Celebrate Puget Sound Starts Here Month in May

Pierce County is teaming up with hundreds of organizations across Puget Sound to challenge residents to take at least one Sound-healthy action during May’s Puget Sound Starts Here Month.
 
The goal of Puget Sound Starts Here Month is to raise awareness that Puget Sound is in trouble due to a variety of pollution sources, and empower residents to make a difference through simple actions and local volunteer opportunities.
 
“The waterways of the Puget Sound area are a critical part of our community, industry and quality of life,” said Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy. “Each of us taking a small, positive step adds up to a huge effect and helps maintain and protect Puget Sound for years to come.”
 
Local events:

• Spring Native Plant Sale: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 3 at Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler St. in Tacoma. Attendees can purchase native plants to landscape their yards. Native plants require less water and more likely to thrive without needing fertilizers.
• Puget Sound Starts Here Family Fun Day: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 10 at Foss Waterway Seaport, 705 Dock St. in Tacoma. Attendees can enjoy free family-friendly activities put on by local organizations who work to protect Puget Sound.
• Puget Sound Starts Here Night with the Seattle Mariners: 6:10 p.m. May 10 at Safeco Field in Seattle. Visit www.mariners.com/pugetsound and use the promotional code “salmon” for discount tickets.

Look for additional opportunities on the Puget Sound Starts Here events calendar at: http://www.pugetsoundstartshere.org/events-list/

Simple Sound-healthy actions:

• Volunteer to help with local habitat restoration projects.
• Take your car to a commercial car wash instead of washing it in your driveway. Look for fundraising organizations that sell car wash coupons.
• Fix auto leaks right away and take any used fluids to a recycling center.
• Pick up pet waste and place it in the trash.
• Maintain your septic system or side sewer.
• Never dump anything – liquid or solid – into a storm drain or drainage ditch.
• Use natural yard products like compost and mulch. If you use chemical pesticides and fertilizers, follow the directions and use them sparingly.
• Store and dispose of household chemicals according to the instructions on the label.
• Landscape your yard with native plants and trees that soak up rain and slow the flow of runoff.
• Boaters can protect valuable habitat by using pump-out stations for their sewage, using caution in eelgrass areas, and being cautious when fueling and cleaning their vessel.  

About Puget Sound Starts Here Month

Puget Sound Starts Here is supported by a consortium of more than 750 organizations across Puget Sound’s 12 counties, including state agencies, local governments, tribes, and non-governmental organizations working to clean up and protect Puget Sound and our region’s local waterways.

Learn more about how you can help protect Puget Sound at www.PugetSoundStartsHere.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Mike Halliday, Pierce County Public Works and Utilities public information specialist
(253) 798-4210
mliving@co.pierce.wa.us

Tiffany O’Dell, Pierce County Public Works and Utilities education and outreach coordinator
(253) 798-2468
todell@co.pierce.wa.us