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Upcoming Events
Pre-registration is required of all volunteers to ensure enough tools and supplies are available for park projects and special events.
Click on the event name listed below to register.
| Event | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horseshoe Farm Maintenance Day | 5/8/21 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Horseshoe Farm |
| Litter Cleanup at Dorothea Dix | 5/8/21 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Dorothea Dix |
| Installing Teepads at Kentwood | 5/14/21 - 5/21/21 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Kentwood |
| Trail Building at Joslin | 5/20/21 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Joslin |
| Durant Nature Preserve Invasive Species Removal Day | 5/22/21 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Durant |
| Mulching at Pullen Art Center | 6/3/21 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Pullen Art Center |
Fletcher Awards
The Fred Fletcher Outstanding Volunteer Awards Program honors Mr. Fletcher’s 54 years of dedicated service to Raleigh Parks by honoring citizens, businesses, community organizations, and nonprofit organizations who have made outstanding contributions to the programs, services, and facilities offered by Raleigh Parks.
Group Volunteers
Businesses, schools, churches, and organizations have the opportunity to contribute time, talent and resources to City parks. To set up a volunteer event unique for your group, complete the group volunteer project interest form. For more information on coordinating a group volunteer project, please contact Rachel Van Noordt.
Invasive Species Program
The Invasive Species Program provides an opportunity for individuals and groups to assist with the management of invasive species in our City parks and greenway trails. Through the use of volunteers and staff, volunteer projects will be scheduled to help maintain the invasive species issue. Volunteers will assist with the manual removal of invasives and tracking of invasive species in our parks and greenways. For more information, contact Leigh Bragassa.
Adopt-A-Park
Adopt-A-Park program provides volunteer opportunities for interested individuals, businesses, and groups to participate in park maintenance projects and support the Raleigh Parks System. Citizen volunteers or groups agree to participate in a volunteer project at the designated park or open space quarterly for at least one year. Volunteers or groups of volunteers are asked to sign an Adopt-A-Park agreement. This agreement is renewed on a yearly basis. Volunteers can adopt any available park by viewing our interactive map. Find your park now
Adopt-A-Playground program allows citizen volunteers and groups to help keep our playgrounds safe and clean. Volunteer responsibilities include: visually inspecting and wiping down equipment, picking up litter, and raking sand/woodchips. Volunteers are asked to complete an Adopt-A-Playground agreement and participate in volunteer activities once a month for a year. To join the Adopt-A-Playground program, contact Volunteer Programs.
List of Playgrounds
Adopt-A-Trail
The Adopt-A-Trail program provides volunteer opportunities for interested individuals, businesses and groups to participate in trail cleanup and support the Capital Area Greenway System. Citizen volunteers agree to maintain the greenway trail quarterly for at least one year. Volunteers must sign an Adopt-A-Trail Agreement and submit quarterly reports to Parks staff. Volunteers can adopt any available trail segment by viewing our interactive map. Find your trail now
Scout Projects
The City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department offers scouting projects for the following:
- Girl Scouts interested in achieving their Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award.
- Eagle Scout projects
- Adventure Scouts
- Quartermaster awards
- And more!
You must meet the following requirements to complete a project with our department:
- Eagle Scouts must have a minimum of six months before their 18th birthday
- All scouts must have a minimum of six months to complete their project
- Scouts will have to choose an approved project from the list below
- Secure all funding to cover costs for all project materials and supplies
- Boy Scouts must be a Life Scout and actively involved in his troop
- Be able to serve as the lead role and effectively communicate with Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources staff
To get started, view the Eagle Scout Policies and Procedures Handbook for additional details on project requirements, process, and forms. This handbook is applicable across all scouting projects. For more information, contact Mary Owens.
| Project Title | Location |
|---|---|
| Build Pollinator Garden | Walnut Creek Wetland Park |
| Butterfly Fence Construction | Durant Nature Preserve |
| Invasive Plant Removals and GIS Mapping | Various |
| Plant ID Sign Installations | Raleigh Rose Garden |
| Sensitive Area Fencing Construction | Durant Nature Preserve |
| Story Book Trail Station Construction | Walnut Creek Wetland Park |
*We can plan group projects for individual scouts and groups that are not associated with awards as well.
Community Service
The community service volunteer program provides an opportunity for individuals who need to complete requirements for court appointed volunteer hours and/or volunteer hours suggested by a lawyer or court official. Volunteers in this program can assist at the City of Raleigh greenhouse. This is the only location and opportunity available for this program.
To participate in this volunteer program, please complete the following:
- Review the Community Service Volunteer Program Information Packet
- Complete the Volunteer Application
- Obtain a letter from your lawyer or court official that includes your name, number of hours appointed/suggested, your offense, and the date volunteer hours are to be completed
- Send the volunteer application and letter to Volunteer Programs.
Parks Donation
Parks donation programs offer opportunities for community citizens to partner with the City of Raleigh to donate resources for the enhancement of City of Raleigh parkland. Individuals and groups are able to donate funds for trees and general parkland enhancement projects. All general parkland enhancement donations will be used to fund projects that fit within the parkland’s Master Plan and Maintenance Plan. For more information on each donation opportunity, please select the links below.
We are no longer accepting bench donations at Lake Johnson, Lake Lynn, the Raleigh Rose Garden, Durant Nature Preserve, Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve, and Dorothea Dix.
Questions about donating to the City of Raleigh Parks and Greenway Trails? Please contact Volunteer Programs.
For additional donation opportunities with Raleigh Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources, visit the Financial Assistance webpage.
