News Release 10/7/2013

For more information:
Erica Erland, Clark Public Utilities
360-992-3238, [email protected]

Clark Public Utilities StreamTeam Marks National Make a Difference Day with Volunteer Tree Planting Event

Annual Day of Service Includes Lunch and is Open to Public, Oct. 26

VANCOUVER, WA – October 7, 2013 – Volunteers of all ages are invited to pitch in and plant trees with Clark Public Utilities’ StreamTeam in celebration of Make a Difference Day on Oct. 26, 2013.

In partnership with Washington State University Vancouver, the StreamTeam will host its annual tree-planting event on this national day of service.

“This event is a chance for our local volunteers to dig in right here at home and at the same time know we’re part of a bigger movement across the country to make a positive impact,” said Ashley King, StreamTeam coordinator for Clark Public Utilities. “It’s a great day to get our hands dirty and know we’re helping bring the Salmon Creek watershed back to a natural state where fish and native wildlife can thrive.”

Free and open to the public, the effort will kick-off with a coordinated tree planting, followed by lunch and a celebration of volunteer service with awards including the StreamTeam Volunteer of the Year and Salmon Star awards.

“We welcome seasoned tree planters as well as first-timers to our planting events and encourage families and friends to work together. The Make a Difference Day event is an easy way to get involved in the ongoing watershed restoration we do here in Clark County, meet new people and know you’re doing meaningful work in your community,” King said.

Pre-registration is required and check-in begins at 8:45 a.m. for the 9 a.m. planting. Location will be provided upon registration. StreamTeam leaders including Stream Stewards and AmeriCorps will be onsite to aid groups of volunteers in planting hundreds of native trees to restore native habitat along Salmon Creek. Lunch and an annual recognition of star volunteers will follow.

The event is made possible at no cost to participants through the generous support and in-kind donations from community partners. Local businesses Tommy O’s and Corwin Beverages are this year’s Make a Difference Day sponsors and additional donors include Frito Lay, Kroger, Sesame Donuts, Starbucks and Leatherman.

Held rain or shine, the event will include on-site training and all tools and trees will be provided by the Clark Public Utilities StreamTeam. Volunteers are encouraged to dress for the weather. For more information, visit www.streamteam.net. Email [email protected] or call 360-992-8585 to register.