The first lucky winner of Groundswell NW's new microgrant program is Friends of North Beach Park, who have been working to restore North Beach Park and Nature, according to a press release.

The microgrant program awards $500 to support community members trying tos tart projects which support Groundswell NW's mission. They are preferred to be in the Northwest quadrant of Seattle, be a new project and have an inclusive group which will welcome public participation.

David Folweiler, a member of the Groundswell NW board, had this to say:

“Friends of North Beach Park is a passionate group of volunteers who maintain a much needed green space adjacent to North Beach Elementary School. Their work involves removing invasive species and restoring native plantings. They also work with students to enrich their environmental education. The work of the Friends of North Beach Park furthers the mission of Groundswell NW – the creation and maintenance of public parks, habitat, and green space. We are honored that our first microgrant award goes to such a dedicated group.”

Friends of North Beach Park includes neighbors from Crown Hill, Olympic Manor, North Beach, and Ballard. Since April, 2011, there have been 17 work parties in the main body of the park, including visits from five school groups. Work parties are held on the 4th Saturday of the month, from 9 a.m. to noon. The October and November work parties will feature native planting in numerous sites throughout the park.

The grant will be used to produce a newsletter for neighbors of the park and to purchase tools. The work of Friends of North Beach Park is also supported by the Green Seattle Partnership and the Seattle Parks Department.

For further information about Groundswell NW and their new microgrant program, please visit their website: http://www.groundswellnw.org/

For further information about Friends of North Beach Park, or to volunteer for a work party, please contact Luke McGuff at lukemcguff@yahoo.com.