Volunteers and King County Parks staff will plant 80 large conifer trees at White Center Heights Park on Saturday, Oct. 4, in an effort to improve air quality and provide long-term environmental benefits, according to the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is part of the King County Volunteer program.

Parks Operations staff from the Sunset District will help by pre-digging holes for the trees, which are larger than those typically planted at community volunteer events.

Funding for the trees comes from a Washington State Department of Ecology grant supported by the Climate Commitment Act. The grant focuses on addressing airport-related pollution in south King County communities that experience higher levels of fine particulates and poorer air quality than most other areas of the state.

The conifer species selected are native to the Pacific Northwest, long lived and evergreen. Officials said they are expected to provide year-round canopies, shade for the park’s historic house sites, wildlife habitat and stormwater reduction.

The trees are also intended to enhance the mental health of park visitors by improving the overall environment.

Register to Volunteer

The planting is open to volunteers, with registration required at this link.