'd like to help us continue the effort, meet us at Lord Hill Regional Park on Sunday, August 2, 10 AM - 12 PM. Your work will also allow us to replant the site with native plants this fall. You can register for both work parties at the link in our bio.

Please wear long sleeves and long pants that you don't mind getting dirty, and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Bring a full water bottle and a snack. Hand tools and gloves will be provided, but you may bring your own if you wish. Remember to bring rain gear if rain is in the forecast.

Safety Note: High heat and smoke season is in full swing, so remember to dress in layers that you can take off and to bring more water than you think you need. Volunteers may benefit from wearing an N95 mask to protect from poor air quality. If the Air Quality Index is over 100 or the ambient air temperature is over 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the event time, then this event will be rescheduled. Registrants will be emailed in advance.

07/09/2026

Here's your reminder to dig out the roots when removing non-native blackberries! Want to see how it's done? Join the SnoCo Healthy Forest Project this weekend at either Paradise Valley Conservation Area or Lake Stickney Community Park to give it a shot. Register for those work parties and more using the link in our bio.

Himalayan blackberry in Oregon comes back stronger when the removal was done wrong. Most gardeners making that mistake have no idea their method is part of what guarantees the return.

07/08/2026

The Healthy Forest Project has two upcoming events at Lake Stickney Community Park next week that could use your help! The park features diverse wetlands and forests with a lake that supports fish and wildlife. Our project will focus on removing ivy and blackberry to create more space for native plants. Blackberry and ivy are overrepresented, introduced plants that grow quickly and can outcompete native plants like salmonberry, osoberry, mock orange, salal, and other shrubs and trees. They add extra weight and draw water away from trees which are already stressed by drought, insects, and fungal infections.

Join us on Sunday, July 12, or Friday, July 17, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, as we work together to restore essential habitat in this unique natural area. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about ecological restoration and contribute to preserving these valuable ecosystems. We’ll begin with a guided walk through the park’s trails to see and talk about the existing restoration work. Restoration professionals will be on-site to answer questions about plants, restoration practices, and conservation efforts. Please register online using the link in our bio.

This is a great opportunity to connect with nature, create community, and make a positive impact on our local environment. We look forward to seeing you there!

What we are doing: Removing ivy where it is growing on trees. This helps to stop the spread and reduce stress on the trees.

What to bring: Please wear long sleeves, long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Bring a full water bottle and a snack. Hand tools and gloves will be provided, but you can bring your own if you wish. Remember to bring rain gear if rain is in the forecast.

Safety note: Remember that high heat and smoke season in Washington may be in full swing. To protect yourself, drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks, and consider wearing an N95 mask while exerting yourself outside. There is a lot of shade at this work site, but no drinking water source, so please take the necessary precautions to have a fun time with us!

06/03/2026

The draft Communitywide Climate Resiliency Plan is complete and we want your feedback! Read the plan and give your feedback by June 30 at: https://snococlimate.konveio.com/