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Meghan Jordan

Communications Specialist III

Meghan.Jordan@snoco.org

425-312-0564

Snohomish County Highlights Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship Events and Programs Ahead of Earth Day

Snohomish County DCNR works to protect the environment and promote sustainability all year long

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash., April 20, 2023 – As Earth Day approaches, Snohomish County Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is proud to highlight its ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. This year, Snohomish County invites residents to join in the celebration by volunteering for various Earth Day events across the county hosted by county departments, cities, utilities, and other partners.

“While Earth Day is a yearly reminder that our environment is the bedrock of our quality of life, we must make decisions every day of the year to protect our natural resources. We are already seeing the impacts of climate change, and Snohomish County will continue to lead regional efforts to invest in sustainable solutions. The health of our economy and community depends on us never becoming complacent,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers.

DCNR is hosting Earth Day events at five County parks and the public is invited to sign up to volunteer and/or participate in these or other opportunities. Choose from several volunteer work parties to help clean up a beach or remove invasive species from natural areas. Volunteers are encouraged to dress for the weather including sturdy shoes, long sleeves, and pants. Participants can bring their own gloves and any small hand tools. Other local events include Snohomish PUD’s Energy Block Party, City of Snohomish’s Earth Day event and more. View the full list here.

Snohomish County DCNR’s efforts to support the environment and promote sustainability go beyond Earth Day. Throughout the year, DCNR operates numerous programs and projects that help protect the environment and promote sustainability. Some of DCNR’s key environmental and sustainability initiatives include:

• Managing the County’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program to address stormwater pollution. Under this permit Snohomish County Surface Water Management (SWM), a division of DCNR, operates a variety of pollution-prevention programs and services, including LakeWise, Natural Lawn Care Workshops, Savvy Septic (together with the Snohomish County Health Department), Business Inspection & Pollution Source Control, water quality complaint investigations and much more.
• Removing derelict vessels that could be leaking pollutants.
• Planting native trees and shrubs as part of various SWM projects.
• Hosting nearly 20 volunteer events each year to clean up parks and remove invasive plant species.
• Restoring forested areas of county parks through the Healthy Forest Project that partners with local communities to lead forest restoration projects.
• Implementing a zero waste initiative at the Evergreen State Fair.
• Offering energy sustainability programs such as the Weatherization Program, Energy Smart Loan Program for residential property owners and C-PACER loans for commercial properties.
• Facilitating the Climate Action Advisory Committee that provides recommendations to address climate change, protect public health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), and preserve our natural environment.

About Snohomish County Conservation and Natural Resources

The Snohomish County Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) includes the Division of Surface Water Management; the Division of Parks and Recreation; the Office of Energy and Sustainability and the Office of Agriculture. DCNR works in support of thriving communities; a clean and healthy environment to foster environmental stewardship; ensuring food security; supporting a green economy, and strengthening communities by providing regional parks and infrastructure; protecting the region's water, air, land and natural habitats; enhancing agriculture and recreation; and reducing flooding. https://snohomishcountywa.gov/5758.