National Volunteer Week is a time to celebrate ordinary people doing extraordinary things through service. Established in 1974, National Volunteer Week focuses national attention on the impact and power of volunteerism and service as an integral aspect of our civic leadership.

The week draws the support and endorsement of the President and Congress, governors, mayors and municipal leaders, as well as corporate and community groups across the country.

During National Volunteer Week, the PA Parks and Forests Foundation celebrates the accomplishments of our 35 chapters across the Commonwealth. In 2012, these 35 chapters (serving 33 state parks and four state forests):

-- Volunteered 36,353 hours

-- Brought 56,300 people to special events and 2,000 more to volunteer days

-- Hosted 126 special events and 397 service projects

Volunteering with a friends group is easy. Many have regularly scheduled work days and opportunities for short term and ongoing volunteerism; all would welcome additional hands.

To find a friends group near you, visit the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Volunteer webpage.

Don’t see a group at your favorite park or forest? Email us! Perhaps we can start a group or perhaps there are opportunities through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Conservation Volunteer Program.

On May 7th, the Foundation will honor the fine work of both state park and forest staff and volunteers at our annual awards banquet. These award winners represent the very meaning of National Volunteer Week!

They created new programs, blazed new trails, helped conserve and improve our public lands in countless ways and, in short, gave their time, energy (and often money) to ensuring that Pennsylvania's state parks and state forests remain the best in the nation.

For more information, visit the PA Parks and Forests Foundation website.

4/29/2013