Partners 'n Parks is a volunteer program, sponsored by The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), that seeks local partners to assist in the beautification and maintenance of parks, open spaces, and communnity facilities in Prince George's County. Partners 'n Parks offers opportunities for individuals and groups to participate in the protection and preservation of parkland creating a desirable and safe park system for everyone to enjoy.

The M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation operates and maintains 25,235 acres of parkland in Prince George's County, including neighborhood parks, athletic fields, historic sites, playgrounds, picnic areas, and trails. Open space and landscapes for hiking, bird watching, bicycling, and other outdoor activities are among the many natural resources offered in Prince George's County parks. The park system, including more than 43 miles of trails, is used by millions of visitors each year.

Safe, accessible, and attractive parks are an essential characteristic of a healthy and viable community. Join the Partners 'n Parks program and you can make a difference by preserving parks and open space for current and future generations.

Who can become a park partner?
Everyone! Volunteers with Partners 'n Parks can include:

• Neighborhood associations
• Recreation councils
• Corporations
• Locally-owned businesses
• Schools
• Faith-based organizations
• Girls Scouts and Boy Scouts
• Fraternities and sororities
• Clubs and service organizations
• Families
• Individuals ages 18 and up
• Groups ages 6 and up with adult supervision

How can volunteers help?
Adopt a Day | Adopt a Site | Adopt a Project
Through the Partners 'n Parks program, volunteers can join together for one day, dedicate themselves to a particular park or facility, or join a specialized group.

Adopt a Day
National Youth Service Day, National Trails Day, Make A Difference Day...Your group can take on multiple assignments in parks and facilities in Prince George's County and make an instant impact.

Adopt a Site
Volunteer groups and individuals are needed to adopt many types of parks, natural areas, and facilities in Prince George's County including:

• Trails
• Playgrounds
• Neighborhood parks
• Historic facilities
• Special gardens
• Ponds, lakes, streams
• Athletic fields
• Undeveloped open space parkland

Adopt a Project

• Nature Seekers
  Support a variety of environmental and wildlife efforts that include- conducting wildlife and plant inventories; constructing, installing and monitoring wildlife nesting boxes; and assisting with wildlife habitat projects. A M-NCPPC Park Ranger will coordinate these activities and be your contact for projects.



• Playground Partners
  Assist with maintenance of neighborhood playgrounds including painting and re-surfacing projects and removal of trash, debris, and other hazards.



• Stream Savers
  Improve local streams, ponds, and rivers through ongoing clean-up projects along the Anacostia, Patuxent, and Potomac rivers along with their tributaries. Also, work side-by-side with a M-NCPPC Park Ranger in conducting water-quality testing, identification of living organisms and planting aquatic plants.
• Weed Warriors
  Identify and remove non-native plants found within the park system. Participation in this program will help improve the overall health of our forests and allow for our native plants to flourish. A two-hour training will be conducted by M-NCPPC Park Rangers for all participants.

Are there any special requirements for Park Partners?
As part of the Partners 'n Parks collaborative agreement, volunteers and groups will designate a leader to attend a mandatory orientation session with M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation staff. Each group decides how to meet their annual goal: one weekend, one month, or over a year.

All volunteers receive instruction, tools, supplies, and safety information related to their projects. Volunteers also receive length of service incentives and awards from the Volunteer Services Office annually.

How can we sign up?
Contact M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Volunteer Services Office to request an information packet: 301-454-1484, TTY 301-454-1493 or send an e-mail request to volunteer@pgparks.com

Becoming a Partners 'n Parks partner is easy! You can volunteer as an individual or a group. Both applications are available. All you need to do is download the application that fits your need, complete it and mail it to the Volunteer Services Office. The address is located on the application. For more information about volunteer services contact the Volunteer Services Office at 301-454-1484 or e-mail us at volunteer@pgparks.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

Partners 'n Parks Group Volunteer Application
Partners 'n Parks Individual Volunteer Application
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