They Came from all Corners of the World!
by Lucy Applegate

For this season's planting parties we had many wonderful new volunteers as well as dedicated "veterans." As always, we welcomed Cascades Job Corps students from near and far, plus German and Japanese students from the Skagit Valley College American Cultural Exchange (A.C.E.) program. It was my pleasure to meet some wonderful volunteers from around the world and around the USA in these two groups. Our "regulars" showed these new volunteers what a vibrant community service movement we have here in Skagit County. In October and November 87 volunteers planted 620 plants at 3 restoration sites (Shoeshel, East Fork Nookachamps, and Murray creeks), and potted 140 plants for our native plant nursery in Sedro Woolley. These plants will be planted at future riparian restoration sites next spring or fall. Thank you so much to Cascades Job Corps, A.C.E., and all the individual volunteers who helped. Thanks also to Burlington Thrifty for donating snacks, to Skagit Valley Food Co-op for donating coffee, and to Wizards of Ooze for great porta-potty service. See you in the spring!

Japanese student Sumiyo Sekine and teacher Hope Dean helped with a
streamside planting at Murray Creek on November 8.