Community members are invited to celebrate Green Redmond Day on Oct. 26.

The planting celebration will be held at numerous park sites in Redmond, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The Green Redmond Partnership recently celebrated 10 years of forest stewardship. Since 2009, 11,950 trees and 23,550 shrubs and small plants have been planted throughout 15 different Redmond parks. More than 11,124 volunteers have dedicated nearly 30,000 hours. And 407 acres of forested parkland are now in active management.

Along with volunteers, Forterra members will be planting the future forest of three Redmond parks: Hartman Park, Perrigo Park and Viewpoint Open Space.

Nicole Marcotte, Green Cities project manager said the partnerships and connections made with community members is valuable.

“In today’s world, with all the headlines regarding climate change and the impacts we’re seeing on the environment, it can feel very daunting. It can feel difficult to realize, ‘How can I make an impact?’” she said. “These events through our city partnerships is a perfect way for people to get their hands dirty and feel like they are doing something good…not only good for the environment and forests but also for their community and neighbors.”

Marcotte said people need something that feels active and something that makes them feel like they can make a difference.

“It’s very powerful and needed in the world today,” she said.

Redmond is part of The Green City Partnerships program that began in 2004. The regional effort currently includes 13 cities in the Puget Sound area. Together, these cities are working to restore and maintain publicly owned urban natural areas and forests.

According to Marcotte, the partnerships are growing and they’ve recently partnered with the cities of Seatac, Burien and Des Moines. The Green City Partnerships are currently working with the city of Issaquah and Snohomish County.

“We’re all working to improve the forests,” she said.

In a city release, Mayor John Marchione said Redmond residents’ volunteer work has driven the success of the restoration program.

“[Residents’] work will continue to positively impact the environment, increase wildlife habitat and create future forests for the Redmond community to enjoy,” he said.

There are currently more than 100 volunteers signed up for the event. Hartman Park is the only park that can accept more volunteers.

For more information and future planting events, see www.forterra.org. To learn more about registration email greenredmond@forterra.org.