There's way to stay fit, help the environment, and feel good about yourself...just by volunteering in Chico's Bidwell Park.
Last year volunteers donated nearly 17-thousand hours, even in triple digit temperatures. We're not talking just any kind of work... how about shoveling, hacking, and pulling up invasive plants and trees? Lise-Smith Peters is Volunteer Coordinator,"Pokeweed, himalayan blackberry, bladder senna, privet..always privet...variety of weeds. honeweed, prickly lettuce, can name 100 more if you like."
The invasives literally take over, choking out the nativesby stealing space, sunshine, nutrients, and water. Phil Dennis is a park volunteer, even though he's only lived here a year, "It's a good project, fun, nice to support Bidwell Park, one of the great assets Chico has."
This group meets thursday mornings at the Sycamore Restoration area by Caper Acres in lower park. Other volunteer opportunties include Saturday work days... the adopt a site program, litter control, and park watch...to name a few. Making a difference, and in good company.
"Salt of the Earth folks who want to give time, energy back to the park, regular core, always new people." To find out more, contact the City of Chico's Parks Division.
