THE FOLLOWING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE WITH PARKS & RECREATION:

Invasive Plant Removal Program
This exciting new program is designed to introduce outdoor enthusiasts, property owners and gardeners to the most prominent invasive plants in Burlington. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about invasive plants, identify them in the field and remove them.Participants can sign up for one session or all the session. It is recommended that participants attend the Wise on Weeds program but not mandatory. All removal session will take place in the field. Field conditions can vary and participants should dress appropriately in long pants, sturdy shoes and gloves. Water bottles and bug spray are recommended. Tools will be provided. All sessions are free but pre-registration is required.
Session I – Wise on Weeds Kick Off, Wednesday April 17th 5:30–7pm at 645 Pine Street, Conference Room.  Rose Paul from the Nature Conservancy will present the Wise on Weeds! (WOW!) program that promotes awareness of invasive plant species in Vermont. This session will provide information about common invasive plants found in Burlington and non-invasive alternatives with practical management techniques for gardeners and homeowners.
Session II – Phragmites at the Waterfront, Saturday April 19th 9:30am-12:00pm, meet at the
Waterfront Park Parking Lot.  Learn to identify and remove Phragmites. Participants will pull up the phragmites and cut the seed heads off. Seeds heads will be disposed of in trash bags while the remaining material will be composted.
Session III – Edible Japanese Knotweed, Saturday May 10th, 9:30am – 12:00pm at
McKenzie Park.  Participants should meet at the parking area across from Tommy Thompson Community Garden on Intervale Road just past Intervale Compost on the right at 9:30. All participants must wear pants and bring gloves. Water, sunscreen and bug repellant are encouraged.  Join us as we head down to the Intervale in search of young Japanese Knotweed in the wetland forest of McKenzie Park. Participants will learn to identify Japanese Knotweed and remove it properly. Take home the harvest with a recipe for dinner.
Session IV - Buckthorn at Arms Park, Saturday June 14th, 9:30am-12:00pm.  Participants will get to travel off the beaten path to find Buckthorn in the woods of Arms Park. Learn to identify Buckthorn and different methods to control and remove buckthorn.
Session V –Japanese Knotweed at McKenzie Park, Saturday July 12th, 9:30am-12pm.  Spend the morning in the Intervale searching out Japanese Knotweed in McKenzie Park wetland forest. Participants will learn to identify and remove Japanese Knotweed. The Japanese Knotweed will be cut down at the base and removed from the wetland forest. The material will then be brought to the wood depot for burning.
Session VI – Japanese Knotweed at McKenzie Park, Saturday August 2nd, 9:30-12pm. Spend the morning in the Intervale searching out Japanese Knotweed in McKenzie Park wetland forest. Participants will learn to identify and remove Japanese Knotweed. The Japanese Knotweed will be cut down at the base and removed from the wetland forest. The material will then be brought to the wood depot for burning.

Parks Volunteers
Would you or a group you're affiliated with like to take on a volunteer project at one of Burlington's parks?  We welcome offers from individuals or groups to help weed, rake, pick up trash, police parks, etc.  If you have some time and would like to volunteer to help keep our parks beautiful, please call the Parks Division at 865-7247.

Memorial Auditorium Concert Ushers
Volunteer ushers needed for all concerts at Memorial Auditorium - see listings on our Calendar.  To volunteer, call Maxine at 862-5909.