The Glendale Community Services and Parks Department has a slate of outdoor activities and volunteer opportunities for the summer.
There will be two programs held at Deukmejian Wilderness Park in June. Glendale Outdoors! Community Program, or GO!, is scheduled for Saturday, June 8, between 9 a.m. and noon. RSVP is required. Participants will take on an interpretive hike at the park, and partake in nature craft, nature-themed games and a tour of the Stone Barn Nature Center. Water, snacks and bus transportation from Pacific Community Center will also be provided. Participants are encouraged to take the bus, with an 8 a.m. arrival time. The bus will leave at 8:30 a.m. and return at 12:30 p.m. Participants are also encouraged to wear study shoes, long pants, and a hat or cap. Adult supervision is required for children 17 and under. Deukmejian Wilderness Park is located at 3429 Markridge Road, Glendale. For information, call (818) 937-7428.
The other program, “Snakes & Lizards & Frogs, OH MY!” offers a campfire opportunity. Particpants will learn all about “HERPS” — snakes, lizards, frogs and more — that inhabit Southern California. Members of the Southwestern Herpetologists Society will host the event. Craft begins at 6:30 p.m., while the campfire program, filled with music, skits and s’mores, will start at 7 p.m.
The department is currently accepting applications for trail safety patrol volunteers, which will assist the city by providing public assistance and resource protection. Volunteers will help park visitors and enhance their experience and safety. The patrol consists of two units: the Mountain Bike Unit and the Hike Unit. Volunteers must be 18 years of age and are required to undergo a background check, city-mandated trail safety training, be in good health and devote a minimum of two hours per month. Those interested can send an email to trails@glendaleca.gov.
There will also be two volunteer workdays, starting with the Riverwalk Workday on Saturday, June 8, at 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Participants will spend the morning working next to the Los Angeles River on Glendale’s Riverwalk. Volunteers will help remove invasive plants from the landscaped areas along the L.A. River.
A Wilderness Workday will be hosted on Saturday, June 15, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Deukmejian Wilderness Park. Volunteer duties include watering a big cone spruce and coast live oaks, assisting with trail repairs and removing invasive plants from the park.
Volunteers are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes, protective clothing and bring water. Workday administrators will provide tools and gloves for the respective programs. Families, individuals, clubs and students needing community service hours are welcome. The event will be cancelled in case of rain.
First published in the June 1 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
