Park Cleanup Days
Last one of 2006!
Nov. 18
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9 am to noon
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Rain or shine!
"Never doubt that a small group of people can change the world -- indeed it is the only thing that ever has!" -Margaret Mead
Feel good about helping make the park healthy and sustainable by removing invasive plants and making way for fall plantings of native trees and shrubs. There is a job for everyone -- clip and pull these vines away from trees, dig out shrubs, carry and load brush, or pick up trash. Everyone is welcome to join in -- families, students, supervised, and groups. Anyone can help make a difference!
This is part of an ongoing effort aimed to preserve mature trees, restore native trees and vegetation, and support native Virginia animals. As areas of the park are free of invasive plants, Arlington County Park Service will be able to plant native trees and shrubs to further help shade out invasive plants.
Why Are Volunteer Efforts So Important?
Arlington County Park Service and neighborhood volunteers will be taming invasive plants by mower, bush hog, chain saw, sprayer, shovel, and just plain old pulling. Arlington County Park Service uses power tools and tends to clear areas, so volunteer involvement is important for areas where we want to selectively hand pull or dig out invasive plants and preserve native plants.
What to Bring?
Wear long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy shoes. If you have your own clippers or work gloves, please bring them along. Some gloves and tools will be provided for those who do not have them.
Where to Meet?
Meet us at the main entrance to the park at 2814 23rd Street North. Street parking is limited, so if you can't find parking in Maywood, the Giant at Lyon Village Shopping Center has given us permission to park in their lot between their building and park. From there, you follow the paved trail under the I-66 overpass and up the stairs to the open field.
Sponsorship
All cleanup days are sponsored by the Maywood Community Association and the Arlington County Invasive Plant Program.
The September 30 cleanup day was part of a county-wide effort to clean up parks on National Public Lands Day, the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands American’s enjoy. View photos from this cleanup day.
The October 21 cleanup day was organized in conjunction with USA Today's Make a Difference Day to celebrate extraordinary deeds performed by ordinary people on America's largest day of doing good.
On October 30, 100 8th grade students and 12 teachers from St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School removed invasive plants and planted trees as part of their service day. Arlington County's Parks Forestry and Landscape Division also participated.
The November 18 cleanup day is also sponsored by Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment and takes place on Family Volunteer Day, a program of the Points of Light Foundation that showcases the benefits of familes working together in community service.
For More Information
For more information on invasive plants at the park , check out "Invasive Plants at Thrifton Hill Park — What’s the Problem?"