Ever wonder what you could accomplish with a little spare time at a Virginia State Park?

Traipse along the beautiful Bay View Trail at Mason Neck State Park

It’s no secret that various organizations and businesses are always looking for an extra helping hand. In fact, many places cease to function well without the help of volunteers. While we at Virginia State Parks are fortunate enough to say that we can serve each community every day with minimal issues, it is well known that each park truly comes to life when volunteers bring that extra spark to the table.

Here at Mason Neck State Park we see several volunteers come and go seasonally, but there is one volunteer who has been here faithfully for a while now. Our volunteer Dave accomplishes a variety of things around in the office, visitor center, and outside areas, so there seems to never be a dull moment for him. We are so incredibly thankful for his help because he is consistently here with multiple helping hands and zero complaints.

Now, let’s introduce you to Mr. Dave Jennings, our busiest volunteer:

Dave Jennings and his son started a family tradition at Mason Neck State Park

How long have you been volunteering at Mason Neck State Park?  

"I officially started volunteering at Mason Neck on May 19, 2014. Before that, when I brought my son and daughter out here, we would pick up trash and move debris as we walked trails for several years. Even though I work odd hours in retail management, I still earned 317 hours total hours since I started." 

What drew you to our park? Why did you want to volunteer here?

"My family and I have been walking this park since 2002, two years after we moved to Woodbridge. We all enjoy the opportunity to get away from the urban/suburban hub-bub around here, to a wooded place that is peaceful and quiet. I tell visitors who come here that this park is "a quiet oasis amid the surrounding urban jungle." I am fortunate enough to be able to give to some environmental and historic groups, but when I turned 53, I decided I wanted to up the tempo and give of myself and my limited free time to help out an organization. I love the Virginia State Park system and have visited several of its parks. I have always enjoyed the lay out, geography and abundance of bald eagles and other wildlife of Mason Neck.

I have brought out the kids all the seasons of the year so we could see how the park looks and changes with each season. It was after a hike in 2014 that I decided since I liked Mason Neck so much, this would be the place I would volunteer. I talked to the administrative support tech in the office, and she started me on the process."

How was the process applying to be a volunteer?

"The process was quite painless. I was out on a Sunday when the Chief Park Ranger was working, and we chatted for about a half hour about what volunteering here entailed. He directed me to the Virginia State Parks website where I clicked on the volunteer link and filled out the application. Within a day he had me registered online and I was ready for orientation."

Describe one rewarding experience you’ve had here as a volunteer.  

"The absolute most fun and exciting project I’ve had so far was working at the Jammes House. I stopped by on a Thursday, and staff asked me if I would be interested in cleaning at the Jammes house since a Friends Group meeting was going to be held there the next Sunday. I immediately agreed because I was excited about seeing a part of the park not currently open to the general public, and I heard stories about possible ghosts. I earned my double major in history in school, so I was tickled pink to be able to work in a house that is a part of Mason Neck history. I cleaned windows, counters, kitchen appliances, vacuumed and polished those wonderful hardwood floors in the living room and dining room.

I stopped to take in the breathtaking view of Belmont and Occoquan Bays and the Potomac River from a huge window in an upstairs bedroom. I also took about a dozen pictures with my cell phone of the dark upstairs hall hoping to catch something when I looked at them on my computer. I was happy as a clam the entire time I was working up there that day. If any ghosts were hanging around, I guess they were pleased with my efforts because all I felt were good vibes the whole day."

What is your favorite part about volunteering with a Virginia State Park?  

"No two days are ever the same. Depending on the time of year, there are usually several different things I can tackle when I’m at Mason Neck. It gives me a lot of satisfaction knowing I am contributing to keeping our park clean and ready to wow anyone visiting. There is a wonderful staff here at Mason Neck, and I feel good being a part of the team and helping where I can."

Do you have words of encouragement for someone considering a volunteer position but is still unsure?

"Come on in, join the team, and have some fun while helping out your state park and the environment. There is always something you can do, and often there are many choices of what you can do. You can work inside or outside. We need you, and we appreciate all of your efforts. Meet new people, make some new friends and try something new. You will love it."

And finally, summarize your experience in 6 words or less.

"Having fun every time I'm here."

Juvenile Bald Eagle seen from our Visitor Center and you could see one too!

Thank you for your input, Dave. As you can see, volunteers are important. And you, too, can have an excellent experience with any Virginia State Park. The process is easy and there are multitudes of ways in which you can get involved with your local Virginia State Park. You can volunteer at any time during park hours, any day, and with any frequency that best fits your schedule; we work with you to ensure that you have the best experience possible. Check out our website here for more information on the perfect way you can help.

Here is just a small sample of volunteer opportunities we have at Mason Neck State Park (it’s just about the same at most parks too):

• Adopt a trail, shoreline, spot, or flowerbed
• Bicycle Program Ranger
• Canoe/Kayak Guide
• Contact Station Assistant
• Jr. Rangers Program
• Shoreline Cleanup
• Trail Maintenance and Monitoring
• Visitor Center Assistant
• And much more…

Here at Mason Neck we are always looking for help and we are especially grateful for those who can help during special events like our 19th Annual Eagle Festival on April 23rd, 2016. Email us here or call the park office at (703) 339-2385 for more information about how you can help at Mason Neck State Park. 

If you are looking for a great way to spend a little spare time, join a volunteer team at your local Virginia State Park. Happy volunteering!