Volunteers Make It Happen
.Although the Garland Parks and Recreation Department is generally responsible for the maintenance and well-being of the Preserve and surrounding greenbelt, the Preserve is a sensitive ecosystem that needs a different type of maintenance than most of the other Garland parks. Therefore, the Preservation Society was created to advise on, plan and perform much of the specialized work. The Society works closely with the Garland Parks Department to ensure agreement on the types of activities that should be accomplished.
We schedule a monthly work session from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month, September through May. It might not sound like enough time (and in truth it is not) but it is amazing how much ten to twenty people can accomplish in just two hours. That is twenty to forty hours of work. Check the Event Calendar or Facebook for the work location or email your question to springcreekforestpreservation@gmail.com.
We need your help on many types of projects. Contact us at springcreekforestpreservation@gmail.com.
Project Examples
Preserve Maintenance – Controlling the ever-present invasive species that would overtake the native species if not kept in check is essential to the life and health of the forest.
Trail Monitoring teams – Teams regularly walk the trails to check for downed tree limbs that cover the path, and other safety issues. They also watch for trash left on the trail.
Nest Box Program – The Society currently maintains more than fifteen Bluebird, two Barred Owl, and two Kestrel nest boxes. Since 2009 these boxes have fledged broods of Bluebirds, Carolina Chickadees, and Carolina Wrens. We report data to the NestWatch citizen science database.
Scout projects – Scout groups, especially those working on their Eagle status, often complete projects that enhance the Preserve. Some Scouts installed bird nest boxes, others constructed short bridges crossing swales, others have cut new trails through interesting areas that we want the public to be able to access, and many more.
Trash pickup – Always.
If you would like to volunteer, contact us at springcreekforestpreservation@gmail.com.
Note: Minors eighteen years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult at all times. No drop off/pick up of those under eighteen.