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In this edition of The Volunteers' Corner we are highlighting Patty McLaughlin, who has been volunteering with the Department of Parks & Recreation for over 15 years. Patty began her service as a Naturalist Aide back in 2009 at Watkins Nature Center. She began volunteering due to her love of nature, and a background in biology and environmental science. Since 2009, Patty has been instrumental in various projects from animal care at Clearwater Nature Center to monitoring blue bird boxes throughout the county to assisting with preparation for the annual American Indian Festival. She has consistently lent her service and expertise to the Department.
Patty has also been a member of the Senior Green Team for over five years. This group of individuals aged 60+ come together once a month to help beautify our parks. The group can be found doing projects at Clearwater Nature Center, Watkins Nature Center, and other facilities throughout the Department. During the month of August, Patty and the Senior Green Team worked with the Department's Southern Area Maintenance Team to construct new bird boxes for the native blue birds. A bird box, also known as a birdhouse or nest box, is a small, enclosed structure designed to provide a safe place for birds to nest and raise their young. Patty discussed how these experiences have increased her knowledge throughout the years, "These projects have helped with identifying various birds of prey along with other bird species such as blue birds and tree swallows and understanding how they nest and live."
When asked how the volunteer work has impacted Patty personally, she stated "The work has been very calming for me while also providing enjoyment and pleasure. Over the past four years, I've been a caretaker for my parents. The volunteering experience has allowed me to get out and experience the calmness of nature and has provided me a space to relax."
Patty plans to continue her service with the Department lending a hand to our annual American Indian Festival scheduled for October 19 and assisting with our Jug Bay Run/Walk for Wildlife on November 2.
Thank you, Patty, for all that you do and your dedication to a greener, healthier community!
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If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering click here! | |
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month | |
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Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15, honors the contributions, cultures, and histories of Hispanic and Latino Americans.
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County celebrated with a series of engaging events and activities aimed at honoring the culture, heritage, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities in Prince George’s County. The month-long celebration featured a diverse lineup of programs that highlighted art, music, dance, and food from various Hispanic cultures, allowing community members to experience the vibrancy and richness of Latin American traditions.
“We are thrilled to host these events during Hispanic Heritage Month, offering our community a chance to learn, celebrate, and honor the rich contributions of Hispanics and Latino Americans,” said Bill Tyler, Director of M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County. “Prince George’s County is home to a thriving Latino population, and this year’s celebrations reflect the Department’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and cultural appreciation.”
For a complete list of Hispanic Heritage Month offerings, please visit pgparks.com.
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Record Your Hours Today! | |
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Recording volunteer hours is essential for both volunteers and organizations. It helps track the impact of volunteer contributions, showing the tangible difference volunteers make in our communities, and allows volunteers to gain recognition.
Here are 3 reasons why you should record your hours:
- By recording hours, volunteers can work toward awards, certifications, or public recognition, which can be meaningful for personal growth, resumes, and school applications. Logging hours ensures your efforts are acknowledged and celebrated.
- When organizations track and share the total hours volunteered, they can highlight the impact their volunteers have made. Potential volunteers are often inspired by seeing the difference that others have made, making them more likely to join the cause.
- It allows organizations to quantify the support they receive, which can be used to improve programs and demonstrate the value to stakeholders.
Visit pgparks.com/volunteer to record your hours!
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Are you passionate about the environment and eager to lead impactful sustainability initiatives?
Join our Senior Green Team and make a difference! Individuals ages 60+ are invited to volunteer with our Senior Green Team. Volunteers will conduct projects that focus on sustainability, conservation and making habitats better for native plants.
For more information on how to get involved with the Senior Green Team, visit pgparks.com
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Calling all middle and high school students! Come out to the Youth & Hispanic Leadership Series, Que Pasa?, hosted by Prince George's County State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy on Thursday, October 18!
This virtual program will provide guidance on essential topics such as opioid and fentanyl awareness, truancy, employment opportunities and other available resources to develop life skills.
Prince George's County Public Schools student service-learning hours are approved for this opportunity. For more information, click here.
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Join us Saturday, October 26 for the 13th annual Good Neighbor Day. This day of service is a collaborative partnership between the University of Maryland, the City of College Park, and The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George's County and has successfully involved over 5,500 volunteers in the last 12 years, with contributions such as 18,400 pounds of food donated and 175,600 square feet of invasives removed.
This year, Good Neighbor Day will host over 30 service opportunities for volunteers in College Park and beyond! Whether it’s planting pollinator gardens, cleaning up litter, distributing food, or restoring community spaces, there’s a project for everyone.
Sign up today at oce.umd.edu/good-neighbor-day
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Discover the rich and diverse culture of Native American Indians at this year’s American Indian Festival! Join us Saturday, October 19 for a day full of excitement, musical entertainment, vendors, and more. Admission is free! Mark your calendars and spread the word!
Visit pgparks.com for more information.
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Are you ready for a Halloween adventure like no other? Come dressed in your best Halloween costume and trek through our haunted trails packed with spooky games, mazes, roving characters, creepy scenes, and more!
Collect candy and other treats along our Trek or Treat trail! This is a kid friendly event suitable for ages 12 & under.
For more information on this and other Halloween events, visit pgparks.com.
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Come out on Saturday, November 2, 8:00am -10:00am for our annual Jug Bay Run for Wildlife at Patuxent River Park! The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages runners and walkers of all abilities, ages, and skill levels to come together, enjoy the outdoors and be active in our natural park settings.
Proceeds from the run and walk directly support projects, research, conservation, and education in the Patuxent River watershed. To register, visit pgparks.com
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In honor of Veterans Day, M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County is honoring our Prince George’s County senior veterans (ages 60 & better) with a special luncheon celebration.
This event is only for veterans (ages 60 & better) who reside in Prince George’s County. In order to accommodate as many veterans as possible, this event is only for veterans. No guests will be permitted.
Deadline for registration is Friday, October 18, 2024. To register, visit pgparksdirect.com
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Help families in need by running or walking through the beautiful Winter Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park on Saturday, November 23!
This year, register to walk or run through the almost 3-mile course and see the dazzling displays up close. Your registration fee will provide a family in need with a holiday turkey.
Registration available at pgparksdirect.com
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Work Where You Play with The Department of Parks & Recreation! Discover our exciting job opportunities, from health & wellness to park maintenance, aquatics, information technology and more! We have a position for you, so apply today! Visit our website to explore current openings here. | | |
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Stay connected with the latest happenings at the Department of Parks & Recreation! Our Live More, Play More weekly newsletter is packed with updates on upcoming community events, classes, workshops, and more! Subscribe here today! | | | | |
