REALTORS® to devote day of service at the historic Dunn Gardens

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR INFORMATION……….. David Crowell, JD, Director of Governmental & Public Affairs, 425.974-1011

One of the Northwest’s most historically significant gardens will be the beneficiary of an upcoming day of service by members of Seattle King County REALTORS®.

Several dozen REALTOR® volunteers will spend Friday, Oct. 16 at the Dunn Gardens in Seattle. Under the supervision of the heads groundskeeper, master gardeners and docents, the REALTORS® will help clear, clean and maintain the historic character of the 100-year-old “hidden gem.”

The upcoming work party marks the ninth year of The REALTORS® Environmental Council (TREC) project, a combined educational/volunteer initiative. The volunteers’ tasks at the 8-acre garden will include clearing invasive plants from the ravine, pool area and northwest boundary, and cleaning up the east border. As a final project, they will plant native species of plants.

“This project will greatly assist the garden staff in maintaining our historic character.” said Beth Weir, executive director at Dunn Gardens. Located in Seattle’s Broadview neighborhood, the former “country getaway” for a prominent Seattle family reflects a love of plants and the ideals of the esteemed Olmsted Brothers Landscape firm that designed Dunn Gardens in 1915.

In past years – and regardless of weather conditions – volunteers ranging in age from 8 to 87 have cleared non-native blackberries and other invasive vegetation, planted native trees and shrubs, and spread mulch at parks and open spaces around King County.

Area residents are invited to join REALTORS® at the work party, scheduled from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. No experience is necessary and all instruction and supplies will be provided. Volunteers are asked to bring their own gloves, and if they prefer, their own garden tools.

The TREC project is sponsored by the association’s Affiliate Council, which will host lunch for all workers.

Volunteers must pre-register at nwrealtor.com or by calling 425.974-1011. Participants will need to sign a standard volunteer waiver form. Carpooling is encouraged as parking around Dunn Gardens is limited.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Dunn Gardens during their centennial celebration,” said David Crowell, SKCR’s director of governmental and public affairs. He noted the goal in forming TREC was to bring together REALTORS and the community for environmental stewardship projects and to help preserve healthy, natural habits to enhance our neighborhoods. “Like the Olmsted architects, we share the belief that landscape architecture can improve the quality of life of Americans,” Crowell added.

In addition to Dunn Gardens, the Olmsted legacy in Seattle includes the boulevard system, numerous parks and playgrounds, the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition (credited with shaping the University of Washington campus), and other public and private landscapes, including more than 30 residential grounds. Elsewhere, the Olmsted designs include Central Park in New York, the U.S. Capitol Grounds in Washington D.C., and Boston Commons.

Since 1993, Dunn Gardens has been owned and managed by the E.G. Dunn Historic Garden Trust, which is dedicated to conserving historically significant gardens for public enjoyment. The National Trust for Historic Preservation designated Dunn Gardens as one of 12 “Restore America” sites for 2004-2005.

About The Realtors Environmental Council (TREC)

SKCR established The Realtors Environmental Council as a nonprofit affiliate to promote environmental stewardship among REALTORS, its affiliate members and homeowners, and to support projects and policies to preserve a healthy natural habitat. In addition to “on-the-ground” projects to promote green practices, REALTORS® can earn a Green Designation, a professional credential that signifies proficiency on issues of energy efficiency and sustainability in various facets of real estate.

Since inception, TREC volunteers have devoted a day of service at parks and open spaces in Bellevue, Federal Way, Issaquah, Kirkland, Renton, and Seattle

“Realtors are well positioned to raise homeowner awareness of ways to protect, maintain, and preserve open spaces and parks,” Crowell remarked, adding, “Real estate professionals don’t just sell homes, they often lead efforts that promote environmental stewardship and sustainability by advocating for policies that will protect and enhance our quality of life and the communities where our members and their clients live and work.”

About SKCR

Seattle King County REALTORS^® creates a thriving and ethical business environment for members through education, advocacy and tools that support member success. The nonprofit professional trade association promotes a strict code of ethics and policies that protect and promote the right to own, transfer and use real property.

Based in Bellevue, SKCR is a local association of the National Association of REALTORS®. Membership is voluntary, and only members may use the term REALTOR®, which is a licensed collective trademark.

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