Eagles, Dawgs plant more than 200 trees, shrubs

On Saturday, Oct. 23, rainy weather did not dampen the spirits of 45 First Creek Middle School Eagles and University of Washington-Tacoma Dawgs, when they came together to plant more than 200 trees and shrubs in the First Creek watershed.

"The planting was hard work due to the very rocky soil and the students joked that it might be easier to grow rocks at the site than trees," said Donna Chang, science teacher at First Creek and STEMester of Service grantee. "But perseverance won out and the planting was accomplished."

The fall planting is a continuation of the partnership that developed between First Creek Middle School science students and their UWT science counterparts. In addition to the joint watershed restoration activities, both groups continue to collaborate on efforts to study the human impact on storm water.  This year's efforts will include a public awareness campaign intended to get all First Creek community members involved in making behavior changes that will improve the health of our water. 

As First Creek student Daemien Zarapkar said, "We need everyone to understand that the pollution that goes into the storm drains goes directly out to the Puget Sound. We can all make a difference." The trees that are planted in the watershed will help filter storm water runoff from the surrounding community.