On Friday, September 25, MBAKS partnered with the City of Auburn and 79 volunteers to plant 109 trees at Brannan Park for Planting a Better Tomorrow.

The event took place at Brannan Park as part of a strategic effort to serve a community disproportionately affected by air pollution. As a central hub for nearby schools and local families, the park serves as a key open space for the Auburn community.

“Together, we stepped up to make a positive environmental impact where it is needed most,” said MBAKS Community Stewardship Specialist Charlene Lam. “We’re so grateful for everyone involved who braved the rain to make a lasting impact.”

Despite the downpour, volunteers pressed ahead with the goal of creating a greener, more sustainable future. City of Auburn Deputy Mayor Tracy Taylor-Turner joined the effort, noting that Brannan Park is a go-to spot for her daughter during the summer and emphasizing that the added tree canopy and shade will make a tangible difference for local families.

Launched in 2024, this marks the third Planting a Better Tomorrow event in which MBAKS has collaborated with local municipalities, bringing the total to 248 trees planted across the region. MBAKS references research from the Washington State Department of Ecology to target its efforts, collaborating with some of the 16 highlighted communities across the state that bear a heavy burden from air pollution. Recognizing serious health impacts like reduced life expectancy and elevated rates of childhood asthma, MBAKS remains committed to sowing the seeds of change today for a healthier, more sustainable tomorrow.