Want to be a part of a growing regional parks system and help build a legacy? The St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department is looking for volunteers of all ages to assist with several spring programs. Regardless of experience or skills, volunteer opportunities are available for individuals or groups and provide many services that maintain and improve our County parks throughout the year.
Make a mark on a county park by assisting with an upcoming Mission Stream Clean program on April 4 or Trail Work Days on April 4 and April 11. Park staff will lead the Mission Stream Clean program, and members o Gateway Off-Road Cyclists lead the trail carving programs and show volunteers how to build and maintain sustainable natural-surfaced trails as they assist in extending the County’s 55-mile trail system. Participants should bring a pair of gloves, sturdy boots, and safety glasses. Lunch will be provided to all who lend a helping hand at the Trail Work Days.
Volunteering with the Parks Department is a great opportunity for individuals who need to fulfill community service hours. Some of those projects include:
· General clean-up within the park boundaries
· Lake, stream and river-bed clean-up
· Habitat building / maintenance (birdhouse construction, etc.)
· Trail building / maintenance / signage construction
· Horticulture and forestry assistance (mulching, planting, weeding, etc.)
· Wildflower seed collection and sowing
· Special event staffing
· Interpretive program presentation
· Mural painting at the Youth Activity Park
· Dog park maintenance / operation / rules enforcement
· Historical collection, preservation, and interpretation
· Additional projects as proposed by the organization
· Trail Work: The Parks Department schedules periodic maintenance work days to keep our natural trails in pristine condition throughout the year. This is a great team-building service project for groups and businesses and offers an opportunity for individuals to become better acquainted with hiking, biking, and horse enthusiasts throughout the county.
· Watch Dog Program: Due to the popularity of the off-leash area, the Parks Dept. seeks volunteers to assist us in keeping the facilities safe and beautiful for years to come. These volunteers dedicate a few hours each year, while enjoying the facilities with their pets, to help ensure that the posed rules are followed and to share information with fellow dog lovers on proper park etiquette, health care, and safety issues.
- The St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department teams up with the Saint Louis Zoo to offer FrogWatch USA volunteer training. FrogWatch USA is a citizen science program and volunteering is open to individuals, groups, and families interested in learning about the wetlands in their communities by reporting on the calls of local frogs and toads. Being a part of this program allows trained volunteers to become directly involved with gathering information that can ultimately lead to practical and workable ways to stop amphibian decline.
Organizations, individuals, and groups interested in participating in these volunteer opportunities with the St. Charles County Parks should register online at stccparks.org or call the Parks Department at 636-949-7535.