Middle Green River Coalition was selected to receive a grant from national outdoor retailer, REI.

The coalition was formed in 2000 to protect the Green River Gorge and Middle Green River Watershed. Through a partnership with Green-Duwamish Watershed Alliance, the coalition plans to use the grant to support land restoration near Enumclaw and Black Diamond.

One project includes restoring a 10-acre parcel of shoreline along Beaver Lake. Beaver Lake is part of a complex of land with three lakes that protect an important sub watershed of lakes, Cristi Creek and wetlands that feed the Green River. The lakes complex connects to the larger Green River Gorge Mountains to Valley Greenway. With the funding, the coalition will remove invasive plants, replant with native plants and improve an existing trail along the lake. The funding will also help leverage additional resources to provide for birding opportunities, interpretive signage and trail linkage to adjacent open space areas including the Green River Gorge.

The grant is a result of nominations made by local REI stores and the REI headquarters in Kent and REI Distribution Center in Sumner. The coalition was one of 18 nonprofit recipients. Others include EarthCorps, Duwamish Cleanup Coalition, Friends of the Cedar River Watershed, Greater Metro Parks Foundation, Mountains to Sound Greenway and Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition.

The Middle Green River Coalition is dedicated to protecting the Green River Gorge and Middle Green River Watershed. Founded in 2000, the coalition is a group of community members, regional organizations, recreationists, private land owners, government and others. Through conservation, restoration and education, the coalition preserves key natural areas to protect wildlife and support recreational outings.