The ACT Parks and Conservation Service’s volunteer-led ParkCare program has celebrated its 30th birthday.
Minister for the Environment, Mick Gentleman said ParkCare groups played a critical role in protecting, rehabilitating and helping the community appreciate ACT parks, nature reserves and cultural sites.
“Their commitment has made a huge difference to the ACT landscape, with over 800 passionate volunteers clocking up more 32,000 hours in the last year alone,” Mr Gentleman said.
“Volunteers help rehabilitate the land and assist important projects such as feral animal control, rabbit burrow mapping, invasive weed control, and help map parks and reserves in the digital space,” he said.
“Over the last 30 years they have developed a strong connection with the land, shaped by the ups and downs of working in the natural environment.
“Our volunteers remain impressively positive, engaged, and committed to caring for our environment,” he said.
He said ParkCare offered several different ways of volunteering – as a VisitorAssist volunteer guide, RangerAssist volunteer or WildlifeAssist volunteer.
“The communication and information shared between staff and volunteers is invaluable to our reserve management,” Mr Gentleman said.
