On Friday, April 22^nd participants from Neighbors For Kids-Kids Zone and the City of Depoe Bay joined forces to celebrate and honor Earth Day with a special project. City of Depoe Bay staff and local volunteers worked collaboratively with Kids Zone staff and children to plant nearly 300 native species of plants and trees in the local Depoe Bay City Park. This special project involved the planting of various native trees and plants such as spruce, cedar, vine maple and elderberry along the hiking trails and natural areas within the city park. Nearly 30 energetic young children worked, and of course played, during this fun, collaborative effort and did their part to beautify their local park while honoring Earth Day.

City Superintendent, Brady Weidner who coordinated the project with the Kids Zone staff said the kids did a great job and they got more things planted than anticipated. Many of the kids said they were interested in returning year after year to watch these trees grow and know they were part of it. Neighbors For Kids was happy to take part in this project, Executive Director, Toby Winn said, they are proud that the kids helped the City of Depoe Bay and had a chance to give back to their community, while enhancing the natural diversity of the park. This gives youth a real sense of usefulness and belonging, in a caring community that continues to embrace them.

Information and photo provided by Neighbors for Kids