Information from We Heart Seattle
Volunteers and logistical support are sought for a large trash clean-up effort in July within Seattle’s largest contiguous forest, the West Duwamish Greenbelt. An estimated 50,000 pounds of waste are marked for removal from an encampment near the South Seattle College Arboretum in West Seattle.
We Heart Seattle outreach volunteers have made contact with current residents of the site and are offering assistance with housing, medical, food, and other services available. Coordinators have begun contacting the college, as well as nearby non-profits, schools, and businesses regarding the clean-up.
Due to the slope (+40%) and the ecologically sensitive area, vehicles will not be able to access the site and the waste will need to be removed by hand. We Heart Seattle wants coordinated efforts to ensure the safety of volunteers while working, as well as the health of the habitat. Experienced ecological restoration professionals and enthusiasts are encouraged to assist in the logistics, preparation, and execution of the event.
We Heart Seattle is committed to providing support services to those in need while restoring urban parks and forests. To date, 550,400 pounds of trash have been removed from greenspaces and 108 people have been helped off the streets. Previous outreach locations include Kinnear Park, Hooverville, Woodland Park, Green Lake, MacLean Park, Georgetown, Ballard, Discovery Park, Lake City Way, Little Saigon, Queen Anne, Belltown, and other areas throughout greater Seattle.
Removal efforts will commence in July, with site preparation beginning in June. Those interested in participating can email andrea@weheartseattle.org. More information about We Heart Seattle can be found at:
We Heart Seattle: An action-based, boots-on-the-ground movement that organizes trash clean-ups in our public spaces and offers a helping hand to those in need. We Heart Seattle is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and access as foundational to its programs. We acknowledge and honor the fundamental value and dignity of all people. We pledge our individual and organizational efforts to build respect, dignity, caring, and equitable treatment for all.
