PARKS DEPARTMENT SEEKS VOLUNTEERS TO ASSIST WITH VARIOUS UPCOMING PROJECTS

 St. Charles County Parks - The St. Charles County Parks Department seeks volunteers interested in assisting with the operations of upcoming special events, improving and extending the parks' trail system, and removing invasive plant species.

Program and event volunteers will help with registration, presentation, and logistics during events such as the upcoming Paws in the Park celebration at Broemmelsiek Park on Sept. 26, the four-race Wild in the Woods Trail Run Series (runs Sept. 19 - Nov. 7), Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day on Oct. 10, and the Night of Fright Halloween festivities on Oct. 24 at the YAP.  Event volunteers are typically asked to work three- to four-hour sessions, with instructional training provided the day of the event.  For information on how to assist with these or any of the Department's other upcoming programs, please contact Doug Bolnick at 636-949-7535 or by email at parks@sccmo.org.

On Sept. 26, Oct. 31, and Dec. 19, volunteers will assist the Department by clearing overhead and ground obstructions along several trail routes in two of the County's regional parks.  The Sept. 26 and Oct. 31 work days will be at Indian Camp Creek Park in northwestern St. Charles County.  The Dec. 19 activities will add additional trail length to Matson Hill Park.  Both individuals and groups are welcomed, but all involved should dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water.  A safety and tool-usage seminar will open the session, and lunch will be provided at the end of the workday.  Trail Work Days are planned from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Interested parties should contact Bekin Youngblood at 636-949-7535 or by email at parks@sccmo.org.

Volunteers are also requested for efforts to eradicate invasive plant species from the future Spring Bend Park site.  The second annual Great Honeysuckle Round-up is planned from 8 a.m. to noon on Nov. 7 in co-operation with the Harvester/Mid Rivers Optimist Club and a Community Stewardship Grant.  The goal of this work day is to remove bush honeysuckle and other invasives from the "park in reserve", which is located near the intersection of Highway 364 (Page Avenue Extension) and Arena Parkway.  Those interested in joining this session must register in advance by calling 636-949-7535.

Formed in 1997 by the citizens of St. Charles County, the Parks Department currently operates eight parks within its system - with several additional properties under development.  Located throughout St. Charles County, these parks feature open natural areas, picnic shelters, camping sites, special events facilities, fishing lakes, and much more.  For information on the St. Charles County Parks Department, please call 636-949-7535 or visit www.stccparks.org.

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