FRIENDS OF EDGEWOOD NATURAL PRESERVE
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FRIENDS OF EDGEWOOD NATURAL PRESERVE
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RANGER ROUNDUP By Ricardo Trejo In the summer of 1998, soon after Ranger Munds and I were assigned to Edgewood Park, we met with Nick Ramirez, Parks and Recreation Volunteer Coordinator to evaluate what type of projects could be performed by volunteers; what supplies, hand tools and equipment would be needed for the projects; and what accommodations could be made for volunteers’ physical limitations, if necessary. Having since used diverse volunteer groups for projects at the park, Ranger Munds and I are impressed with the energy and drive these volunteers bring to accomplishing their assigned tasks and projects. Volunteers are motivated; they perform their tasks willingly and take pride in their work. They are dedicated to making park improvements and want park visitors to enjoy the improvements to the park. Volunteers have helped in many ways and for various projects, some of which are the following:
Even though at times the work was physically demanding and required that volunteers haul heavy materials and tools about a mile to reach the work site, invariably the volunteers have been enthusiastic about meeting the challenge. There have been many compliments from park visitors regarding the improvements of the trails and the Old Stagecoach picnic area, and the habitat restoration/eradication of noxious weeds. The credit for the success of these types of programs and projects goes to the many volunteer organizations, companies, and individual volunteers who have volunteered. The Volunteer Program is a big success and many hours have been, and continue to be donated to the Parks. For example, at this year’s Trail/Earth Day 2001 held on April 21st, we recorded the following volunteer hours:
The grants described in the article beginning on page 1 are contingent upon the use of a volunteer work force; hence, the effort towards community outreach and education. With additional new programs and projects such as the Bay Checkerspot Butterfly Project, expansion of weeding zones, and continuation of maintenance of the parks’ recreation amenities (picnic areas, trails, etc.), labor needs increase and a stronger Volunteer Program becomes even more important in accomplishing our park projects. If you, your company or organization would like to volunteer and participate in a challenging park project, your contribution would be greatly appreciated. To volunteer, please contact Nick Ramirez, Volunteer Coordinator, at (650) 599-1306. You may also call Ranger Trejo or Ranger Munds at (650) 368-6383 for more details. |
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