
Carnation Farms Rooted Teens volunteers supported KCD and partner projects throughout the summer of 2019 by spending one day each week learning about and helping with KCD projects on farms and restoration sites.
At the first volunteer event, Rooted Teens were hosted by King County Wastewater Treatment Division staff at the South Treatment Plant. They toured the wastewater plant and learned about the treatment process for wastewater, as well as uses of reclaimed water and Loop® soil. After the tour, students built trellises for tomato plants at City Soil Farm, which is also located at the Treatment Plant. Food grown at City Soil Farm is donated to the White Center Food Bank.

At the second event, Rooted Teens volunteered at a KCD streamside restoration project in Snoqualmie. They learned about riparian restoration from a KCD Resource Planner and helped mulch the trees and shrubs that were planted this spring. KCD’s Washington Conservation Corps crews led the event and trained them on best practices for mulching and restoration.
We are excited to have Rooted Teens join us for more volunteer events in the future at Hillside Farm/Paradise Parking Plots, KCD Native Plant Nursery, City Soil Farm and other KCD restoration sites.

Are you interested in bringing your own group out to a KCD restoration or urban gardening project? Contact Miranda Smith for more information.


Program Manager, Engagement
O: 425-282-1955 – C: 425-773-1668
Mark joined KCD in the spring of 2018 as Outreach Coordinator. A transplant from Montana, Mark brings with him a decade of experience in conservation and land-use issues. After graduating from the University of Montana, Mark spent several years teaching natural history in and around Glacier National Park. He also completed two terms of service as an AmeriCorps Volunteer with the Montana Conservation Corps. Most recently, Mark channeled his passion for the outdoors working to engage communities on wildlife and conservation issues while working for the Montana Wildlife Federation. When not developing KCD’s outreach program, Mark can be found hiking in the mountains with his wife Tia and their dog River.