Despite foreboding weather forecasts on Monday, Tuesday morning was sunny, not too hot, and without a rain cloud in sight. The stage was set for a massive volunteer project to celebrate President Obama’s United We Serve Initiative with brief history of the State Park system and its roots in the Depression and the Civilian Conservation Corps. Governor Kaine talked about President Obama’s United We Serve Summer of Service initiative. He also talked about his personal experience with volunteerism and how rewarding it is to volunteer and make a difference.
Then he got his hands (and the rest of him) dirty. Joining Governor Kaine was his working with volunteers. In 2008 4,345 volunteers contributed 235,096 hours of service in our parks. Based on an hourly value for volunteer service published annually by the Virginia Office on Volunteerism, this service adds the equivalent of $4.6 million to State Park resources.
It is amazing how much work was done – guess the old adage that many hands make for light work – is true. But, maybe it would be better for me to show you what Imean with a before and after picture of the Craft cabin. This work was accomplished before lunch.
Click here for the Press Release from Governor Kaine’s office on today’s event.