How long have you been involved with Green Seattle and why did you chose the park where you work?
I have worked with Green Seattle since 2009 and began working in Westcrest in 2014 when I moved to the area. Westcrest was the closest park to me.
What keeps you volunteering with the Green Seattle Partnership?
I get a lot of support with tools and plants and of course, land. I want to make real change in environmental restoration and I am confident everything I do in Seattle Parks will be safeguarded in perpetuity.
What part of the work makes you feel that you are making a difference in your community through forest restoration?
I like watching the results of my work. In places where I have cleared weeds, dormant natives grow back. The results of my work are very visible and I love watching the forest come back to life.
Is there a specific time when you looked at your restoration and felt like you were finally making progress?
Yes, I often feel like I am making progress. I have often said to myself “this will be so much better after I complete tasks X, Y and Z.” When I reach those goals, I make new ones and watch my site transform.
If you aren’t working in the park where would we most likely find you and what would you be doing?
I do not know. I am very invested in the success of my site and I haven’t even considered what I would be doing if not putting so much time and energy into this project that I am so proud of.
Anything else you want us to know?
I hope more people invest time in being a volunteer steward, especially those with professional restoration experience. A steward can do small tasks that the official land managers do not have time to handle. The work is sometimes fun and sometimes miserable, but it always feels good to have it done.
