An armada of canoe-bond volunteers will invade Swamp Creek in Kenmore on Feb. 18 with the mission of planting 400 trees and shrubs in order to restore natural stream-side vegetation. The event, which is produces by the Adopt A Stream Foundation, the Kenmore Waterfront Activities Center and the Sno-King Watershed Council, will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The replanting will benefit salmon runs and other species that use the waterway.

The group is seeking help from the community and volunteers.

“This will be a fun Northwest event,” said Adopt A Stream Foundation Director Tom Murdoch. “Volunteers from the Kenmore Waterfront Activities Center are looking forward to transporting tree planting volunteers across Swamp Creek just upstream from the Sammamish River and Lake Washington. Of course, everyone should dress for the weather and waterproof footwear is a very good idea.”

The foundation will provide volunteers with the necessary tree planting equipment and snacks. Washington State Salmon Recovery Funding Board financed the purchase of the trees and shrubs.

While canoes will make up part of the volunteer transport fleet, a Hobie Cat with a wood top will be the primary means of transporting plants and people.

The objective of this volunteer effort is to establish native plants next to Swamp Creek where the current vegetation is invasive reed canary grass.

“Results have been great – over 800 trees were planted at the first two events in November and January,” Murdock said.

This event is the third of four scheduled tree planting activities at Swamp Creek, with the last one taking place on March 18.

For more information or to volunteer, call the Adopt A Stream Foundation at 425-316-8592.