Preserve Needs Help With Trees, Trails

A tree-planting party, complete with the chance to “adopt” a tree, will be May 1 at the Cougar Bay Preserve. “We hope to have about 150 people there,” said K.J. Hackworthy of The Nature Conservancy, which recently purchased the wildlife habitat on Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Hackworthy is also seeking volunteers for the May 8 trail construction day. Both Saturday work parties will take place between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

To reach the preserve, travel south on U.S. Highway 95, about 2.5 miles south of the Spokane River bridge. The preserve access road is the next left after Cougar Gulch Road.

Volunteers can sign up by calling 676-8176 in Coeur d’Alene.

On May 1, participants can pay $25 and choose a tree to plant if they like. Donations of native shrubs and trees are also being accepted. People are asked to bring rakes, shovels or post-hole diggers and at least two gallons of water for the plantings. Lunch will be provided by Coeur, The Precious Metals Co.

On May 8, volunteers should bring shovels, rakes and other trail-building tools. Crown Pacific and the Intermountain Forest Industries Association will provide lunch.