IA DNR: DNR Volunteers Honored During National Volunteer Week

DES MOINES - In observance of National Volunteer Week, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is sending out a huge 'thank you' to its statewide volunteer team.

Actions speak louder than words, and in this case so do the numbers. On an annual basis, Keepers of the Land, the volunteer program with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, assists more than 100,000 Iowans find rewarding volunteer opportunities across the state. These volunteers, in turn provide an estimated $2.4 million of donated service, based upon the Independent Sector's $14.93/ hour valuation of volunteer service in Iowa.

For Keepers of the Land director Merry Rankin, this week is very significant. Rankin works to connect citizens to natural resource volunteer opportunities and is always inspired by their response and dedication.

"It's such a pleasure to work with such incredible individuals," Rankin said. "Their efforts make an invaluable and long-lasting impact to their communities, the DNR, and Iowa's natural resources."

"Volunteer to Change the World," this year's National Volunteer Week theme, is sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation. National Volunteer Week began April 27 and continues until May 3. This national recognition for volunteers initially began as part of an executive order by President Nixon in 1974 as a means to celebrate volunteerism across the USA. Since that year, every US President and various public officials have signed proclamations and made statements in honor and support of the annual celebration.

Visit www.keepersoftheland.org for more information on volunteer opportunities, recruiting volunteers right now, around the state. Some projects include a statewide prairie rescue effort, Spring Operation ReLeaf and Plant Some Shade events continuing through May, and Project AWARE which is gearing up to clean the Cedar, Shell Rock and Winnebago Rivers this summer, June 14-21.

For more information, contact Merry Rankin at (515) 281-0878 or at Merry.Rankin@dnr.state.ia.us. Note to editors: Please contact us to find out about local volunteer projects in your area.