A secluded parcel of land on Enumclaw’s eastern edge – one with a colorful history and promising future – will be in the spotlight March 7.

That’s when King County Parks staff is inviting the public to participate in a habitat restoration work party and tour of the Little Lake Forest property.

The county acquired the 155-acre site in 2018, envisioning its use as public open space and for environmental preservation.

Assisted by King County Parks employees, work party participants will help restore portions of the degraded pastureland by planting trees and shrubs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

That will be followed by a guided tour through a portion of the property. Parks staff will talk about future plans for the site, which are based on ideas collected during a public outreach effort in 2019.

King County acquired the heavily-forested property in 2018 through a partnership with land conservation and sustainability nonprofit Forterra, which purchased the acreage for $1.59 million and held the parcel until the county could raise the funds needed to reimburse the organization.

Sitting at the base of the Cascade foothills, county plans call for the Little Lake Forest property to serve as a public gateway to thousands of acres of lowland-elevation forestland, including access to the network of recreational trails in the 80,000-acre Tomanamus Forest, owned by the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and managed by Hancock Forest.

THE WORK PARTY

It is advised that attendees wear appropriate clothing and shoes or boots that might get muddy and wet – the work will occur rain or shine. Gloves, water, snacks and hot drinks will be provided and it’s suggested that everyone take a refillable water bottle.

Participants should RSVP to Brian Lund, King County Parks volunteer restoration coordinator, at brian.lund@kingcounty.gov.