Volunteers sought for MLK Day forest restoration

Bomb cyclone storm impacts

A bomb cyclone windstorm lashed Bellevue the night of Tuesday, Nov. 19, bringing down trees throughout the city and leaving hundreds of thousands without power. Most city facilities have power but some are on modified hours or closed due to power outages. Damages from the storm continue to impact Bellevue, prompting the mayor to proclaim a civil emergency in the city. Updates about the city's response will be posted at Bomb Cyclone Storm.

Published January 10 2024

A woman smiles while planting a fern as part of Arbor Day in 2022.

The community is invited to participate in a forest restoration project at Wilburton Hill Park on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, Jan. 15, 9 a.m.-noon). Learn more and register in advance with the project cosponsor EarthCorps.

Bellevue’s estimated 1.4 million trees provide health and economic benefits, increase property values and traffic safety, reduce crime, limit stormwater runoff and improve water quality.

In keeping with the holiday’s status as a national day of service, up to 100 volunteers will remove invasive plants such as English Ivy and plant native trees, shrubs and ground cover in the Wilburton park’s understory. The number of volunteers will be limited.

The city and EarthCorps will provide gloves and tools. Wilburton Hill Park is located at 12400 Main St.