Volunteers make all the difference at Virginia State Parks!

 

RICHMOND – Stewardship Virginia, a statewide campaign to encourage and recognize voluntary activities with a tangible impact on Virginia’s natural resources, continues in its tenth year with events across the state. The campaign features activities in the spring and fall. The spring portion runs through May 31.

 

“Virginia has a bounty of unmatched natural and historic resources that must be protected,” said Governor McDonnell. “The Stewardship Virginia campaign gives citizens the opportunity to be personally involved in making sure that those natural resources will be around for future generations. Volunteers across the state are already planning events, from waterway cleanups in Northern Virginia to native tree plantings in Southern Virginia. Stewardship Virginia projects give volunteers the tools, guidance and structure to maximize their efforts to enhance and protect our valuable resources. Whether it is removing invasive plants along the coast or cleaning up trails in the mountains, there are ways for every Virginian to get involved.”

 

Citizens and groups may get help from the state’s natural resource agencies. Participants in Stewardship Virginia events will receive certificates of appreciation signed by Gov. McDonnell.

 

“Events will be held throughout Virginia with many opportunities for volunteerism in our parks and natural areas during Stewardship Virginia,” said Doug Domenech, Secretary of Natural Resources. “We appreciate the many Virginians who have participated to date and hope many others will join in.”

 

Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation coordinates the campaign with help from other state natural and historical resources agencies.

 

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. Many businesses and groups across Virginia have already registered stewardship events and provided support to promote conservation initiatives,” added DCR Director, David Johnson.

 

Individuals, businesses and organizations are encouraged to register their projects with Stewardship Virginia, making details available for those wanting 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.

 

Interested? Want to get involved?

Visit the Virginia State Parks events database to search for a Stewardship Virginia event near you!