The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is calling on volunteers to help cleanup a dozen state parks this weekend. Ashley Anderson, with the D.N.R., says Iowans will be asked to perform a variety of tasks to prepare the parks for another busy summer.
The work will include trail cleanup, collecting litter and trimming of trees and bushes. The D.N.R. has been relying more on volunteer help in recent years to maintain state parks as the agency’s budget has declined.
The so-called “Spring Park Blitz” scheduled for this weekend is organized by D.N.R. AmeriCorps members. “The volunteers will work right along side our AmeriCorps members,” Anderson said. “The AmeriCorps members will be there to supervise or manage the volunteers.”
In the event of inclement weather this weekend, some of the park cleanup events could be postponed to a later date. Iowans who are interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact Anderson by phone at 515-281-8300 or email: ashley.anderson@dnr.iowa.gov
“Spring Park Blitz” locations/times:
April 27 Big Creek State Park: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 28 Backbone State Park: 9 a.m.-noon
Lake Anita State Park: 9-11 a.m.
Lake Wapello State Park: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Mines of Spain State Recreation Area: 9 a.m.-noon
Union Grove State Park: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
McIntosh Woods State Park: 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Lake of Three Fires State Park: 10 a.m.-noon
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Rock Creek State Park: 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Lake Ahquabi State Park: noon-2 p.m.
Stone State Park: 1-3 p.m.