Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Encourages People to Volunteer on Park Serve Day

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration is encouraging people to “pick a park, give a day, make a difference” by signing up to volunteer for the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) 19th annual Park Serve Day on Saturday, April 26. This event is held annually in conjunction with Earth Week – inviting volunteers to help clean coastlines, clear trails, pick up litter, plant flowers, or participate in other restorative projects to prepare their favorite state park for the upcoming summer and spring seasons.  

Registration is now open for the 60 beautification events hosted by DCR at 40 parks across the state for this year’s Park Serve Day.

“Park Serve Day is a great way to build community, get outdoors, and help care for our beautiful green spaces,” said Governor Maura Healey. “DCR’s state parks are some of our state’s greatest natural treasures, and Park Serve Day gives us all an opportunity to help preserve these special places for future generations.”  

“Our DCR parks do so much for us – they are places for exercise, gathering, exploring, and peaceful moments of quiet,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "Park Serve Day is our chance to give back to our parks and support our public lands.”  

Park Serve Day began as a pilot program in 2006 at four parks in Western Massachusetts. Since then, it has grown into one of the agency’s signature annual programs that promotes stewardship of DCR parklands in every region throughout the state — from Mount Greylock in Adams to Nickerson and the Cape Cod Rail Trail in Brewster. 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. Last year, more than 2,300 volunteers collected more than 500 bags of trash and collectively gave back more than 5,000 hours to DCR parks.

“Park Serve Day highlights the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s dedication to preserving Massachusetts’s green spaces,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “As we close out Earth Week, we encourage everyone to take an active role in caring for our natural environment and to inspire the next generation of environmentalists.”  

“DCR parks serve as community hubs bringing together people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities and programs like Park Serve Day help preserve these beloved spaces for generations to come,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “Each year, we welcome thousands of Park Serve Day volunteers to help clean up and beautify our state parks, forests, watersheds, and beaches. It's so inspiring to see the shared commitment of our volunteers to getting our parks ready for the spring and summer seasons."

Park Serve Day event times may vary by location. Participants are encouraged to register for Park Serve Day through the DCR DCR website. 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. 

For more details and to register for an event, please visit the Park Serve Day page on the DCR website.   

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