Mass Audubon to Hold Statewide Volunteer Day

Hundreds of outdoors spring-cleaning enthusiasts are expected to participate in Mass Audubon’s annual “Work for Wildlife” Statewide Volunteer Day, taking place Saturday, April 27 in wildlife sanctuaries including Blue Hills Trailside Museum, Oak Knoll and Moose Hill.

 People of all ages and backgrounds—including plenty of families—will pitch in at 15 Mass Audubon sanctuaries, where they’ll engage in an array of “sprucing up” projects. The tasks, suitable for all abilities, range from spreading wood chips and restoring trails to clearing invasive plants, hauling brush and applying mulch and compost to garden areas.

 In joining with hundreds of others in the 9 am-to-noon work parties, participants will be connecting with nature, forming communities of like-minded conservation advocates, and having fun while helping our wildlife sanctuaries get ready for the outdoor season.

 After, volunteers are invited to bring a picnic lunch and explore the sanctuaries.

 At the 2012 “Work for Wildlife” event, more than 700 volunteers at 16 sanctuaries  accomplished a great deal—including laying out 160 garden plots, spreading approximately 145 yards of mulch and wood chips, pulling 65 wheel barrels-full of weeds, planting 51 trees and 53 plants, and clearing more than 38 truckloads of invasive and non-native plants.

 “This event always energizes Mass Audubon staff, members, and the general public about our mission to connect people with nature,” said Statewide Volunteer Program coordinator Peggy Sagan. “Helping our sanctuaries get ready for another busy season of welcoming visitors requires energy and enthusiasm—and our volunteers have plenty of both!”

 For more information visit www.massaudubon.org/workforwildlife.