ExOfficio is joining the Cascade Land Conservancy (CLC) to help restore the Duwamish River. ExOfficio will kickoff its on-going initiative at the third annual Duwamish Alive! event on Saturday, October 13, 2007 from 10am to 2pm at the Duwamish Riverbend Hill.

Duwamish Alive! is a biannual event sponsored by a coalition of non-profit groups and government agencies. Hundreds of volunteers participate in the events to reclaim the river by weeding invasive plants, mulching planting areas, planting native trees and shrubs, and picking up trash and debris. Last year's Duwamish Alive! Autumn event brought together over 210 volunteers at six riverfront sites.

“ExOfficio planted its roots in Tukwila three years ago and during that time we have all enjoyed recreating in the parks and walkways along the Duwamish River Valley,” said Steve Bendzak, general manager of ExOfficio. “We are proud to be able to join forces with the Cascade Land Conservancy on this sustainable community project where we can take pleasure in the results.”

The Duwamish Riverbend Hill property consists of a unique outcropping of bedrock rising above the Duwamish River, as well as 600 feet of river shoreline. The property is culturally significant for its association with southern Puget Sound Salish oral tradition and history, as a key location in the stories collectively known as the “Epic of the Winds.”

Dagan Heavrin, ExOfficio’s environmental advocate who is spearheading the company’s Duwamish initiative, commented that the majority of ExOfficio employees will be volunteering at the Duwamish Alive! event. Heavrin added that this will be the first of many ExOfficio employee volunteer work days on the Duwamish Riverbend Hill.

“We are grateful for ExOfficio’s time, energy and generous contribution to the Duwamish Riverbend Hill project,” said Gene Duvernoy, president of the Cascade Land Conservancy. “From the beginning, community involvement has been crucial to the success of this project. The Hill is a great example of how a place can bring people together and strengthen community ties. ExOfficio should be applauded for getting involved and helping to create this tremendous asset for the diverse Tukwila community and the region.”