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: September 01, 2016
Contact:
Virginia State Parks provides volunteers an opportunity to giveback
State parks host national and regional volunteer service events
RICHMOND — Throughout September, Virginia State Parks will offer volunteer opportunities in conjunction with national events to promote stewardship and volunteerism. Groups and individuals are invited to help beautify parks, maintain trails, clear shoreline debris and participate in other activities.
Stewardship Virginia is a semi-annual statewide initiative to help citizens with projects that enhance and conserve Virginia's natural and cultural resources. Volunteers who participate in Stewardship Virginia projects receive a certificate of appreciation from Gov. Terry McAuliffe. Fall Stewardship Virginia is Sept. 1 - Oct. 31. This is coordinated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Day to Serve is a regional collaboration of the governors of Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland and the mayor of the District of Columbia. The goal is to help people in need and improve communities between Sept. 11 and Oct. 10.
National Public Lands Day on Sept. 24 is the nation’s largest single day volunteer event in support of public lands. It is coordinated through the National Environmental Education Foundation.
To find a volunteer opportunity, visit http://go.usa.gov/xWD4x. Some events require advance registration. Some unique volunteer opportunities include:
Volunteers at Grayson Highlands State Park will develop more monarch butterfly habitat. After last year’s efforts, the park saw monarch caterpillars for the first time, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Save the Monarchs campaign.
First Landing, False Cape and Holliday Lake state parks are participating in the International Coastal Cleanup to reduce litter in waterways in support of healthy ecosystems and cleaner water.
Leesylvania and Sky Meadows state parks will hold natural recycling programs. Volunteers will collect native tree seeds and nuts, which are then sent off for cultivation.
New River Trail State Park asks volunteers to bring their bike for a 5-mile trail cleanup.
While one-time and group volunteer activities abound, state parks have a number of individual and family volunteer opportunities in all parks during the year. For more information, visit http://go.usa.gov/xWDTd. Register as a volunteer on line and find volunteer opportunities there.
-30-
Share this news release:
