"Park Serve Day" calls volunteers to participate in clean-ups across the Commonwealth

Volunteer opportunities in Sandwich and Mashpee

The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) third annual Park Serve Day will be held on Saturday, April 25, in state parks and beaches across the Commonwealth. Each year, hundreds of volunteers participate in dozens of projects, such as picking up litter along ocean beaches, clearing debris from hiking trails, and planting flowers at picnic areas.

Last year, 1,504 volunteers worked in 57 parks statewide. By day’s end, they had planted 1,758 flowers and trees, distributed 300 yards of mulch, and collected 17 tons of trash. Among the more unusual items found and carried away as trash were car engines, a refrigerator, a washing machine, and house flooring. 

The overwhelming response to Park Serve Day shows how Massachusetts residents value their state parks and are willing to join in the shared stewardship of these important natural, cultural, and recreational resources.

“Parks, beaches, and forests are the jewels of the Commonwealth, and they belong to all of us,” said Governor Deval Patrick, who plans to participate in Park Serve Day. “I am thrilled that so many of our citizens are taking ownership of these treasures and are ready to pitch in and help get them ready for spring.”

Scusset Beach State Reservation, Sandwich [web]
Park Serve Activity: Participants will assist with landscaping entrance to campground.
Meeting Place/Time: Fish Pier Parking Lot at 10am-1pm.
Kids Activities: NO
Phone: 508-888-0859
Directions: From South of Boston: Rt-3 toward Plymouth/Cape Cod. Take exit 1A for US 6 West towards Buzzard's Bay/Falmouth/Scusset Beach Road. Turn left at Scenic Highway. Continue on Meetinghouse Lane. Continue on Scusset Beach Road. From the Cape: US-6 West towards Boston/ Providence. Take the exit toward Canal St/Rt-3A. Take a slight right at Canal St/Rt. 3A. Turn Right on Meetinghouse Lane. Continue on Scussett Beach Road. From Wareham: US-6 East. At the Traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto Main Street. At Bourne Rotary Circle North, take the first exit onto US-6 East heading toward Hyannis/Providence/Rt.-3/Plymouth. Continue on Meetinghouse Lane. Continue onto Scusset Beach Road

South Cape Beach State Park, Mashpee [web]
Park Serve Activity: Installation of path roping across dunes. If possible please bring gloves, sunscreen, and water.
Meeting Place/Time: Mashpee Town Beach Parking Lot at 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Kids Activities: Yes, for ages 8 to 12
Phone: 508 457-0495
Directions: From Route 151 or Route 28 travel to Mashpee Rotary at Mashpee Commons. From rotary, take Great Neck Road South. Follow signs to all beaches, go past closed gate to State Beach. Take a left to Town Beach Parking Lot at the end of the road.

Park Serve Day is intended to supplement DCR’s own efforts to improve conditions at these facilities for the coming season. The agency’s efforts include improving curb appeal of the parks with mowing, cleaning, and weed control and posting public maintenance schedules for each park, beach, and parkway that will include tasks such as mowing, weeding, picking up litter, cleaning the beaches and restrooms, and inspecting playgrounds.

“The professionals at DCR have an ambitious plan for getting our parks shipshape this spring, and they need our help,” said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles.  “The Governor and I are hoping that everyone who loves these properties and facilities as much as we do will lend a hand.”

Among the Park Serve projects this year are planting beach grass for sand dune erosion control on Spectacle Island in Boston Harbor, clearing trails and landscaping at Myles Standish State Forest in Plymouth, rebuilding stone stairs at Moore State Park in Paxton, and installing fencing and a kiosk at Wendell State Forest in Wendell.

DCR will provide work gloves and equipment needed for the various projects, though participants may want to bring their own gloves or hand tools, clearly marked with the owner’s name and phone number. Power tools are not allowed. Wear sturdy shoes and work clothes, and consider bringing sunscreen and insect repellent. Parking fees will be waived at all DCR facilities where Park Serve projects are taking place. Drinking water and a snack will be supplied, though participants should feel free to bring their own food and water as well.

“Everyone has a role to play in preserving and enhancing our forests and parks,” said DCR Commissioner Richard K. Sullivan Jr., “so we welcome you to come out and play your role on April 25.”

To sign up for Park Serve Day, and to see a list of all the projects (including any age restrictions) and get directions to the park of your choice, visit www.mass.gov/dcr/ps.
Park Serve Day is a joint project of the Governor’s office, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and DCR.

Release courtesy of the DCR.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), an agency of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, oversees 450,000 acres of parks and forests, beaches, bike trails, watersheds, and dams, in addition to 278 bridges and miles of roadways. Led by Commissioner Richard K. Sullivan Jr., the agency’s mission is to protect, promote, and enhance our common wealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources. To learn more about DCR, our facilities, and our programs, please visit www.mass.gov/dcr. Contact us at mass.parks@state.ma.us.