History Buffs: Want to Help Clean Up a Battlefield on Park Day, April 10?
ALEXANDRIA, VA-Park Day, organized by the American Battlefield Trust, is scheduled for Saturday, April 10. Now in its 25th year, the event gathers volunteers from throughout the country to aid in the restoration and maintenance of historic sites and battlefields.
People of all ages are welcome to participate. Volunteers are needed at 12 sites in Virginia. Due to the pandemic, some sites will hold Park Day on other days. The majority of activities will take place outside. All sites will encourage mask wearing, social distancing, and use of hand sanitizer. The sharing of cleanup equipment is discouraged.
Volunteers will receive reusable Trust water bottles, and some sites will provide lunch or refreshments. A local historian may also be present to discuss the unique role of the site in this nation’s history.
People interested in joining Virginia’s Park Day efforts can contact the individuals listed below. Share photos to social media using the hashtag #ParkDay2021.
Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, Bristow, 8:30 a.m.
Contact: Kevin Pawlak at [email protected]
Volunteers will help by mulching trails, raking trails, tree removal, building fences, and clearing brush. Participants are encouraged to bring their own gloves. (Note: This site’s Park Day rain date is Saturday, April 17, 2021)
Cedar Creek Battlefield, Middletown, 10:00 a.m.
Contact: Ashley Sonntag at [email protected]
Volunteers will help with trail maintenance and expansion, trash removal, as well as land maintenance and clean-up. Participants are encouraged to bring their own clippers.
Cedar Mountain Battlefield, Rapidan, 9:00 a.m.
Contact: Diane Logan at info@friendsofcedarmountain.
Volunteers will help with clearing brush, weeding, clipping around signage and historical markers, trail maintenance, and trash removal. Participants are encouraged to bring their own work gloves and garden tools. Volunteers must contact the site organizer to register.
Historic Sandusky, Lynchburg, 9:00 a.m.
Contact: Greg Starbuck at [email protected]
Volunteers will help with clearing brush, landscaping, and trash removal. A tour of the house will be available for volunteers. (Note: This site’s Park Day rain date is Saturday, April 17, 2021)
Kernstown Battlefield, Winchester, 8:30 a.m.
Contact: Steve Cantu at [email protected]
Volunteers will help with clearing brush, landscaping, painting, and inside preparation of the Pritchard House, the Artillery Building, and the Visitor Center. Lunch will be provided, followed by an afternoon tour for volunteers. Volunteers must contact the site organizer to register.
Laurel Hill — Jeb Stuart’s Birthplace, Ararat, 9:00 a.m.
Contact: Ronnie Haynes at [email protected]
Volunteers will help with clearing brush, landscaping, and trash removal.
Mt. Defiance Historic Park, Middleburg, 10:00 a.m.
Contact: Tracy Gillespie at [email protected]
Volunteers will help with raking leaves, clearing brush, trimming and removing overgrown branches, and general clean-up. A guided tour of the battlefield will be available. Participants are encouraged to bring their own work gloves, rakes, and garden tools. Volunteers must contact the site organizer to register. (Note: This Park Day site is holding its event on Saturday, April 17, 2021)
Pamplin Historical Park, Petersburg, 1:00 p.m.
Contact: Chris Banchero at [email protected]
Volunteers will help with battlefield clean-up. Water will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring their own work gloves and safety glasses. Volunteers must contact the site organizer to register by April 3. (Note: This Park Day site is holding its event on Saturday, April 13, 2019)
Payne’s Farm/Mine Run Campaign, Locust Grove, 10:00 a.m.
Contact: Christopher O’Donnell at [email protected]
Volunteers will help with clearing brush, weed cutting, and cutting overgrown tree limbs. Participants are encouraged to bring their own rake.
Petersburg National Battlefield, Prince George, 8:30 a.m.
Contact: Meredith Courteau at [email protected].
Volunteers will help with trail clean-up, trash removal, sign-cleaning, painting, and general landscape maintenance. Participants are encouraged to bring their own work gloves and water. Volunteers must contact the site organizer to register. (Note: This Park Day site is holding its event on Saturday, April 17, 2021; rain date is Saturday, April 24, 2021).
Richmond National Battlefield Park at Gaines’ Mill, Mechanicsville, 10:00 a.m.
Contact: Marie Pinto at [email protected]
Volunteers will help by removing debris (trash and wire fencing) left at the site by the previous landowner. Participants are asked to bring their own work gloves and water. Volunteers must register using the online HandsOn RVA system prior to the event. (Note: This site’s Park Day rain date is Saturday, April 17, 2021)
Trevilian Station Battlefield Foundation, Louisa, 11:00 a.m.
Contact: Katherine Stiles at [email protected]
Volunteers will help with general clean-up in and around the reconstructed Netherland Tavern. Participants are asked to bring their own work gloves, rakes, and carpentry tools.
