Several volunteer project days are coming to Bend parks and trails; first one is Saturday at Manzanita Trail

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Bend Park and Recreation District is inviting community members to join its Natural Resources and Trails team and participate in any of a half-dozen upcoming volunteer project days, from May to October.

Volunteers are needed to pull weeds, remove trash, close off unofficial trails, and plant native vegetation at several volunteer projects scheduled throughout the summer.

The first event is this Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to noon on the Manzanita Trail that connects Discovery Park to Shevlin Park. Activities include litter pick up, raking, weed pulling, moving smaller rocks and sticks.

Tools and materials will be provided by BPRD; however, participants are encouraged to bring work or garden gloves, closed-toe shoes, refillable water bottle, sunscreen and clothes appropriate for the weather that day.

This opportunity is best for adults and children aged 14 and older. Advanced sign up is strongly encouraged.

Other upcoming volunteer events include:

Saturday, June 7 – Trail Improvement Project at Shevlin Park
9:00 am – noon
In honor of National Trails Day. Volunteers will work with BPRD staff to trim back overgrown vegetation along the edge of the trail corridor to improve passage. Projects will be on multiple trails throughout the park on both flat and uneven terrain.

Saturday, June 28– Weed Pull at Drake Park, trail and boardwalk 
8:00 – 11:00 am
In partnership with Upper Deschutes Watershed Council and Deschutes River Cleanup event. Volunteers will work with BPRD staff to hand pull thistles and remove other noxious weeds growing along the new boardwalk and trail area in Drake Park. Adult volunteers with kayaks or canoes may be able to help with removing weeds growing next to the river.

Saturday, July 19 – Weed Pull at Big Sky Park
8:00 – 11:00 am
Volunteers will work with BPRD staff to hand-pull noxious weeds.

Saturday, August 16 – Weed Pull at Discovery Park West, natural area
8:00 – 11:00 am
Volunteers will work with BPRD staff to hand-pull noxious weeds.

Saturday, October 18 – Pollinator Planting at Alpenglow Park
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Help plant native vegetation that will support area pollinators such as butterflies, hummingbirds, bees and moths.

Important information about volunteering with these projects is available on the SignUp Genius event webpage.