Join King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks as we celebrate Earth Week and the work happening across King County to protect and restore the natural environment.
Earth Week is a moment to recognize the employees, partners, and communities working year-round to care for the people, fish, wildlife, and natural spaces that define our region. It’s also an opportunity to explore how everyday actions — from planting trees to reducing waste and growing food — help create healthier, more resilient neighborhoods.
During Earth Week, we’ll highlight efforts to expand urban tree canopy for healthy, resilient, and sustainable communities across King County. King County’s urban tree canopy is a key defense against extreme heat, air pollution, and stormwater runoff.
Throughout the week, we’ll share stories from across our department, spotlight projects that help neighborhoods stay cooler during extreme heat, and highlight ways residents can care for the environment where they live.
Earth Week and volunteer events
Treatment Plant Tours
What happens after water goes down the drain? 💧
Behind the scenes, Wastewater Treatment Division staff work every day to clean wastewater before it returns to Puget Sound.
Lab analysts carefully test water quality, while operators and maintenance teams keep treatment plants running smoothly. Together, they help remove solids, reduce nutrients, and disinfect water. Their work helps protect salmon, support healthy waterways, and keep our communities safe.
Our three regional treatment plants can treat up to 865 million gallons per day — more than 1,300 Olympic-sized pools.
Join us for an Earth Week plant tour to see how science, infrastructure, and dedicated public servants help protect Puget Sound.
Brightwater Treatment Plant Tour
Visit King County’s newest wastewater treatment plant and learn how wastewater is cleaned and transformed into valuable resources that protect public health and the environment.
Participants must be at least 9 years old. Registration is required.
April 18 – Brightwater Treatment Plant, Woodinville (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
22505 WA-9, Woodinville, WA 98072
West Point Treatment Plant Tour
Visit King County’s oldest wastewater treatment plant and learn how wastewater is cleaned and transformed into valuable resources that protect public health and the environment.
Participants must be at least 9 years old. Registration is required.
April 18 – West Point Treatment Plant, Seattle (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
1400 Discovery Park Blvd., Seattle, WA 98199
Volunteer events
Volunteer at Skyway Park
Help restore forest health at Skyway Park in the West Hill community of unincorporated King County.
Volunteers may help remove invasive plants, spread mulch, weed restoration sites, and support other park improvement projects that protect wetlands and habitat connected to Taylor Creek, a salmon-bearing stream.
All tools are provided. Please wear closed-toe shoes and clothing that can get dirty.
Earth Month restoration event
- April 25 – Skyway Park, Seattle (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
Registration for the Skyway Park volunteer event: https://parksvolunteer.kingcounty.gov/timeslots/dFOEGBMHSr
Learn more about King County Parks: www.kingcounty.gov/parks
Volunteer in Miller and Walker creeks
As a volunteer, you help make Miller and Walker creeks better for people, fish, and wildlife.
The volunteer projects listed below welcome people of all ages. Younger participants may need their guardian present — please check with the event organizers. Unless otherwise noted, no experience is necessary and you’lllearn on the job.
Spring 2026 forest restoration events
All events run 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tools are provided. Please wear closed-toe shoes and layers of clothing that can get dirty.
- March 28 – Normandy Park (new site)
- April 18 – Normandy Park
- April 25 – Miller Creek Trail, Burien
Questions: millerwalker@midsoundfisheries.org
Community events
Community Repair Event
Bring broken household items and work with skilled volunteer “fixers” who will try to repair and mend them. Community repair events help reduce waste, keep useful items out of the landfill, and teach practical repair skills.
Events are first-come, first-served, and participants may bring one item at a time.
Find more information about what items can be repaired and see the full list of upcoming events:
kingcounty.gov/repair-events
- April 15 – Covington Library (3 – 6 p.m.)
- April 28 – Tukwila Community Center (3 – 6 p.m.)
Maple Valley Earth Day Fair
Come learn about environmental practices and local sustainability resources at the 2026 Maple Valley Earth Day Fair.
This community event features information about safer cleaning options, tips for growing chemical-free gardens, and resources for businesses looking to manage their hazardous waste responsibly. Visitors can also take part in the Community Ready Challenge with King County to earn prizes.
The Hazardous Waste Management Program will be on site offering free lead screenings of small household items and hosting a pop-up Wastemobile for convenient hazardous waste disposal. Please check accepted materialsbefore attending. Containers larger than 1 gallon cannot be accepted at this event.
April 18 – Lake Wilderness Arboretum, Maple Valley (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
22520 SE 248th St., Maple Valley, WA 98038
Find additional information here. https://maplevalleywa.gov/community/community_events/earth_day.php
City of SeaTac Earth Day Celebration
Join the City of SeaTac for an Earth Day celebration at the Des Moines Creek Trailhead Park, located at a new segment of the Lake to Sound Trail.
King County’s Noxious Weed Team will be on site sharing information about preventing and managing invasive species and helping protect healthy ecosystems.
The event includes a ribbon cutting, seed giveaway, crafts, face painting, and opportunities to volunteer, including helping remove ivy to support park health. Visitors can also help name and release baby salmon into Des Moines Creek.
April 25 – Des Moines Creek Trailhead Park, SeaTac (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
Ribbon cutting at 10 a.m.
This event is organized by the City of SeaTac Parks and Recreation and Public Works.
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