Green Snohomish
We are an environmental organization in Snohomish County that promotes, educates, and takes action to build a healthy sustainable community. We contribute through environmental cleanups and restorations, hosting educational events, developing partnerships with other regional organizations, and sharing the joy of our precious world.
We acknowledge the original inhabitants of this place, the Sdohobsh people and their successors the Tulalip Tribes, who since time immemorial have hunted, fished, gathered, and taken care of these lands.
We respect their sovereignty, their right to self-determination, and we honor their sacred spiritual connection with the land and water.
Protect
All forms of life are important.
Preserve
Ours is a finite Earth.
Connect
Strong communities are more resilient.
In Memory of John First
Long time Green Snohomish member and one of the founders of the Snohomish Tree Tour, John First, passed away at home in Snohomish August 11, 2025. He was born October 17, 1958 in Toledo Ohio. He attended high school in Worthington Heights, a suburb of Columbus, OH, and graduated from Miami University in Oxford, OH. He moved to the Northwest soon after, drawn by opportunities he saw for his landscaping business, Growing Concern, and to pursue his passion for skiing and hiking. He earned an Environmental Landscape Award from Washington Association of Landscape Professionals in 1989.
Moving to Snohomish he recognized an opportunity to make a difference in the community. He served on the Park Board for over 30 years, most of those as President, and on the Riverfront Task Force. He photographed the many beautiful trees in Snohomish with an eye to creating a Snohomish Tree Tour. He trained guides and led the first tour almost 20 years ago. Green Snohomish now sponsors the Snohomish Tree Tour.
John’s influence on Snohomish parks
“City of Snohomish parks were under the watchful eye of John First for decades as he served as Parks Board chair and reliable volunteer.
John was the philosopher that I, as the city’s parks project manager, could always go to when seeking the best and highest uses for park land.
He was my friend and a kindred spirit who always had time to talk through the myriad choices that produced many of the parks and trails we take for granted today, including the Riverfront Trail, Morgantown Park, Centennial Trail, Carnegie Building, Skate Park, and the Wildlife Refuge.
He always took the long view of protecting the environment and achieving the greatest public benefit. He spent the time, walked the walk and built the coalitions that made things happen. He is one of those key personalities responsible for creating a community beloved by so many.”
– Ann (Caley) Stanton
Former Snohomish City Staffer
John leaves wife of 22 years Candace McKenna, daughters, Emma Elliott and Ellie First, son-in-law Lane Elliott, stepsons Quentin and Nathaniel Mylet, daughter-in-law Meaghan Mylet, stepdaughter Johanna Mylet, grandchildren Eli, Sofia, Maddie, Mac, Polly, Liam, Georgia, Theo, Audrey, Blair and Ayla, and ex-wife Cynthia.
Funeral services will be held October 4th at 2:00 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Snohomish followed by a reception at the church. Memorial gifts can be made to St. John’s Creation Steward’s Ministry, 913 2nd Street, Snohomish, or to Green Snohomish.
Snohomish Tree Tour
Enjoy a guided walking tour of the beautiful City of Snohomish heritage trees through the Historic District, courtesy of the environmental organization Green Snohomish!
Learn more about the Snohomish Tree Tour.
Recycling
Find Snohomish and northern King County recycling and disposal options for waste like styrofoam, plastic bags, paint, and more.
Learn more about recycling and disposal resources.
News and Events
Posted 3/30/2026
Spring Tree Tour on (Apr 25)
Enjoy spring with tour of the magnificent heritage trees of Snohomish. Sign ups will begin at 10:30 am and tours start at 11 am. See more event details.
Posted 3/6/2026
Tree planting (Feb 28)
Thank you volunteers for helping shore up a failing river bank with cottonwood saplings. The Pilchuck Julia Landing park area was damaged during our most recent flooding.
Posted 11/16/2025
Bridges cleanup (Nov 15)
We tackled trash from 2nd St. Bridge to 6th St. Bridge. It was a bit wet and wild out there with a swift running Pilchuck River.
Posted 9/14/2025
Garden cleanup event (Sep 20)
We’re going to help the Snohomish Historical Society at their Garden cleanup event!
Monthly Meetings
We gather on the first Saturday of each month to discuss upcoming community service projects, old and new business, and to support each other’s journey towards an environmentally friendly way of life.
Time: 10am to 11:30am
Location: Angel Arms Works Studio, 230 Ave B, Snohomish, WA 98290
Next meeting: April 4th, 2026
Our agenda is still TBD. All are welcome in person or virtually, via Zoom (email us for link).