South Sound needs a CITO! Our two most recent CITOS in 2018 and 2019 were based on Thurston County lakes.
South Sound CITO 2021 will be land based in Olympia's 314-acre Priest Point Park. The main task will be cutting and pulling ivy to keep it from growing up trees. The last time we did this was back in 2004 - WSGA - Ivy Out, Cache In - Tree Rescue - GCHRFY. A group of cachers worked a few hours and created amazingly huge piles of ivy.
I am working with Olympia Parks staff and they will be there working with you during the CITO.
Some things to consider when signing up:
- you will be required to sign waiver forms both for parks liability and Covid19 tracking which is unlikely, yet still possible.
- you will be expected to work a minimum of an hour after initial instructions have been given and tools distributed.
- this work will require more effort than picking up trash.
- while gloves will be provided, it will be more comfortable to bring your own.
- if the numbers of those attending exceeds 25, some will be assigned to walk trails and remove debris.
- if two parents with children decide to attend, one may want to work on ivy removal, and the other take the children to clean a trail.
- if you want to attend, yet are physically unable to do the ivy removal work, contact me for options.
Some differences due to Covid19:
- all participants must wear masks.
- you are repsonsible for your own beverages and snacks.
For now, the gathering spot is being given at the Rose Garden shelter. However, some things will potentially change. Details of the work location will not be finalized by parks staff until a few weeks before the event. This cache page will reflect any changes in parking or gathering location. Announcements will be sent to all those who have posted either a "note" or a "will attend" message. If you prefer not to post on the page, you have the options of placing a watch on the cache page, or simply once again checking the cache page before arrival.
I am available to answer questions. Post your questions on the cache page or send them directly to me. If the answers may help others, I will post the needed information as a general announcement.
Announcement posted April 30:
If you will be bringing others with you who won't see this announcement, please share the content with them.
Weather and clothing - it's supposed to be good; however, bring clothing appropriate for anything. Wear sturdy shoes. There are gloves for your use that have been washed prior to our event if you don't have your own to wear.
Where to go - signs will be posted for people arriving at Priest Point Park from both entrances on East Bay Drive. The directional signs will point people south of the playground, towards a canopy where we will have the sign-in sheets ready.
Timing - please be prompt. The staff orientation will start at 9:05.
Masks - parks staff requires them if you are within 12 feet of someone outside your household. Everyone must wear one at the orientation.
Tools - provided and sanitized before our use of them.
Length of event - if you are tired after an hour, it's acceptable to leave at that point. Staff will remain as long as cachers would like to work.
As one of you said, "Die ivy!" I agree and am looking forward to tearing, ripping, cutting or whatever I'm assigned to do