More than 8,300 people volunteered in 2008 to enhance their communities through the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Community Garden and Greenspace Program.

 

The volunteer numbers eclipsed last year's final tally by an impressive 3,000 volunteers when a then record setting 5,300 volunteers turned out to make a difference in their communities.

 

This strong volunteer turnout enabled WPC to plant community gardens, trees and green spaces throughout the region. Volunteers provided both elbow grease and expertise throughout the year – for Earth Day activities, early spring plantings of gardens, trees and green spaces, summertime gardens caretaking and late-fall tree plantings.

 

“We are grateful to all of the Gardens and Greenspace volunteers who made a difference for their communities and for this region in 2008,” said Tom Saunders, President and CEO of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. “The results of their efforts – greener and more beautiful cities and towns throughout our region – show the scale of what can be achieved in Western Pennsylvania when volunteers pitch in.”

 

Volunteer Vivien Luk said, “The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is a great organization and I was excited to volunteer with them during Hands on Pittsburgh because the outcomes are tangible, environmentally healthy, and empowering to the community-at-large. The staff at WPC was extremely organized and provided incredible support during the project, enabling an enjoyable volunteering experience for all.”

 

Word-of-mouth awareness about the great volunteer opportunities offered through WPC has led in part to the significant increase in the number of volunteers, said Judy Wagner, WPC’s senior director for Community Gardens and Greenspaces. In total, volunteers clocked more than 40,000 hours last year.

 

Wagner noted that widening outreach efforts, under the leadership of Volunteer Coordinator Lynn McGuire-Olzak, have introduced these greening opportunities to dozens of new groups in the past year. The overall number of volunteer partners, including schools, community groups and businesses, grew from 217 in 2007 to 331 in 2008.

 

“I help plant a WPC garden with a group of friends every year. It’s a fun way for all of us to get together and give back to the community, and at the height of summer, we see the fruits of our labor in full bloom on the side of a highway or in the middle of a neighborhood,” said volunteer Julie Pezzino. “It’s wonderful to know that so many people in Pittsburgh enjoy viewing the gardens, and we’re grateful that WPC puts the time and effort into it every year.”

 

WPC is seeking volunteers for 2009 Gardens and Greenspace activities. Sign up online or call 412-586-2324.