Volunteer Opportunities Celebrate United We Serve’s Energy and Environment Issue Week

In support of President Obama’s United We Serve initiative, the National Wildlife Federation will cosponsor three volunteer service activities with the Department of Interior on Wednesday, August 5, in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area (see below).

National Wildlife Federation, partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service, is engaging youth and adult volunteers in environmental service projects, answering Interior Secretary Ken Salazar’s call for every adult to mentor a child outdoors this summer. The events are a part of the United We Serve Energy and Environment issue week that runs August 3-9.
 

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August 5th Volunteer Opportunities – RSVP today!

SITE ONE – Alexandria, VA
Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve

Time: Aug. 5, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Type of Work: Removing invasive plant species like honeysuckle and multi-flora rose that are choking out wildlife habitat and blocking the vistas and viewing of wildlife species.
Volunteers Needed: 25
Bring: Gloves, Lunch, sunscreen, long shirt and pants, sturdy work boots or closed shoes that can get muddy and water for drinking.
Provided: Tools, extra water and bug repellant
Minimum age: 12 with an adult over 18

SITE TWO – Laurel, Maryland
Patuxent Research Refuge

Time: Aug. 5, 8:30 a.m. – Noon
Type of Work: Removing invasive plant species like mile-a-minute vine that do not provide wildlife benefits and crowd out native plants.
Volunteers Needed: 25
Bring: gardening or work gloves, lunch, sunscreen, long shirt and pants, sturdy work boots or closed shoes that can get muddy and water for drinking.
Provided: Tools, extra water and bug repellant
Minimum age: 12 with an adult over 18

SITE THREELorton, VA
Meadowood Recreation Are

Time: Aug. 5, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Type of Work: Trail repair work. Volunteers will work on repairing trail within Meadowood Recreation Area
Volunteers Needed: 12
Bring: Gloves, Lunch, Sun screen, long shirt and pants, sturdy work boots or closed shoes that can get muddy and water for drinking.
Provided: Tools, extra water and bug repellant
Minimum age: 12 with an adult over 18

SIGN UP for one of these events by emailing volunteermatch@nwf.org or calling 703-438-6439.

SEARCH OTHER OPPORTUNITIES at http://www.serve.gov 

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In June, National Wildlife Federation joined the Department of the Interior in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park to kickoff the Summer of Service, the national effort launched by President Obama to engage more Americans in serving their communities. Secretary Salazar issued a call to action for every adult to mentor a child outdoors this summer. Secretary Salazar spoke with volunteers who removed invasive species in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park.

“Children today spend half as much time outdoors as their parents and this has significant implications for our children’s health, the economy and the future of American conservation,” Secretary Salazar said. “This summer, as part of President Obama’s new United We Serve campaign, I encourage all Americans to serve by mentoring a child in the great outdoors and introducing them to our nation’s treasured landscapes.”

“The disconnect between children and nature is growing,” said Kevin Coyle, Vice President for Education and Training at National Wildlife Federation. “But the good news is volunteer work is a pathway to building a community, helping others, and can serve as your Green Hour. Both unstructured playtime and outdoor youth mentoring programs will keep America’s children healthy, creative, and engaged throughout the upcoming school year.”

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Published: August 3, 2009