IA DNR: DNR Offers Opportunities to Give Back This Summer

DES MOINES - With the official first day of summer quickly approaching, Keepers of the Land, the volunteer program with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), offers many statewide volunteer events and opportunities to help Iowans give back and enjoy summertime fun.

Outdoor Journey for Girls Events: Officials with the DNR's hunter safety program are seeking volunteers and participants for three events aimed at teaching outdoor recreation skills to girls, ages 12-15. Volunteers are needed to act as adult chaperones to accompany and be responsible for a small group of young participants throughout the three-day camp experiences. All meals and accommodations will be provided for volunteers. Events will be held June 11-13 and August 6-8 at Springbrook State Park in Guthrie County and July 15-17 at Hickory Hills Park in Black Hawk County. For more information contact Elizabeth Gull at 515-281-0806, Megan Wisecup at 515-281-7828, or Joli Vollers at 515-281-4075.
Campground Host Opportunity: Officials at state parks throughout the state are seeking volunteers to serve as campground hosts throughout the upcoming camping season. Hosts are offered free on-site camping and assist park staff by greeting campers, answering visitor questions, and completing various maintenance tasks to ensure the camping area is welcoming to the public. State parks currently seeking volunteer hosts include: Green Valley (Union Co), Lacey-Keosauqua (Van Buren Co), Lake Ahquabi (Warren Co), Maquoketa Caves (Jackson Co), Pleasant Creek (Linn Co), and Stephens State Forest (Lucas Co). For more information contact Elizabeth Gull at 515-281-0806.
Watercraft Inspections Opportunity: Officials with the DNR's Fisheries Bureau are seeking volunteers to assist with controlling aquatic invasive species through boater education activities at boating areas throughout the state. This opportunity starts immediately and ends Sept. 30. For more information contact Kim Bogenschutz or Jason Euchner at 515-432-2823 ext. 103 or 515-432-2823 ext. 118.
Park Enhancement Opportunity: Officials with Lake Darling State Park, near Brighton, are seeking volunteers to remove invasive species, like multiflora rose and shingle oaks, from park woodlands. Hand saws and chainsaws will be provided. This opportunity starts immediately and ends upon project completion. For more information contact Jeff Hildebrand or Merrill Lucas 319-694-2323.

A full listing of volunteer opportunities and events is available at www.keepersoftheland.org.

For more information, contact Merry Rankin at (515) 281-0878 or Merry.Rankin@dnr.iowa.gov.