Logo

Sedro-Woolley Courier Times
Courier-Times staff

National parks are important to residents at Country Meadow Village, a retirement community in Sedro-Woolley.

A group of them recently traveled to the ranger station post of the North Cascades National Park in Marblemount to plant seeds and wetland grasses that will aid erosion control in the park. This is the third year the group has traveled to volunteer their time and energy at the park.

Park Volunteer Coordinator Cheryl Cunningham appreciates their annual visit.

“The contribution they make in our attempt to handle erosion control is significant,” Cunningham said. “I tell the interns that if they think they are going to have an easy day with this group, then think again because the crew from Country Meadow Village is one of our most productive sets of volunteers.”

Cunningham said in two years the seedlings from the seeds the residents planted will be transplanted into the area where they were gathered. The wetland grasses will be transplanted next spring.

David Bricka, program director at Country Meadow Village, said the long-term partnership between the residents and the park has been mutualluy beneficial and is in keeping with the company’s “Bring Retirement to Life” philosophy.

“It is a way for us to make a difference in sustaining our world locally by volunteering,” Bricka said.

“It’s a great opportunity to see firsthand one of the most beautiful places on Earth.”

Pictured: Seniors from Country Meadow Village pose for a photo during their visit to the North Cascades National Park ranger station in Marblemount. Back row, from left: Bob Benham, Nate Vandenberg, Jim Hicks and David Sexton. Front row: Sadie Linn, Program Director David Bricka, Juanita Hinson, Janet Monk and park intern David (no last name given).

Our residents love getting their hands dirty for a good cause! A group of Country Meadow Village residents and staff trekked up to North Cascades National Park in Marblemount where they planted seeds and wetland grass for use in erosion control. This is the third year the group has participated in the project. Cheryl Cunningham, the Park Volunteer Coordinator looks forward to their annual visit.  ”The contribution they make in our attempt to handle erosion control is significant,”   Cunningham said.  “I tell the interns that if they think they are going to have an easy day with this group, then think again because the crew from Country Meadow Village is one of our most productive sets of volunteers.”

The seeds will be replanted in the area that they were gathered in about two years with the grasses used next spring.  Cunningham will make a trip to Country Meadow Village in February or March to give the group an update on the progress of the plant and seed growth.