The Bellevue City Council hired Buckley Nursery Co. to restore degraded wetlands around Larsen Lake. A majority of the $92,560 project, which includes removal of noxious weeds, planting of native species and the addition of large woody debris to the shoreline, will be paid for with an $89,000 grant from the King County Conservation District.

In 2006 the city identified the Larsen Lake shoreline as a critical area in need of natural resource restoration. This project, in line with Bellevue’s Environmental Stewardship initiative, will serve as a pilot for other wetlands restoration planned for the Lake Hills Greenbelt area.

The restoration, off 148th Avenue Southeast, will provide additional food and nesting habitat for birds, additional shading and cover for fish and help stabilize the shoreline to reduce erosion and protect water quality.

The project is scheduled for completion in December, but Bellevue will establish an ongoing stewardship training program for volunteers to assist in the protection, preservation and enhancement of urban natural systems. Graduates could lead community planting projects, monitor wetlands and help develop community education and outreach about wetlands.