Governor Healey and First Lady Celebrate Earth Day at DCR State Park

 Governor Healey and First Lady Celebrate Earth Day at DCR State Park 

Governor Healey encourages everyone to join DCR’s 19^th Annual Park Serve Day this Saturday  

DCR to Host Over 60 Volunteer Events at 40 Parks Across the State 

MEDFORD — Governor Healey and First Lady Joanna Lydgate visited Torbert MacDonald State Park in Medford to celebrate Earth Day and raise awareness for the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) upcoming day of stewardship at DCR parks statewide on Saturday. The Governor and First Lady walked their dog Charlie, thanked DCR park rangers and staff for all they do to care for state parks, planted a red maple tree, and helped to beautify the park alongside local Girl Scouts. 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration is encouraging residents to “pick a park, give a day, make a difference” by signing up to volunteer for DCR’s 19^th annual Park Serve Day on Saturday, April 26. This event is held annually in conjunction with Earth Week – inviting volunteers to help clean coastlines, clear trails, pick up litter, plant flowers, or participate in other restorative projects to prepare their favorite state park for the upcoming summer and spring seasons. Registration is now open for the 60 beautification events hosted by DCR at 40 parks across the state for this year’s Park Serve Day.  

"Massachusetts has some of the most beautiful state parks in the country, and it takes all of us to preserve them for generations to come,” said Governor Healey. “In honor of Earth Day, it’s nice to get outside and celebrate our natural spaces. I encourage families looking to give back to sign up for Park Serve Day this Saturday to help us care for our public lands.”  

"We’re so grateful to the hardworking DCR staff across Massachusetts who keep our parks safe and clean,” said First Lady Joanna Lydgate. “Rain, snow, or shine, we try to spend as much time as possible enjoying the fresh air and nature that makes Massachusetts special. And no one was more excited for the opportunity to give back to our parks than Charlie.”  

Park Serve Day began as a pilot program in 2006 at four DCR parks in Western Massachusetts. Since then, it has grown into one of the agency’s signature annual programs that promotes stewardship of state parklands in every region — from Mount Greylock in Adams to Nickerson and the Cape Cod Rail Trail in Brewster. Every year, thousands of volunteers help remove what amounts to tons of trash from DCR parks and facilities, as well as work to help maintain, beautify, and preserve recreational areas. Last year, more than 2,300 volunteers collected more than 500 bags of trash and collectively gave back more than 5,000 hours to DCR parks.  

"Everyone, no matter where they live, should have access to nature,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Our DCR parks are where we come together, whether to exercise, enjoy the fresh air, or play with our kids. Bring the whole family to Park Serve Day and inspire the next generation of environmentalists.”  

"This Saturday, we’ll be gathering at 60 events across 40 state parks to celebrate the 19^th year of Park Serve Day and our shared love of our state parks,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “We look forward to welcoming thousands of volunteers from communities all over the state to help clean up and beautify our parks. We’re grateful to Governor Healey and the First Lady for kicking off our clean up efforts.”  

Park Serve Day event times may vary by location. Participants are encouraged to register for Park Serve Day through the DCR website. DCR will provide work gloves and other necessary equipment. Participants can also bring their own gloves or hand tools (personal materials should be clearly marked with the owner’s name and phone number). Power tools are not allowed. DCR advises volunteers to wear sturdy shoes and work clothes and bring water and snacks. It is also recommended that volunteers bring sunscreen and insect repellent. Weather can be unpredictable, so please dress accordingly.   

All parking fees will be waived for volunteers at locations where Park Serve Day events are taking place. DCR asks visitors to park in designated areas only.   

DCR is encouraging volunteers to tweet, post, and tag their Park Serve Day photos on social media using @MassDCR.