On Oct. 6 at 6 p.m., the community is invited to participate in an open house in the Point Defiance Pagoda to review and comment on the Phase 2 planting plan for conversion of the steeply sloped hillside adjacent to the park’s exit. The open house will also provide an opportunity to learn more about the environmental benefits of the project and timeline for completion.

As part of Metro Parks’ efforts to enhance the environment, through reduced carbon emissions, limited use of fertilizers and wise water usage, the district has been working to convert areas of low usage turf into sustainable landscapes of native and Northwest climate adapted plants which use fewer natural resources and provide valuable habitat.

Last fall, crews completed Phase 1 of the conversion at Point Defiance Park near the Pearl street exit. The transition of about an acre from turf to native and resource-friendly landscaping saved approximately 1.1 million gallons of water and eliminated 52 hours of carbon emitting mowing and trimming during the past year.

In addition to obvious environmental benefits, Phase 2 improvements will create a natural and aesthetically appealing transition between the Phase 1 plantings and the park’s Native Garden.

Crews are scheduled to begin converting the remaining .75 acre this fall.