Since 2005, more than one thousand students, teachers and family members from five schools here in East Jefferson County have planted more than 51,000 native trees and shrubs to help restore wild salmon habitat. Salmon are now returning to restored stretches of the Tarboo-Dabob Watershed, spawning new generations of native fish that will be shaded by these trees forever. This year, they will plant thousands more.

Each tree is planted in honor of someone, through the sale of Tree Cards sold at participating schools and businesses. This year, the cards are a retrospective of previous designs, including local artists Richard Jesse Watson, Amanda Kingsley, and Hannah Viano. All proceeds from Tree Card sales go to support local schools.

Please encourage our schools to keep teaching children how to help the environment by purchasing mandarin satsumas at Port Townsend Food Co-op. For each 5 lb. box you buy, The Food Co-op donates $1 to support Northwest Watershed Institute, the founder and coordinator of the Plant-A-Thon. To donate directly or learn more, visit: www.nwwatershed.org.