The Park District has launched a new Conservation Work Parties series, tackling the creeping scourge of ivy and other invasive species.

Second Saturdays monthly, volunteers will visit a different park and bring down nuisance vines, uproot Scotch broom, and perform other ecological restoration. 

The conservation events are being held in partnership with Weed Warriors, a longstanding advocacy and action group that brings expertise on spurge laurel and other lesser-known problem weeds. 

“People are coming because they’re interested in learning more, and applying it to their own properties,” the Park District’s Morgan Houk says. “It’s a learning opportunity as much as a ‘get out and know your parks and volunteer’ opportunity.” 

Conservation Work Parties mark a welcome return — and expansion — of volunteer activity in island parks, after a year lost to the pandemic. 

The district’s popular monthly Trails Work Parties are also back after a year-long hiatus, focused on trail construction and maintenance in various parks, every fourth Saturday after an August break. 

Several neighborhood parks are also getting renewed attention. Red Pine Park in Winslow hosts a volunteer work party every second Tuesday, with neighbors tidying up gardens and landscaped areas on the historic grounds. Moritani Preserve has a longstanding volunteer group working there every third Thursday, and more volunteers are sought. 

Houk said the Park District hopes to expand these programs further with “super volunteers” who, after training, can steward their favorite parks and eventually lead volunteer events of their own. The training program is still under development, with a spring rollout hoped for.   

COVID safety requirements are in effect, and all participants must register in advance for each event, be prepared to respond to a COVID questionnaire before participating, and provide proof of vaccination or mask up. 

GET INVOLVED: Join the Bainbridge Metro Parks’ monthly conservation, trails and neighborhood park work parties. Email morganhouk@biparks.org or visit the Volunteer page of the district website.

UPCOMING VOLUNTEER WORK PARTIES (all events run 10-noon) 

Aug. 26 – Moritani Preserve

Sept. 11 – Blakely Harbor Park 

Sept. 14 – Red Pine Park

Sept. 15 – Hannah’s Garden at Rotary Park 

Sept. 16 – Moritani Preserve

Sept. 25 – Trails Work Party

Sign up to volunteer here.