King County awards grants to three Kent environmental projects

The efforts of three groups to remove invasive weeds and restore salmon habit in Kent were bolstered after being awarded funds from King County’s “Wild Places in City Spaces” program.

Administered by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP), the program provides grants to volunteer organizations, community groups and government agencies for environmental restoration projects in urban areas, according to a city of Kent media release.

Christie True, DNRP director, said grant funds are positively leveraged by the outstanding efforts of our community partners resulting in habitat improvement projects that offer real environmental benefits.

More information about the grant winners and their projects can be found at www.kingcounty.gov/beinggreen.

Here are the Kent projects:

• City of Kent – $6,650

Mill Creek Canyon/Earthworks Park Restoration – EarthCorps and Kent Parks staff will work with volunteers to replant and mulch native species at this location, which has been infested with English ivy. The project also involves removing invasive plants from the hillside floor and stream bank.

• Fieldstone Homeowners Association – $6,140

Clark Creek Riparian Restoration Project – This effort will include removing invasive weeds from along the banks of Clark Creek, and replanting those areas with native vegetation. Funds will also be used to remove a barrier to upstream migration of adult Coho salmon and help educate the community about small streams in the city.

• Rainier Audubon – $2,410

Artificial Snag Project – The Rainier Audubon group will partner with the city of Kent to build and erect six artificial snags at the Green River Natural Resource Area, also known as the Kent Ponds. Rainier Audubon has pledged assistance with installing and monitoring the project, while Kent will provide in-kind staff time and a partial cash-match for the project.