If you have resolved to devote time to community endeavors, habitat conservation or just want to get some exercise, Metro Parks Tacoma has a couple of volunteer options scheduled for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Grab a pair of work gloves, dress for the weather and come out to either Titlow, Point Defiance or Franklin parks at 9 a.m. Jan. 15. You’ll join other volunteers on a three-hour mission to restore natural habitat and spruce things up a bit.

At Point Defiance, volunteer crews will spread mulch and rake flower beds. Plan to meet others near the duck pond, just inside the park’s Pearl Street entrance.

At Titlow, the plan is to remove Himalayan blackberry vines and other invasive plants. Plan to meet in the small gravel parking lot on the right side of Sixth Avenue. If you reach the spraygrounds, you’ve gone too far.

At Franklin, crews will pick up litter, cut blackberry and remove ivy. Meet on the service road just off 12th Street.

Metro Parks will provide all necessary tools and materials.

If you’re unable to turn out on Luther King Jr. Day, check out other volunteer stewardship opportunities at Metro Parks sites, coordinated through Citizens Helping Improve Parks or CHIP-in! (https://www.metroparkstacoma.org/chip-in)

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Caring

What: Volunteers help care for two parks
When:  9 a.m. to noon, Jan. 15
Where: Point Defiance and Titlow parks
Bring: Work gloves and cold-weather gear
Cost: Free

                                                      – MetroParks