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November 2017

Volunteer eNews Fall 2017

Unique volunteer programs happening this fall

This Sunday I will be picking up a group of volunteers at the airport traveling from across the US to do a weeklong trail project at Kolomoki Mounds State Park. This unique program is in partnership with the American Hiking Society and is called Volunteer Vacations. We host a couple of these programs each year. Keep an eye on the American Hiking Society website for 2018 approved locations. Dates are generally posted in December.

Also on the horizon later in November, we have been approved to host a team of AmeriCorps NCCC members at Laura S Walker State Park and Stephen C Foster State Park. The AmeriCorps NCCC is the modern day CCC where young adults receive housing by us and a stipend by the federal government while performing service in non-profit and government run organizations. The NCCC team will spend a couple of weeks at each location doing some trail renovations, West Mimms fire, and Hurricane Irma clean up.

We are looking forward to the difference that both of these partnership projects will make in our Parks!

Host Openings

Park Volunteer Events

Lighting of the Mounds - Tiki Torch Set UP

Lighting of the Mounds Etowah Indian Mounds - Cartersville GA We need about 10 volunteers to help set up Tiki Torches, other lighting, and get fire buckets ready for our event the following day. If you are interested in volunteering for the whole day or part of the day, please call the park ahead of time to let us know. 770-387-3747. Date November 3, 3017 10a-5p

Heath Lake Volunteer Day - Shoreline Clean-up

Heath Lake Volunteer Day Rocky Mountain Recreation and Public Fishing Area- Rome GA Please join our Ranger in helping keep the shoreline clean around Heath Lake. Trash bags will be provided. Meet in the Heath Lake parking lot 706-802-5087. November 4, 2017 10a-12p

Pine Mountain Trail Work Day

Pine Mountain Trail Work Day F.D. Roosevelt State Park - Pine Mountain GA Help PMT Association keep our treasured trails in great shape. Meet at FDR State Park Office Parking Lot. Bring work gloves, water and snacks. We furnish all tools and fun. $5 parking. 706-663-4858 November 11, 2017 10a-1p

Decorating for the Holidays

Plantation Decorating for the Holidays Jarrell Plantation Historic Site - Juliette GA Historic structures often require some TLC. Join our Interpretive Ranger to help clean and care for the historic site. In exchange for their hard work, volunteers will receive site admission for the day. 478-986-5172. November 25, 2017 10a-12p

A Big Shout Out to These Dedicated Volunteers!

Lifetime Achievement Plus (Over 5000 Hours!)

• Norman and Virginia Teal
• Les and Patti Barnett

Lifetime Achievement (5000 Hours)

• Larry and Ruby Gay
• Julius & Evelyn Merkison

Platinum Achievement (3000 Hours)

• Herman Moore
• Ronald and Mary Hall
• Bruce & Ann Crim

Volunteer hours have dropped off this fall. I know that there are lots of you out there working. Don't forget to continue to log your hours and earning your incentives! Use is the website for more information on Volunteer Hours and how incentives are earned. You can see how many hours you have recorded.https://www.trackitforward.com/site/georgia-department-natural-resources

Volunteers Defined

Community Volunteers-Help on a day-to-day basis at a Park as they are available. Our community volunteers help with leading hikes, helping with maintenance, assisting with the visitor or retail center, guide new visitors to park activities and locations. Those volunteering more than once per month or planning to volunteer more than 20 hours per year need to update registration.

Hosts (Campground, Yurt, Maintenance, Golf, Train)-Stay in their personal RV at designated free Host Site for 2-6 months in exchange for a minimum of 24 hours of volunteer work.  Host duties include: visitor assistance and maintenance.  All hosts are required to update registration to still be considered for hosting.

Group Volunteers-This is for Churches, Corporations, Scouts and Universities who want a tailor-made project that will strengthen the group as individuals as well as a team morale while assisting Georgia State Parks. Only the group leader will need to be registered in our system.

How are we doing?

In order for Georgia State Parks to continue to thrive and grow, even in these lean budget times, we need to get feedback from those that utilize our services and Parks. As Volunteers and Hosts, you have the same rights and anonymity in park observations and feedback as our Park Staff.  Please use this quick survey form to share your experiences with us. Thanks for reading!  Please feel free to share with others. 

Training/Volunteer Manager, Nyleta Wallace at nyleta.wallace@dnr.ga.gov

Assistant Volunteer Coordinator at rachael.rupe@dnr.ga.gov