Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 02, 2009
Contact:
April kick-off for Stewardship Virginia Campaign
(Richmond, VA)— Stewardship Virginia, a statewide campaign to encourage and recognize voluntary activities with a tangible impact on Virginia’s natural resources, begins its seventh year this spring. The campaign features activities in the spring and fall. The spring campaign runs April 1 through May 31.
“We can all play a role in the stewardship of our Commonwealth’s natural and historic resources,” said Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources L. Preston Bryant Jr. “Stewardship Virginia projects give our citizens – our friends and our neighbors – the tools, guidance and structure they often lack when trying to enhance these valuable resources.”
Citizens and groups may get help from the state’s natural resource agencies. Certificates of appreciation signed by Gov. Tim Kaine go to those who take part.
"Events will be held throughout Virginia with many opportunities for volunteerism in our parks and natural areas during Stewardship Virginia,” said Joseph H. Maroon, director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. “We appreciate the many Virginians who have participated to date and hope many others will join in.” DCR coordinates the campaign with help from other state natural and historical resources agencies.
Girl Scouts, DCR, Starbucks and other volunteers will hold events this spring at Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield County. Volunteers will plant native plants, a butterfly garden to provide habitat for nectar loving insects, and ground cover on eroded areas to help prevent erosion.
Friends of Leesylvania State Park will clean up banks along the Potomac River in Prince William County as part of the Adopt-A-Stream program. Also, Fairy Stone and Douthat state parks will have many opportunities for volunteers.
Many businesses and groups across Virginia have already registered Stewardship events and provided support to promote conservation initiatives.
Stewardship Virginia promotes waterway adoption, trail improvement, the planting of riparian buffers, invasive species control, habitat improvement and landscaping for conservation. The campaign encourages people to connect with land and water to better understand their value.
Individuals, businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate in Stewardship Virginia by registering events so that details are available to citizens who want to join in. For more information, including a registration packet, call
1-877-42-WATER; in Richmond call 786-5056. Visit www.dcr.virginia.gov/stewardship for more information about volunteer projects and a registration form.
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