UW News

October 8, 2012

News Digest: Fair Labor exec speaks tonight, help plant trees Oct. 18

Garment worker using sewing machineFair Labor Association exec speaks on campus tonight
Auret Van Heerden, the president and chief executive officer of the Fair Labor Association, will give a public lecture on “Ongoing Initiatives to Uphold Fair Labor Standards in Global Supply Chains” 6 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 8 in HUB 250. The event is free, open to the public and no registration is required.

Van Heerden is in Seattle for a weeklong meeting of the Fair Labor Association, of which the UW is a member.  The group is an international collaborative of companies, civil society organizations, colleges and universities working to end abusive labor practices worldwide.

Volunteers sought to plant 75 native trees Oct. 18 on shores of Montlake Cut
UW Grounds Management is hosting a tree planting on the Montlake Cut from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 18. Volunteers are welcome to help put 75 native trees in the ground.

This planting is part of a restoration effort aimed at reducing invasive species along the cut while increasing the aesthetic and recreational value of the site, according to Hillary Burgess, UW graduate student in environmental and forest sciences and a staff member with Grounds Management.

Burgess was among several UW students, staff and friends who developed a video about ways to improve the plantings along the Montlake Cut that helped win $10,000 for the project from Odwalla Inc. The food company also will provide refreshments for next week’s work party.

Volunteers should gather at the Montlake Cut, just east of the Montlake Bridge and south of the Sound Transit construction; look for tents and gather in the grass.

Activities will include digging holes, placing trees, watering them and spreading mulch around the new plantings.  Gloves and tools will be provided.  Volunteers should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for the weather.

Contact Burgess with any questions.