Volunteer Planting Party to Complete Odlin Park

October 26 and 27 on Lopez Island

from the San Juan County Parks Department

The San Juan County Parks Department invites Islanders to a join a Planting Party at Lopez Island’s Odlin County Park on October 26 and 27. It’s an opportunity to see the Park’s new features, spend time with friends, enjoy the outdoors, eat well. . . and plant some trees!

Volunteers will plant native trees and shrubs to create enhanced wetlands and wildlife habitat in the park. The planting party will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day and volunteers can choose to help for 1 or up to 4 shifts over the weekend. The shifts start at 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Odlin Park Assistant Manager Sara Waugh says, “We have 800 plants and trees to get into the ground, and we are excited to work with park enthusiasts in completing this important re-vegetation project! Volunteers will be provided with the basic tools, training, and some delectable locally-produced refreshments to make this a great experience for everyone.” Fresh morning scones and muffins will be provided by Holly B’s Bakery. Vortex Cafe will provide the afternoon shift with delicious chili, soup & bread. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate & water will be available all day to volunteers.

“This plant restoration effort is the final piece of the multiple years Odlin Park Renovation Project. As the new plants mature and the wetland’s richness unfolds, we should see an increase in wildlife as well as aesthetic beauty at Odlin”, according to Dona Wuthnow, Parks & Fair Director.

Over the last three years a new group camp was developed, the park water system replaced, and this year, a new campground access road development allowed an expanded day use area and beach campsite improvements. The planting party will give volunteers a unique opportunity to come out and support the park and see the changes first-hand.

Volunteers will be able to camp at Odlin free of charge during the event weekend. The Parks Department is encouraging interested people to sign up to volunteer for 1 or more four hour shifts. If there’s enough early sign ups for camping special “holiday” evening activities can be planned. Participants should bring their own work gloves and are welcome to bring their own planting tool if preferred.

For more information about this volunteer opportunity and to register, please contact Christina or Jennifer at the Parks main office: Parks@sanjuanco.com or 378-8420. Parks appreciates your RSVP.