We’ve mentioned this a few times and with Saturday just around the corner, it’s time for another reminder: The Rotary Club of West Seattle is helping lead the way in a big tree-planting project along Fauntleroy Way this Saturday, along with local Boy Scouts and the city – and hopefully, with you too! Just be at Fairmount Playground starting at 9 am Saturday. Meantime, here’s the latest news release – read on:

West Seattle is home to some of city’s most popular natural settings including Alki beach and Lincoln Park. Yet, one of its major thoroughfares, Fauntleroy Avenue, was in need of some “sprucing” up.

Unlike most major streets in West Seattle, Fauntleroy Avenue lacked the presence of trees. When the City of Seattle decided to improve the road’s condition, funds were allocated to add 122 trees along the City’s right of way.

West Seattle Rotarian, Brian Waid, had previously contacted the City of Seattle suggesting a tree planting project in West Seattle, but it was not until the renovation of Fauntleroy Avenue that an opportunity arose. Waid said, “The West Seattle Rotary has a long history of planting trees and improving parks. I thought it would be good project and would help build a sense of community between club members and other community groups. The Fauntleroy Avenue project also coincides with our Rotarians at Work Day.”

“The city was very happy to utilize volunteer labor to plant treks and keep the cost of the Fauntleroy renovation low, important in these economic times.”

Waid also learned that in association with 100th Anniversary of Scouting in America, the Boy Scouts had partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation and launched an effort to plant trees across the country. After learning about the Fauntleroy Avenue tree planting project, the Boy Scouts were eager to assist.

“We look at the planting of trees as a perfect symbol of the passing of 100 years of Scouting values of leadership, citizenship, and conservation to the next generation,” said Ryan Larson, Executive with the Chief Seattle Council, Boy Scouts of America.

Ron Harris, Manager with Seattle Parks and Recreation, said, “This has been just a great way for government and the community to come together and work on a project that will have a lasting impact.”

More info on the Rotary Club’s home page.