With Martin Luther King Jr. Day this Monday, Jan. 18, fast approaching, nature conservation group Mountains to Sound Greenway is hoping the spirit of volunteerism will help them kick-start their annual potting of vulnerable seedlings this weekend at Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah.

Every year during the winter months, thousands of native seedlings and plants are transferred to pots, ready for planting one or two years later at a permanent site. In the fall, the cycle of returning the greenery to the earth is complete as volunteers plant maturing saplings and shrubs in the natural environment along the Greenway corridor.

The following groups and times are still available for volunteers on the weekend and on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Saturday, Jan. 16:

• All Day Team: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• Morning Team: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• Afternoon Team: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Monday, Jan 18:

• All Day Team: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• Morning Team: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• Afternoon Team: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The nursery, located inside the state park at 2000 NW Sammamish Rd., is run year-round by volunteers. Expanded in 2001, the current facility can hold over 20,000 plants.

Volunteers of any age and level of experience will find the nursery a great introduction to working in the Mountains to Sound Greenway.

Organizers request participants RSVP for MLK Day by signing up on-line or calling 206-812-0122.