Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration is Seeking Volunteers to Help Beautify State Parks on Park Serve Day

Boston — As part of its ongoing effort to promote shared stewardship of the state park system, the Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced that registration is now open for the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) 18^th annual Park Serve Day on Saturday, April 20, 2024. DCR holds Park Serve Day annually, in conjunction with Earth Week, and invites volunteers to help clean coastlines, clear trails, pick up litter, plant flowers, or take part in other restorative projects that promote stewardship and help prepare their favorite state park for the busy summer and spring seasons ahead. This year, the agency will hold 65 clean up and beautification events at 35 parks across the state, from Nickerson State Park to Mount Greylock State Reservation.  

“Park Serve Day is a wonderful tradition that brings our communities together, gets families outside, and maintains our beautiful green spaces,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our beautiful DCR parks are some of our state’s greatest natural assets and events like Park Serve Day help ensure we are preserving these precious places for the enjoyment of all.” 

“Last year, I was out at Breakheart Reservation making sure this North Shore treasure is in good shape for the summer,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Participating in Park Serve Day is the perfect way to kick off Earth Week — giving back to our communities and supporting our public spaces.” 

Park Serve Day began as a pilot program in 2006 at four parks in Western Massachusetts and it has since grown into one of the agency’s signature annual programs that promotes stewardship of DCR parklands in every region throughout the state. Every year, thousands of volunteers help remove what amounts to tons of trash from DCR parks and facilities, as well as work to help maintain, beautify, and preserve recreational areas. In 2023, more than 3,700 volunteers came together to clean up 35 DCR properties across Massachusetts. 

“Park Serve Day exemplifies the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s goals of promoting stewardship and conservation of our state’s green and open spaces,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Encouraging the public to take an active role in protecting our environment is one way that we can foster the next generation of environmentalists who will take up the mantle of protecting these important natural resources.”  

“DCR parks bring people of all ages, backgrounds and demographics together and programs like this help us ensure we can maintain these cherished places for our communities,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “Each year, Park Serve Day brings out thousands of volunteers to help clean up our state parks, forests, and beaches and we look forward to seeing many returning and new faces for this year’s event.” 

Park Serve Day event times may vary by location. Participants are encouraged to register for Park Serve Day at their local state parks. DCR will provide work gloves and other necessary equipment. Participants can also bring their own gloves or hand tools (personal materials should be clearly marked with the owner’s name and phone number). Power tools are not allowed.   DCR advises volunteers to wear sturdy shoes and work clothes and bring water and snacks. It is also recommended that volunteers bring sunscreen and insect repellent. Weather can be unpredictable, so please dress accordingly.  

All parking fees will be waived for volunteers at locations where Park Serve Day events are taking place. DCR asks visitors to park in designated areas only.  

DCR is encouraging volunteers to tweet, post, and tag their Park Serve Day photos on social media using @MassDCR.  

Park Serve Day is part of DCR’s ongoing initiatives aimed at encouraging families and communities across Massachusetts to participate in the stewardship of the state’s natural resources. On January 1, more than 3,000 visitors kicked off their new year with a hike in 13 DCR parks across the state for the agency’s 33^rd annual First Day Hikes program, and in November, the agency encourages residents to “Go Green on Black Friday” with free, guided hikes at agency parks the day after Thanksgiving.  

Register for Park Serve Day event near you here! 

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