From Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
Saturday, April 7, 2018 will be “Park Day”, an annual hands-on preservation event where thousands of volunteers show their dedication to the battlefields and other historical sites that matter to them, as well as our nation. Since 1996, the Civil War Trust has led this effort across the country to preserve our heritage sites. Local efforts are managed by both the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield and the National Park Service at various locations within the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. Volunteers are asked to report to one of two locations in the Fredericksburg area at 8:30 am to participate in a project ending no later than 1:00 pm. In past years, hundreds of volunteers working a few hours each have had a huge impact on the park by picking up trash and tree debris, providing a fresh coat of paint, or replacing worn out apparatus.
The Friends of Wilderness Battlefield (FoWB) will coordinate volunteers gathering at Ellwood, located at 36380 Constitution Highway (Route 20), Locust Grove, VA 22508. After check-in, their crew chiefs will direct them to either the Chancellorsville Battlefield or the Wilderness Battlefield, working on numerous projects including painting cannon carriages, replacing worn bollards, clearing debris, trail maintenance, and trash clean-up. Volunteers for this project are asked to register online at www.fowb.org.
The Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park staff and FoWB volunteers will check volunteers in at the Chatham Manor, located at 120 Chatham Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22405. Projects volunteers at Chatham will be undertaking include painting the pontoon bridge display, and removing downed trees and brush from areas near Chatham to enable better historic views. Volunteers who wish to participate in this project are encouraged to send their names to [email protected].
Volunteers reporting to Ellwood will be treated with hot coffee provided by Starbucks at Harrison Crossing of Fredericksburg, and fresh pastries provided by Doughlicious Donuts and Bakery in Locust Grove. Friends of Wilderness Battlefield will provide water and snacks. Some volunteers with pick-up trucks are needed. Volunteers will receive a free commemorative T-Shirt while supplies last. Priority will go to pre-registered volunteers. Pre-registration is not required but encouraged. Please bring work gloves and safety vests if possible.
For more information or questions, please contact Kevin Hunt at 540-840-1780 or [email protected] or Megan McFadden at [email protected].
