Cleanup days are coming to Bluestone National Scenic River in West Virginia/NPS file

The National Park Service and Friends of New River Gorge National River are planning a series of projects this fall to show “love” to Bluestone National Scenic River in West Virginia.

Community members are invited to sign up for volunteer events that will take place along the popular Bluestone Turnpike Trail. The project will kick off Saturday, August 18, with a large trash sweep along the footpath and water trail. Volunteers will float trash down the river and win prizes for any trash treasures that they find. Volunteers of all ages and abilities are invited to attend. Reservations are required for the workdays and anyone attending should contact Adrienne Jenkins, Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected] or 304-465-2634.

Each upcoming event is part of a larger nation-wide “Love Your Park” initiative that invites all Americans to support parks through service. Two additional workdays are planned for September 15 and October 6. This initiative is part of the 50th anniversary of the National Trails and National Wild & Scenic Rivers systems. To help celebrate, the National Park Foundation has awarded a grant to the National Parks of Southern West Virginia to build volunteer and partnership projects to foster a sense of ownership and stewardship of our parks through service. For more information on the projects and 50th anniversary celebration, check this website. 

“This is an outstanding opportunity for the local community to become acquainted with a beautiful, lesser known unit of their national park system situated right here in southern West Virginia” said Lizzie Watts, superintendent of New River Gorge National River, Bluestone National Scenic River, and Gauley River National Recreation Area. “For those who have already discovered and enjoyed this hidden gem, it is an opportunity to give back.”

Love Your Park grants demonstrate the impact of the National Park Foundation’s Centennial Campaign for America’s National Parks. To date, this comprehensive fundraising campaign to strengthen and enhance the future of America’s treasured national parks has raised more than $500 million in private donations from individuals, foundations, and companies. Have fun with your family, friends, and community while you give back! Together, we can keep our rivers and trails beautiful and vibrant for current and future generations.