Gaston Rouse, a 30-year retired Army Colonel, began his career with Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network grant, which brought in desperately needed financial support for the program and illustrated the importance of improving the quality of the Chesapeake Bay. As a result, 130 youth from across the state were given an opportunity to live and work in the gateways parks where they made lasting improvements to the watershed area.
Gaston developed a program that utilizes service as a strategy to re-engage at-risk and court-involved youth in their communities and with the environment. This year, Gaston was responsible for the tremendous honor Virginia State Parks received when the Take Pride in America Award, for the most outstanding state volunteer program in America.
Gaston has established partnerships with the Click here for information about volunteering opportunities.
For general information about Virginia State Parks volunteer programs, phone (703) 583-5497, FAX 703-583-2514, email [email protected] or write to:
State Parks Director of Volunteer Services
Leesylvania State Park
2001 Daniel Ludwig Drive
Woodbridge VA 22191
To learn more about advocacy for state parks for help in starting a parks friends group, see the Virginia Association for Parks website.