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The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) fifth annual Park Serve Day will be held Saturday, April 16, in state parks and beaches across the commonwealth, including Ellisville Harbor State Park and Myles Standish State Forest.
Since 2007, thousands of volunteers have participated in dozens of projects each spring, including picking up litter along ocean beaches, clearing debris from hiking trails, painting benches, and planting trees and flowers at picnic areas.
To sign up for Park Serve Day, and to see a list of all the projects (including any age restrictions) and get directions to the park of your choice, visit www.mass.gov/dcr/parkserve.
Last year, more than 4,000 volunteers worked in 69 parks across the state. By day’s end, those volunteers had planted 81,823 flowers, shrubs, and trees and collected more than 52 tons of trash.
“For anyone who enjoys riding their bike, reading in a beach chair on the sand, or hiking in one of Massachusetts’ state parks, Park Serve Day is a chance to give back,” Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr. said. “We encourage park enthusiasts of all ages to help the staff at DCR make these parks sparkle in time for spring.”
Park Serve Day is intended to supplement DCR’s own work to improve conditions at park facilities for the coming season. The agency’s efforts include improving curb appeal of the parks with mowing, cleaning, and weed control, and posting public maintenance schedules for each park, beach, and parkway. The maintenance schedules include tasks such as mowing, weeding, picking up litter, cleaning the beaches and restrooms, and inspecting playgrounds.
The overwhelming response to Park Serve Day illustrates how greatly Massachusetts residents value their state parks and are willing to join in the shared stewardship of these important natural, cultural, and recreational resources.
“We all have a role to play in preserving and enhancing our forests and parks,” DCR Commissioner Ed Lambert said. “We welcome everyone to come out and play that role on April 16.”
DCR will provide work gloves and equipment needed for the various projects, though participants may want to take their own gloves or hand tools, clearly marked with the owner’s name and phone number. Power tools are not allowed. Wear sturdy shoes and work clothes, and consider taking sunscreen and insect repellent. Parking fees will be waived at all DCR facilities where Park Serve projects are taking place. Drinking water and a snack will be supplied, though participants should feel free to take their own water and food as well.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) fifth annual Park Serve Day will be held Saturday, April 16, in state parks and beaches across the commonwealth, including Ellisville Harbor State Park and Myles Standish State Forest.
Since 2007, thousands of volunteers have participated in dozens of projects each spring, including picking up litter along ocean beaches, clearing debris from hiking trails, painting benches, and planting trees and flowers at picnic areas.
To sign up for Park Serve Day, and to see a list of all the projects (including any age restrictions) and get directions to the park of your choice, visit www.mass.gov/dcr/parkserve.
Last year, more than 4,000 volunteers worked in 69 parks across the state. By day’s end, those volunteers had planted 81,823 flowers, shrubs, and trees and collected more than 52 tons of trash.
“For anyone who enjoys riding their bike, reading in a beach chair on the sand, or hiking in one of Massachusetts’ state parks, Park Serve Day is a chance to give back,” Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr. said. “We encourage park enthusiasts of all ages to help the staff at DCR make these parks sparkle in time for spring.”
Park Serve Day is intended to supplement DCR’s own work to improve conditions at park facilities for the coming season. The agency’s efforts include improving curb appeal of the parks with mowing, cleaning, and weed control, and posting public maintenance schedules for each park, beach, and parkway. The maintenance schedules include tasks such as mowing, weeding, picking up litter, cleaning the beaches and restrooms, and inspecting playgrounds.
The overwhelming response to Park Serve Day illustrates how greatly Massachusetts residents value their state parks and are willing to join in the shared stewardship of these important natural, cultural, and recreational resources.
“We all have a role to play in preserving and enhancing our forests and parks,” DCR Commissioner Ed Lambert said. “We welcome everyone to come out and play that role on April 16.”
DCR will provide work gloves and equipment needed for the various projects, though participants may want to take their own gloves or hand tools, clearly marked with the owner’s name and phone number. Power tools are not allowed. Wear sturdy shoes and work clothes, and consider taking sunscreen and insect repellent. Parking fees will be waived at all DCR facilities where Park Serve projects are taking place. Drinking water and a snack will be supplied, though participants should feel free to take their own water and food as well.
Park Serve Day is a joint project of the governor’s office, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and DCR.
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, an agency of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, oversees 450,000 acres of parks and forests, beaches, bike trails, watersheds and dams, in addition to 278 bridges and miles of roadways. Led by Commissioner Edward M. Lambert Jr., the agency’s mission is to protect, promote, and enhance our common wealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources. To learn more about DCR, its facilities, and its programs, visit www.mass.gov/dcr or email mass.parks@state.ma.us.
