Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF), the Iowa Parks Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will kick off INHF's 2020 volunteer season and celebrate the Iowa State Parks Centennial with three volunteer events at Iowa state parks on Saturday, March 21.

Volunteers are invited to help remove invasive species and restore native habitat at Big Creek State Park near Polk City, Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area near Palo and Volga River State Recreation Area near Fayette. All three events will be followed by drinks and a social hour at nearby businesses.

There is no experience necessary, training will be provided and families are welcome at all events. Volunteers are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring a water bottle and work gloves if they have them. All other equipment will be provided.

For more details or to RSVP, visit www.inhf.org/events. If you have questions, contact INHF Volunteer Coordinator Melanie Schmidt at mschmidt@inhf.org. For information about other Parks 2020 centennial events, visit: www.iowadnr.gov/parks2020

Central Iowa
Saturday, March 21
9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Big Creek State Park
Polk City

About Big Creek State Park: Located in central Iowa just 20 miles north of Des Moines, Big Creek State Park is known as a family-friendly setting for outdoor activities. After the work day, all are invited to Fenders Brewing in Polk City.

Eastern Iowa
Saturday, March 21
9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area
Palo

About Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area: Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area is an outdoor recreation venue in Linn County. It features a 410 acre lake, 1,517 acres of public hunting grounds, a swimming beach, campgrounds, and twelve miles of multi-use trails. After the work day, volunteers are invited to Iowa Brewing Company. Everyone is welcome to attend after the event.

Northeast Iowa
Saturday, March 21
9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Volga River State Recreation Area
Fayette

About Volga River State Recreation Area: Located in central northeast Iowa near Fayette, Volga River State Recreation Area features heavily wooded ridges and ravines, prairies and of course, the Volga River. After working to restore sand prairie habitat, volunteers will meet up at Heaven Boutique Winery. Everyone is welcome.

Contact: Melanie Schmidt, mschmidt@inhf.org, 515-288-1846, ext. 35