Community groups, businesses, and individuals are encouraged to join the City of Woodinville in habitat restoration along the Sammamish River at the 2007 Sammamish River ReLeaf to be held Saturday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The annual event, planned in conjunction with National Public Lands Day, will enhance Woodinville’s tourism gateway through restoration maintenance and planting of native trees and bushes. City Volunteer Coordinator Patrick Tefft reports that volunteers will remove non-native plants such as blackberry and thistles, mulch cleared areas, and plant new natives to achieve greater plant diversity.

“It’s always hard work and everyone who participates has a great sense of accomplishment,” says Tefft.

Previous experience is not required. Volunteers will receive a brief tutorial and site history, and the City provides tools, extra work gloves, and refreshments.

Event planners include REI, Willows Lodge, 21 Acres, MJR Development and the Woodinville Lions Club.

Volunteers under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by an adult or be part of a group made up of one adult for every four children.

Each volunteer must complete a City Volunteer Agreement, which is available online at http://www.ci.woodinville.wa.us/Play/VolunteerApplicationForms.asp.

Church, scout, employee, school and neighborhood groups are encouraged to participate.

This year’s project site is located where NE 145th Street (SR 202) passes over the Sammamish River Trail near the Northshore Athletic League parking lot. Questions about the event may be directed to Patrick Teftt, Volunteer Coordinator at (425) 877-2289 or PatrickT@ci.woodinville.wa.us.