The Sustainability House

Monday, October 12, 2009 (Olympia)
“Ecological Restoration in Olympia’s Urban Forest” - Justin Hellier

Urban
natural areas clean our air, sequester carbon from the atmosphere,
absorb and filter storm water runoff, provide habitat for native birds
and wildlife, and offer nature in our neighborhoods. But after a
generation of invasion by aggressive non-native plants like English
ivy, our urban forests are threatened. Throughout the Northwest,
community groups, non-profit organizations and public agencies are
working together to restore urban natural areas. From Portland to
Tacoma, citizens are pulling on gloves, picking up shovels and planting
trees to sustain the urban forest.

Tall
Trees Youth Stewardship Project is a one-year pilot project to engage
Olympia’s young people, community groups and city government in
ecological restoration of the urban forest. Justin Hellier, the Tall
Trees Project Coordinator, will report on the restoration demonstration
projects in the Garfield Nature Trail and the Evergreen State College
forest. He’ll also speak about efforts to train and empower
neighborhood groups to steward their local green space, and to
encourage city staff and elected officials to prioritize ecological
restoration.

Washington State Capitol Museum Coach House
211 West 21st Avenue
Olympia, WA 98501
360.753.2580