There were lots of spring-cleaning tasks awaiting participants when they showed up April 25 at 16 of the respected conservation organization's network of wildlife sanctuaries, which stretches from the Cape and Islands to the Berkshires.
Volunteers, who ranged from children and teens to elders, couples, and corporate groups, got busy with a variety of tasks, such as garden cleanup and planting, trail maintenance, litter pickup, and weed pulling.
The motto of Statewide Volunteer Day is "Work for Wildlife" and participants lived up to that slogan, putting up some impressive numbers, including:
- 605 yards of trails groomed
- 95 trash bags of trash and recyclables collected
- 80 flowers and shrubs planted
- 50 cubic yards of mulch spread
- 44 truckloads of invasive species pulled
- 29 gardens cleaned and prepped, including 1 butterfly garden and 1 water garden
- 13 truckloads of winter debris and brush removed
In addition, volunteers cleared turtle gardens to encourage nesting, removed dead trees, and spiffed up campsites.
"The great weather for the event—lots of sunny skies and comfortable temperatures—really encouraged a lot of winter-weary folks to get outdoors and help spruce up our wildlife sanctuaries," said Mass Audubon Statewide Volunteer Program Coordinator Peggy Sagan. "But on a deeper level, these volunteers understand that working together in the outdoors is an inspiring way to create a larger community of people committed to supporting nature."
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Mass Audubon works to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife. Together with more than 100,000 members, we care for 35,000 acres of conservation land, provide school, camp, and other educational programs for 225,000 children and adults annually, and advocate for sound environmental policies at local, state, and federal levels. Founded in 1896 by two inspirational women who were committed to the protection of birds, Mass Audubon has grown to become a powerful force for conservation in New England. Today we are respected for our sound science, successful advocacy, and innovative approaches to connecting people and nature. Each year, our statewide network of wildlife sanctuaries welcomes nearly half a million visitors of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds and serves as the base for our work. To support these important efforts, call 800-AUDUBON (800-283-8266) or visit www.massaudubon.org.