Celebrate Earth Day by protecting and cleaning the region’s parks and waterways during Five Rivers MetroParks’ 34th annual Adopt-A-Park.
From 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 23, hundreds of volunteers from across the region will come together to spruce up these green spaces just in time for spring. Registration is required and available online at www.metroparks.org/adopt.
Volunteers of all ages, accessibility levels and backgrounds will tackle dozens of projects at different natural areas. Projects will include invasive species removal, habitat maintenance, gardening activities, mulching nature play areas, historical farm clean up and more. These projects will improve the environment and beautify the region’s natural areas.
“During the pandemic, the parks and trails have been a respite for people to safely destress and be active,” said MetroParks Human Resources Manager, Jenny Hymans. “Those who volunteer during Adopt-A-Park are helping maintain natural spaces, yes, but they are also providing their neighbors and friends a beautiful place to support their physical and mental health.”
Volunteers will be provided with project supplies, gloves and trash bags. Participants should bring water and wear weather-appropriate clothing.
Groups are encouraged to register early to ensure space at available sites. A limited number of Adopt-A-Park Service Kits – pre-assembled kits for participants to safely clean greenspaces while maintaining COVID-19 safety guidelines – will be offered to large groups of volunteers who participated in Adopt-A-Park in 2021. If you think your group could utilize Adopt-A-Park service kits, please visit www.metroparks.org/adopt to request a kit.
In 2021, more than 13,000 pounds of litter was cleared from area greenspaces and parks, 4,774 pounds of which was able to be recycled and diverted from the landfill.
“Our volunteers are essential to helping prepare the parks for the warm weather months and tackle projects that are critical to our greenspaces,” said Hymans. “We look forward to seeing friends, families, coworkers, community groups and new faces every year – it’s a great way to come together as a community to celebrate Earth Day.”