Parklands would not be here without volunteers, who are the heart and soul of our operations. The ability to continue to protect and enhance our regional parklands depends very much on the assistance and support from Friends groups, individual volunteers, local businesses and community organisations.

Have your say in how you want OUR regional parklands developed and be part of the solution "making it happen". 

Some of the many things volunteers do with us:

• Developing project concepts and planning project delivery,
• Survey Work: flora, fauna, landform, heritage, water quality, habitat, current usage,
• Pest plant control: removal and/or management of woody weeds and noxious weeds,
• Remnant vegetation management: fencing, livestock management,
• Endemic species (local provenance) seed collection,
• Wetland management,
• Water quality: research and data collection,
• Native vegetation planting,
• Plant propagation,
• Boardwalk and bird hide construction.
• Fencing programs,
• Walking trail development,
• Nesting boxes: design, erection and monitoring,
• Habitat development and management,
• Photography/art: displays (possibility of a major photographic and/or art competitions)
• Recycling and litter removal,
• Fire management regimes.

and special projects such as:

• educational programs
• mapping to help with pest control
• help run park events such as Trail Runs, National Volunteer Week, Parks Day, etc 

Why should I be involved with Parklands?  (or) What's in it for me?

In general terms all parklands have a wonderful capacity to restore the jaded and run down, and from time to time all of us seem to need, and instinctively seek out, the open space which parklands provide.  Why not consider some of the following good reasons for involving yourself in your parklands and thereby, perhaps, change your life for the better!

Physically...

Medical and scientific evidence indicates that activities such as gardening, walking, jogging and bike riding can:

• Improve general fitness
• Improve the cardiovascular system
• Decrease blood pressure
• Reduce obesity

Psychologically...

Health experts tell us that spending time in peaceful parkland settings and in relaxing, non-urban environments can: 

• Reduce anxiety
• Decrease depression
• Enhance feelings of well being; and enhance self-esteem and confidence.

Economically...

Quality parklands can be expected to:

• Increase opportunities for local tourism ventures (catering for regional, national and international visitors)
• Provide employment opportunities for local people
• Increase local property values
• Reduce the medical costs of both individuals and the general community.  Physically and psychologically fit people tend not to require the same levels of medical support as those who aren't fit.

Environmentally...

Quality, well-planned parklands will have many environmental benefits including:

• Increased and or enhanced levels of indigenous flora
• Habitat for native fauna
• Increased presence of native fauna
• Improved water quality and air quality
• Enhanced environmental awareness amongst citizens and consequently, a greater commitment to the environment within the community.

Socially...

Last but definitely not least! If we aren't here for the people, who, or what, are we here for? In addition to the benefits mentioned above, recreating or working with other people in your regional parklands can provide the ideal means by which to:

• Avoid alienation
• Prevent loneliness
• Eliminate antisocial behavior
• Exchange cultural information
• Make friends

As you can see...

Parklands ... the benefits are endless

If you would like to volunteer, please contact us at info@parklands-alburywodonga.org.au