This fall, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) is inviting the community to get out and give back. The organization will hold a variety of volunteer events accessible for all ages and abilities.
“Contrary to the popular belief that spring is the only period to work the land, fall can be a very beneficial and fruitful time of preparation and nurturing for the upcoming growing season,” said Lana Ramer, CCPR Volunteer Coordinator. “That is why we here at CCPR are so excited about the upcoming fall volunteer events – United Nations Day tree planting, Pollinator Partnership native seed collections, and America Recycles Day trail cleanup and sustainable living education event. This is the time to ensure that, come spring, we are well prepared to be of the most service to the natural environment.”
Volunteer events are free, but pre-registration is required. All volunteers must complete CCPR’s volunteer application prior to volunteering.
Please note that masks are required at all CCPR volunteer events and physical distancing guidelines will be encouraged.
United Nations Day Tree Planting
Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
Location: Founders Park
United Nations Day celebrates the creation of United Nations Charter in 1945 as a beacon of collective action to realize peace, development and human rights for all. In commemoration of United Nation Day’s 75th anniversary, this year’s celebration features a large and inclusive global conversation on the role of global cooperation in building the future everyone wants.
Locally, volunteers will engage in this initiative through CCPR’s cooperative effort to build a better future by planting more trees. Please join on Oct. 24 to plant trees at Founders Park and leave a legacy that will shape the Carmel community for years to come. Volunteers under the age of 14 must have a parent or guardian present. Click here to register.
Native Seed Collection & Sorting
Multiple dates and locations
Collect native pollinator seed with CCPR for Project Wingspan. Project Wingspan is a two-year project by the non-profit the Pollinator Partnership which is leading a coalition of partners in an effort to enhance land across the Midwest to support imperiled pollinators.
All seed that is collected will be shipped off to the main nursery with the Pollinator Partnership where it will be processed (cleaned and sorted) and distributed to predetermined conservation areas specifically for monarchs and rusty patch bumble bee habitats. Click here to register.
America Recycles Day
Date: Friday, Nov. 13
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Location: Monon Greenway Central Park Trailhead (north of the Skatepark on the west side of the greenway)
America Recycles Day is a nationally recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling. Trash can be scary – spend this Friday the 13th conquering the trash monster. You and your family are invited to dress up in your scariest costumes and spend the morning volunteering. Together, volunteers will pick up trash and learn about what is recyclable and what is not while walking in Central Park.
Volunteers will learn what they can do to reduce the amount of waste they produce, as well as what materials are collected for recycling in our community and right here at the Monon Community Center. Participants under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Click here to register.