Volunteers sought to prepare Copper Falls State Park for summer season

ASHLAND – People looking for ways to celebrate Earth Day by helping improve Wisconsin’s environment can participate in volunteer work day at Copper Falls State Park, Mellen on Sat. May 9. The event is sponsored by the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks which is also coordinating the work day.

“With a tight economy, state park officials are anticipating more people will be looking for recreational opportunities close to home, and they expect state parks will be especially busy this summer,” said Luthien L. Niland, Wisconsin State Parks liaison to the Friends group, “and with help from Earth Day volunteers our parks will be cleaner and more enjoyable.”

Volunteers will help the local Friends of Copper Falls State Park and Department of Natural Resources parks staff in sprucing up the parks by clearing debris from trails and campgrounds, making minor repairs to park structures, cleaning up beaches and waterfronts and a variety of other activities.

“This is an opportunity for visitors who appreciate the beauty of Copper Falls State Park to give something back to the park,” Niland said.

The work day will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The rain date for the event will be the following Sunday. Lunch and snacks, donated by the Deep Water Grill and other area businesses, will be served. All participants will also receive a Work • Play • Earth Day water bottle.

Advanced registration is free, but required. Interested individuals can find more information or register through the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks web site. Similar cleanups are taking place at other parks around the state are also listed on this site.

Volunteers will not need a park sticker and should bring gloves and clothes appropriate for the outdoor work. All tools will be provided.

The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks is a nonprofit umbrella organization that works in support of local state park, forest, and trail Friends groups around the state and assists them in enhancing, preserving, and protecting Wisconsin State Parks and Trails.