Help Clean Up a State Park this Saturday
Got plans this Saturday? I do…now that I heard about Park Serve Day 2008 on the radio this morning on my way to work. It’s our chance to help spruce up area parks and ready them for the summer months by cleaning coastlines, clearing trails, planting flowers, painting picnic tables, and more.
Last year, more than 1,300 volunteers lent a hand and officials like Governor Deval Patrick, Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles, and Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Rick Sullivan are hoping to break that record with the help of people like you.
Their web site lists more 50 parks, from the Berkshires to Cape Cod, giving you a wide range of volunteer opportunities to choose from. I love the details too. They tell you exactly what you’ll be doing and include any activities that are appropriate for younger age groups.
At Blue Hills Reservation in Milton, participants will perform trail maintenance, including brushing, cleaning waterbars, and removing downed branches and small trees.
At Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in Adams, there’s activities for children under 8 with volunteers assisting with landscaping, litter pick-up, raking, sweeping, and cutting brush. Same with Hammond Pond in Newton.
I know weekends can be busy - with T-ball practice, birthday parties and other obligation but Park Serve Day is a perfect opportunity to teach your children about community service. After all, it’s families like yours and mine that will be reaping the benefits of outdoor fun this summer!
