A sweet “thank you”

This Earth Day, we’re holding close to what connects us: the land beneath our feet and the communities it sustains. 

We’re still smiling, reflecting on our several standout Earth Month events that celebrated community-powered restoration and elevated the visibility of our Evergreen Restoration Program. It warmed our hearts to receive this lovely note from McKinstry following our April 23 event:

Dear Forterra,

On behalf of everyone at McKinstry, I want to extend our heart felt gratitude for your partnership during our annual Week of Service. Your collaboration and support have made it possible for our teams to help advance your important work, and we are grateful for your time, dedication, and hospitality.

Making a positive difference in our communities is an integral part of who we are at McKinstry, and your engagement with our volunteering efforts puts our values into action.

Thank you for your commitment to service and for the selfless work you have done to uplift others. We appreciate you!

These outcomes underscore the program’s value beyond restoration as a powerful community engagement tool.

‘Tis the season for volunteer restoration events

A fantastic group of Forterra volunteers rolled up their sleeves recently to remove invasive blackberry and restore part of Clover Creek’s rare South Puget Sound prairie ecosystem, home to over 70 bird species.

We even had a red-tailed hawk family soar overhead, reminding us why this work matters.

Join us July 18 for our next Forterra Friday volunteer event at Lake Stickney Park in Lynwood – where we’ll work together to restore this unique habitat. Connect with nature, create community and make a positive impact on our local environment. Sign up to volunteer

Preservation, restoration and bringing an outdoor youth camp back to life

We were honored to participate in May’s grand re-opening of Camp Kilworth in Federal Way, the former Boy Scout camp Forterra purchased in 2022 and now leases to the Greater Seattle YMCA.

The Y hosted a joyful gathering of neighbors, volunteers, youth champions and partners who believe that all kids deserve a place to grow, explore and belong.

After years of neglect, the site is beautifully restored. Youth camps open again in July!

Thought leadership events are also our thing

We’re grateful to Davis Wright Tremaine ‘s Seattle Office for co-hosting our second in a series of thought leadership events. Our featured speaker was Rob Verchick, author of The Octopus in the Parking Garage: A Call for Climate Resilience.

This May business community gathering explored the pressing challenges of climate adaptation and resilience in the PNW and beyond – through a lens of hope and action.

Support King County Parks Levy

We at Forterra believe in direct, local action to define the future we want. It’s why we join other environmental, business and civic groups in endorsing the Yes on King County Proposition No. 1 Parks Replacement Levy campaign.

Forterra’s mission to support a healthy environment and resilient communities for all through land-based solutions directly aligns with the King County Parks levy objectives. Voting “yes”:

• Maintains existing parks, trails and open spaces
• Grows the regional trail network to connect communities
• Protects valuable open space from development
• Connects people with nature through quality outdoor experiences

The levy renewal ensures continued protection and stewardship of critical natural spaces throughout King County, supporting biodiversity, climate resilience, and community health.

We’re proud to partner with King County. Vote “Yes for our Parks” – mail your ballots by Aug 5.

What are you waiting for? Free nature walks are filling fast!

Year two of Forterra Nature Discovery™ is underway—and spots are going quickly! We’re still pinching ourselves over the incredible guides who lead these free walks through forests, parks, and hidden gems like our recent trip to Meadowdale Beach Park.

Our July 19 Forest Meditation with Clear Mountain Monastery? Already full. But don’t worry—there’s still space in August through December outings.

Each walk brings a new surprise: a glimpse of wildlife, a shift in perspective, or a story from one of our partner naturalists or interpreters that sticks with you long after.

Come be inspired. Let nature do what it does best. Sign up now before the next one fills up!

Celebrate Year 35 with exclusive Forterra swag—only available for a limited time. Get ‘em before they’re gone! 

Thanks for checking out this month’s updates—you can also catch up on past newsletters anytime on our website. See you soon!