By Doug Petrowski

Earth Day is still more than two weeks away, but the City of Mountlake Terrace is urging groups wishing to take part in the April 21 volunteer clean-up day to register now.

Each spring, the city invites residents to join together for a day of cleaning up parks and public spaces. After years of scheduling this volunteer opportunity in May, the city has moved it to Saturday, April 21, this year in honor of Earth Day.

Groups planning to participate should contact Parks and Facilities Superintendent Ken Courtmanch at 425-776-1811. Families, neighbors and individuals will also be welcomed to volunteer.

Participants will gather the morning of the event at the Terrace Park School parking lot, 5409-228th St. S.W., then head off to various locations around Mountlake Terrace for raking, shoveling, pruning, washing play equipment and tree planting. Volunteers are urged to wear comfortable work clothes, bring their own gloves and yard tools, and be prepared for any type of weather.

Work projects are scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. followed by an appreciation lunch for all volunteers served by members of the Mountlake Terrace City Council.

The volunteer clean-up day is just part of an entire weekend of events for Earth Day. Waste Management will sponsor e-waste recycling at the parking lot of the Mountlake Terrace Library on Saturday, April 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The library will also have displays and information on what you can do to celebrate Earth Day. The Mountlake Terrace Garden Club will be on hand during lunch to share information about gardening and sustainability.

The Mountlake Terrace Library, in partnership with Creekside Church, has scheduled a book and clothing swap on Sunday, April 22, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Bring in unwanted, clean clothing and books to swap with others; any leftover items will be donated to the Friends of the Mountlake Terrace Library and other community charities.