The Stew Crew has heard your pleas. Planting is fun and all, but we know you really want to get out there and take out some excess energy on invasive plants. Good news, that’s just what the crew is up to this Tuesday up at the All Ages Trail!

Be sure to dress for the weather and bring hydration. We'll have gloves, tools, and everything else you need 🍪

VBA volunteers partner with the Land Trust every week to help maintain and restore habitat in Paradise Valley.  They remove invasive plants, prepare new areas for planting, and plant native trees and shrubs that capture and store carbon and provide food and shelter for the whole array of local wildlife.  And they have a great time doing it together!  Come join the fun!

Meeting place: Judd Creek Loop Trail trailhead, on the east side of 111th Ave. S.W. in Paradise Valley. Parking is along the road. Note: This is not the Kneeshaw Trailhead parking lot, which is further north and on the west side of 111th. If you arrive late, follow the signs to the worksite.

Tools needed: Bring your own shovels and loppers, if possible. A few extra tools will be on hand, but bringing your own helps assure we have enough for everybody!

 Attire: Please bring your own work gloves. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are strongly recommended.

Questions? Contact Jim Evans at frangula54@gmail.com.

The Paradise Valley Preserve is the property of the Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust. All of the Vashon Bird Alliance’s activities on the preserve are planned out in consultation with land trust stewardship staff and in accordance with the Paradise Valley Preserve management plan.

We hope you have all surfaced from your pie-induced comas, because we have more planting to get done this week! Join the Stew Crew this Tuesday for a morning of shovels, the cutest little baby trees and shrubs, and treats!

Be sure to dress for the weather and bring hydration. We'll have gloves, tools, and everything else you need 🍪

You asked, and we heard you! The Land Trust's Stewardship Crew is now offering a monthly weekend volunteer opportunity for those who cannot make our usual Tuesday work parties. (Or, just need a little more habitat restoration in their lives!)

Join Adrian the last Saturday of the month in Paradise Valley for a morning of fun!

Meet at the Judd Creek parking lot, we'll hike in from there: https://g.co/kgs/jwxC6gy

Vashon Bird Alliance volunteers partner with the Land Trust every week to help maintain and restore habitat in Paradise Valley.  They remove invasive plants, prepare new areas for planting, and plant native trees and shrubs that capture and store carbon and provide food and shelter for the whole array of local wildlife.  And they have a great time doing it together!  Come join the fun!

Meet at Judd Creek Loop Trail trailhead on the EAST side of 111th Ave. SW in Paradise Valley.  Parking is along the road.  [Note: This is not the Kneeshaw Trailhead parking lot, which is further north and on the west side of 111th].  Late arrivees can follow signs to the worksite.

Tasks: Removing holly, ivy, blackberries, & other invasive plants to prepare areas for planting this fall and winter.

Tools needed: Bring your own shovels and loppers, the odd weed wrench if you have one.  A few extra tools will be on hand, but bringing your own helps make sure we have enough for everybody!

Attire: Please bring your own work gloves.  Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.  Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are strongly recommended.

 For more information, contact:

Jim Evans - 206-678-8914 or frangula54@centurytel.net 

It must be fall, because the Stew Crew’s motto is ABP. That’s right, Always Be Planting. Come join the fun at our newest project along Tahlequah Creek. We have plenty of shovels to go around!

Be sure to dress for the weather and bring hydration. We'll have gloves, tools, and everything else you need 🍪

Vashon Bird Alliance volunteers partner with the Land Trust every week to help maintain and restore habitat in Paradise Valley.  They remove invasive plants, prepare new areas for planting, and plant native trees and shrubs that capture and store carbon and provide food and shelter for the whole array of local wildlife.  And they have a great time doing it together!  Come join the fun!

Meet at Judd Creek Loop Trail trailhead on the EAST side of 111th Ave. SW in Paradise Valley.  Parking is along the road.  [Note: This is not the Kneeshaw Trailhead parking lot, which is further north and on the west side of 111th].  Late arrivees can follow signs to the worksite.

Tasks: Removing holly, ivy, blackberries, & other invasive plants to prepare areas for planting this fall and winter.

Tools needed: Bring your own shovels and loppers, the odd weed wrench if you have one.  A few extra tools will be on hand, but bringing your own helps make sure we have enough for everybody!

Attire: Please bring your own work gloves.  Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.  Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are strongly recommended.

 For more information, contact:

Jim Evans - 206-678-8914 or frangula54@centurytel.net 

Vashon Bird Alliance volunteers partner with the Land Trust every week to help maintain and restore habitat in Paradise Valley.  They remove invasive plants, prepare new areas for planting, and plant native trees and shrubs that capture and store carbon and provide food and shelter for the whole array of local wildlife.  And they have a great time doing it together!  Come join the fun!

Meet at Judd Creek Loop Trail trailhead on the EAST side of 111th Ave. SW in Paradise Valley.  Parking is along the road.  [Note: This is not the Kneeshaw Trailhead parking lot, which is further north and on the west side of 111th].  Late arrivees can follow signs to the worksite.

Tasks: Removing holly, ivy, blackberries, & other invasive plants to prepare areas for planting this fall and winter.

Tools needed: Bring your own shovels and loppers, the odd weed wrench if you have one.  A few extra tools will be on hand, but bringing your own helps make sure we have enough for everybody!

Attire: Please bring your own work gloves.  Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.  Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are strongly recommended.

 For more information, contact:

Jim Evans - 206-678-8914 or frangula54@centurytel.net 

Join the Vashon Land Trust and regional restoration experts for a series of First Friday events examining Vashon’s creeks and the cutting-edge science that could restore our waterways to their historic abundance.

Our final speaker in the series is Mike Hrachovec, a veteran environmental engineer who has restored streams and rivers all across the Northwest.

Come join Rocky and the Land Trust for a chat about restoration work that could bring back Vashon’s creeks to their historic abundance.

We hope you’ve been doing your stretches. It’s time to get shoveling! The Stew Crew is taking advantage of the season and getting some planting done at Upper Judd Creek. They would love for you to join in on the fun!

We'll meet at the roadside before heading out into the parcel to get some fresh plant friends into the ground🌱

Be sure to dress for the weather and bring hydration. We'll have gloves, tools, and everything else you need 🍪

The Singer Road Property: https://maps.app.goo.gl/K65PN44qyxA8GgLf7

Calling all lovers of Wax Orchard Park!

King County Parks is looking for some volunteers for a planting party, and it's even on a Saturday.

Ready to lend a hand? Register now for a volunteer slot: http://bit.ly/42sXIQ7

Vashon Bird Alliance volunteers partner with the Land Trust every week to help maintain and restore habitat in Paradise Valley.  They remove invasive plants, prepare new areas for planting, and plant native trees and shrubs that capture and store carbon and provide food and shelter for the whole array of local wildlife.  And they have a great time doing it together!  Come join the fun!

Meet at Judd Creek Loop Trail trailhead on the EAST side of 111th Ave. SW in Paradise Valley.  Parking is along the road.  [Note: This is not the Kneeshaw Trailhead parking lot, which is further north and on the west side of 111th].  Late arrivees can follow signs to the worksite.

Tasks: Removing holly, ivy, blackberries, & other invasive plants to prepare areas for planting this fall and winter.

Tools needed: Bring your own shovels and loppers, the odd weed wrench if you have one.  A few extra tools will be on hand, but bringing your own helps make sure we have enough for everybody!

Attire: Please bring your own work gloves.  Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.  Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are strongly recommended.

 For more information, contact:

Jim Evans - 206-678-8914 or frangula54@centurytel.net 

It’s plantin’ time!

We’ve finally gotten a bit of welcome moisture, so it’s high time to get some young trees and shrubs in the ground. Join the Stew Crew this Tuesday for some quality time getting your hands in the dirt. (Don’t worry, we’ll return to blackberry grubbing soon 😛)

Be sure to dress for the weather and bring hydration. We'll have gloves, tools, and everything else you need 🍪

Meet at the Upper Shinglemill Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Nuh5ULSbDMsMyHbAA

Vashon Bird Alliance volunteers partner with the Land Trust every week to help maintain and restore habitat in Paradise Valley.  They remove invasive plants, prepare new areas for planting, and plant native trees and shrubs that capture and store carbon and provide food and shelter for the whole array of local wildlife.  And they have a great time doing it together!  Come join the fun!

Meet at Judd Creek Loop Trail trailhead on the EAST side of 111th Ave. SW in Paradise Valley.  Parking is along the road.  [Note: This is not the Kneeshaw Trailhead parking lot, which is further north and on the west side of 111th].  Late arrivees can follow signs to the worksite.

Tasks: Removing holly, ivy, blackberries, & other invasive plants to prepare areas for planting this fall and winter.

Tools needed: Bring your own shovels and loppers, the odd weed wrench if you have one.  A few extra tools will be on hand, but bringing your own helps make sure we have enough for everybody!

Attire: Please bring your own work gloves.  Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.  Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are strongly recommended.

 For more information, contact:

Jim Evans - 206-678-8914 or frangula54@centurytel.net 

It sure feels like fall, the Licorice ferns are just emerging, adding a little bit of whimsy to our Island trails and forests. Speaking of whimsy, what sort of plants and critters could be hiding beneath a blackberry bramble? Let’s head out to Judd Creek and find out!

Be sure to dress for the weather and bring hydration. We'll have gloves, tools, and everything else you need 🍪

Meet at the Judd Creek Loop: https://maps.app.goo.gl/f8HsKi4YzpnjnB1N8

Vashon Bird Alliance volunteers partner with the Land Trust every week to help maintain and restore habitat in Paradise Valley.  They remove invasive plants, prepare new areas for planting, and plant native trees and shrubs that capture and store carbon and provide food and shelter for the whole array of local wildlife.  And they have a great time doing it together!  Come join the fun!

Meet at Judd Creek Loop Trail trailhead on the EAST side of 111th Ave. SW in Paradise Valley.  Parking is along the road.  [Note: This is not the Kneeshaw Trailhead parking lot, which is further north and on the west side of 111th].  Late arrivees can follow signs to the worksite.

Tasks: Removing holly, ivy, blackberries, & other invasive plants to prepare areas for planting this fall and winter.

Tools needed: Bring your own shovels and loppers, the odd weed wrench if you have one.  A few extra tools will be on hand, but bringing your own helps make sure we have enough for everybody!

Attire: Please bring your own work gloves.  Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.  Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are strongly recommended.

 For more information, contact:

Jim Evans - 206-678-8914 or frangula54@centurytel.net 

The Stew Crew has been hard at work the past couple of weeks keeping the Judd Creek trails nice and tidy. This Tuesday, they’ll head off the beaten path to tackle blackberries and other invasive nasties to make way for new planting projects. They’d love to see you out there!

Be sure to dress for the weather and bring hydration. We'll have gloves, tools, and everything else you need 🍪

Meet at the Judd Creek Loop: https://maps.app.goo.gl/f8HsKi4YzpnjnB1N8

Vashon Bird Alliance volunteers partner with the Land Trust every week to help maintain and restore habitat in Paradise Valley.  They remove invasive plants, prepare new areas for planting, and plant native trees and shrubs that capture and store carbon and provide food and shelter for the whole array of local wildlife.  And they have a great time doing it together!  Come join the fun!

Meet at Judd Creek Loop Trail trailhead on the EAST side of 111th Ave. SW in Paradise Valley.  Parking is along the road.  [Note: This is not the Kneeshaw Trailhead parking lot, which is further north and on the west side of 111th].  Late arrivees can follow signs to the worksite.

Tasks: Removing holly, ivy, blackberries, & other invasive plants to prepare areas for planting this fall and winter.

Tools needed: Bring your own shovels and loppers, the odd weed wrench if you have one.  A few extra tools will be on hand, but bringing your own helps make sure we have enough for everybody!

Attire: Please bring your own work gloves.  Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.  Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are strongly recommended.

 For more information, contact:

Jim Evans - 206-678-8914 or frangula54@centurytel.net 

We have one last Friday of farming fun this season, and we would love to see you out at Matsuda! It's salad greens-a-palooza out here, and we could really use the extra hands out in the rows to help fulfill orders to feed our Island community. (School is back in session, and the kiddos love their salad bar!)

🌱 Weeding rows

🌱 Bed prepping

🌱 Bed flipping

🌱 Harvesting

🌱 🍪

Dress for the weather, and don’t forget your sunblock and hydration!

Need directions to the farm? Follow this link: https://www.vashonlandtrust.org/parking-directions

It’s time for some trail work!

Join the Stew Crew to help clean up the Judd Creek Loop. We’ll meet at the trailhead, arm ourselves with pruners, and take care of some of the overhang crowding out the trail. 

If time allows, we’ll get to everyone’s favorite task ✨tackling invasives✨ near the trailhead. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring hydration. We'll have gloves, tools, and everything else you need 🍪

Meet at the Judd Creek Loop: https://maps.app.goo.gl/f8HsKi4YzpnjnB1N8

Join the Vashon Land Trust and regional restoration experts for a series of First Friday events examining Vashon’s creeks and the cutting edge science that could restore our waterways to their historic abundance.

Our second speaker is Jacques White, the CEO of Long Live the Kings. Jacques will be highlighting the importance of salmon recovery in the Puget Sound, and how efforts on Vashon could benefit the entire Salish Sea. We hope to see you there!

There's lots of work to be done out in the rows and hoophouses, and it's somehow already October! We'd love to see your lovely faces out at Matsuda Farm this Friday, and we'll be sure to leave ample time to celebrate a job well done with snacks!

🌱 Weeding rows

🌱 Bed prepping

🌱 Bed flipping

🌱 Harvesting

🌱 🍪

Dress for the weather, and don’t forget your sunblock and hydration!

Need directions to the farm? Follow this link: https://www.vashonlandtrust.org/parking-directions

Vashon Bird Alliance volunteers partner with the Land Trust every week to help maintain and restore habitat in Paradise Valley.  They remove invasive plants, prepare new areas for planting, and plant native trees and shrubs that capture and store carbon and provide food and shelter for the whole array of local wildlife.  And they have a great time doing it together!  Come join the fun!

Meet at Judd Creek Loop Trail trailhead on the EAST side of 111th Ave. SW in Paradise Valley.  Parking is along the road.  [Note: This is not the Kneeshaw Trailhead parking lot, which is further north and on the west side of 111th].  Late arrivees can follow signs to the worksite.

Tasks: Removing holly, ivy, blackberries, & other invasive plants to prepare areas for planting this fall and winter.

Tools needed: Bring your own shovels and loppers, the odd weed wrench if you have one.  A few extra tools will be on hand, but bringing your own helps make sure we have enough for everybody!

Attire: Please bring your own work gloves.  Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.  Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are strongly recommended.

 For more information, contact:

Jim Evans - 206-678-8914 or frangula54@centurytel.net 

You know who has really enjoyed these misty mornings? Our neighborhood Rough-skinned newts! The Land Trust team has been spotting them all over the trails as they look for opportunistic insect snacks.

Want to help out these little cuties? Clearing invasive species is one great way to do so! We’re tackling Himalayan blackberry this week with our volunteers, a plant that can really cramp the newt’s style. Thorny thickets can outcompete the native plants and fallen wood that newts need for foraging, cover, and protection from predators. 

Meet at the Judd Creek Loop: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NgNsPtZAZa51ifX46

You asked, and we heard you! The Land Trust's Stewardship Crew is now offering a monthly weekend volunteer opportunity for those who cannot make our usual Tuesday work parties. (Or, just need a little more habitat restoration in their lives!)

Join Adrian the last Saturday of the month in Paradise Valley for a morning of fun!

Meet at the Judd Creek parking lot, we'll hike in from there: https://g.co/kgs/jwxC6gy

Vashon Bird Alliance volunteers partner with the Land Trust every week to help maintain and restore habitat in Paradise Valley.  They remove invasive plants, prepare new areas for planting, and plant native trees and shrubs that capture and store carbon and provide food and shelter for the whole array of local wildlife.  And they have a great time doing it together!  Come join the fun!

Meet at Judd Creek Loop Trail trailhead on the EAST side of 111th Ave. SW in Paradise Valley.  Parking is along the road.  [Note: This is not the Kneeshaw Trailhead parking lot, which is further north and on the west side of 111th].  Late arrivees can follow signs to the worksite.

Tasks: Removing holly, ivy, blackberries, & other invasive plants to prepare areas for planting this fall and winter.

Tools needed: Bring your own shovels and loppers, the odd weed wrench if you have one.  A few extra tools will be on hand, but bringing your own helps make sure we have enough for everybody!

Attire: Please bring your own work gloves.  Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.  Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are strongly recommended.

 For more information, contact:

Jim Evans - 206-678-8914 or frangula54@centurytel.net 

There are lots of perks when you volunteer at Matsuda Farm. When you come out on these special mornings, you’re helping to feed hungry students while getting in some quality dirt time and having lots of laughs.

As an added bonus, you may even get to take home some veggies or beautiful blooms! Pretty great deal, right? Join in on the fun!

***Please note! This week's volunteer day is on THURSDAY, not our usual Friday. Sorry for any inconvenience, our staff schedules are a little wacky this week! ***

What will we be up to? As always, tasks may change, that's just farmin, but we hope to tackle:

🌱 Weeding rows

🌱 Bed prepping

🌱 Bed flipping

🌱 Harvesting

🌱 🍪

Dress for the weather, and don’t forget your sunblock and hydration!

Need directions to the farm? Follow this link: https://www.vashonlandtrust.org/parking-directions

We’re heading back out to the Mary Matsuda Gruenwald forest with the Stew Crew for this week’s work party! Help take care of this young forest by limbing up some branches and pulling up invasives.

Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and bring plenty of hydration.  We'll have gloves, tools, and everything else you need 🍪

Need directions to the farm? Follow this link! https://www.vashonlandtrust.org/parking-directions

It's certainly starting to feel like fall out at Matsuda Farm! The Delicata squash is nearly ready, followed by the pumpkins and butternuts. While these crops don't need quite as much constant attention, there is still a ton to get done as we prep for deliveries to VISD, the Food Bank, and the Farmer's Market! Hope you can join in on the fun this Friday!

🌱 Weeding rows

🌱 Bed prepping

🌱 Bed flipping

🌱 Harvesting

🌱 🍪

Dress for the weather, and don’t forget your sunblock and hydration!

Need directions to the farm? Follow this link: https://www.vashonlandtrust.org/parking-directions

The Stew Crew is fresh off a week of bridge building (literally), so they decided to mix it up a bit for this week’s work party!

Meet the team at Matsuda Farm to give the Mary Matsuda Gruenwald forest some TLC. We’ll be limbing, creating branch piles, and hunting down invasive plants.

Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and bring plenty of hydration.  Blackberries are pokey, so wear long sleeves! We'll have gloves, tools, and everything else you need 🍪

Need directions to the farm? Follow this link! https://www.vashonlandtrust.org/parking-directions