 This month's feature is a well-known native with its own rhyme! "Leaves of 3, let it be"? Absolutely! Rhus toxicodendron is called poison ivy for a reason - the urushiol oils in the sap often cause allergic reactions - but it is also a beautiful, native plant. While not commercially available, its glossy, green leaves and fantastic fall color make it a very pretty staple of our Piedmont woodland habitats. Mammals (other than humans) graze on the foliage, the flowers are pollinated by bees, wasps and ants, and its berries are eaten by numerous species of birds and mammals, making this spectacular native an important plant for wildlife. For all of these reasons, it's time to rethink our negative attitude towards this lovely (if itchy) vine.
For more information on native and invasive plant species click the button below!
 Join City of Raleigh Parks staff on December 14th as we plant bulbs and mulch at Millbrook Exchange Park.
Volunteers will be planting plants that will provide a beautiful park aesthetic for patrons. Mulch will retain moisture while preventing weeds from growing.
Volunteer Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age to participate. Volunteers under the age of 16 will need a parent/guardian present. All volunteers will need to fill out a volunteer release form. If any volunteer is under the age of 18, then a parent or guardian will need to sign as well.
 Join our Parks Division Greenway crew as we cleanup the Neuse River Trail on January 7th and 14th. Volunteers will use pickup sticks to help pick up litter along the trail.
Removing litter provides a safer environment for citizens as well as wildlife.
Volunteer Requirements:
Volunteers must be at least 10 years old. Anyone under the age of 16, must be accompanied by an adult who is also registered. All volunteers will need to fill out a release form. Any volunteer under the age of 18, will need to have their parent or guardian fill this out as well.
 Join us as we add wood chips to the playground at Apollo Heights on January 18th. Volunteers will use hard rakes, pitchforks, wheelbarrows, and shovels to haul and spread wood chips.
Wood chips provide a safe surface for kids to play on.
Volunteer Requirements: You must be at least 16 years old to volunteer. All volunteers will need to complete a volunteer release form. For volunteers under the age of 18, a parent/guardian will need to sign the volunteer form.
 Click the links below for more information and to register as a volunteer.
 Click the buttons below for more information and to register as a volunteer.
 Thank you to all of the Adopt-A-Park and Adopt-A-Trail volunteers below for their recent projects at our parks and trails! Please email prvolunteer@raleighnc.gov to learn more about these programs.
Recent Adopt-A-Park Projects:
Dorothea Dix - Raleigh Garden Club
Jackson Property - WildWest
Jaycee - SEPI Engineering
Mordecai - Jon Curtis
Poplar/Marshall Street - Neighbors at Poplar
Shelley Lake - National Charity League
Recent Adopt-A-Trail Projects:
House Creek Trail - Boy Scout Pack 357
Simms Branch Trail - Cub Scout Pack 314
Walnut Creek Trail - The Allen/Heuer Family, Sam Martin
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You are invited to make a positive impact in Raleigh by volunteering! With over 200 parks and 120 miles of Greenway trails, a difference can be made across the city. There are many opportunities for individuals, groups, students, businesses, churches, and organizations to contribute time, talent and resources to Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources. Join us today!
For more information, contact Rachel Van Noordt.
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We love working with volunteers and we want to make sure we are providing the best experience possible. If you would like to help us make our program stronger, please take a few minutes to fill out our short survey.
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