Cuyahoga Valley Volunteers-in-Parks Program Ranks Fifth In National Park Service

Date: January 6, 2012
Contact: Mary Pat Doorley, CVNP, 440-546-5995
Contact: Lisa Meranti, Conservancy , 330-657-2364

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Volunteer Program
Building a Community of Park Stewards

For Immediate Release - Friday, January 6, 2012

Cuyahoga Valley Volunteers-in-Parks Program Ranks Fifth In National Park Service

Brecksville, Ohio - The numbers are in. The National Park Service announces that Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) ranks fifth in the nation and number one in the region, for its impressive Volunteers-in-Parks (VIP) program statistics. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2011, which is October 1, 2010 to September 20, 2011, 5,717 volunteers donated over 154,844 hours.

According to Independent Sector, the leadership network for charities, foundations, and corporate giving programs, volunteer time equates to a monetary value of $21.36 per hour at the national level. The work done by CVNP volunteers is equivalent to $3,307,467.80. The contribution of VIPs to CVNP goes far beyond the numbers of hours or financial equivalent. At CVNP, volunteers perform a wide variety of duties during every season of the year. VIPs impact the quality of park resources, protect cultural resources and visitors, enhance visitor experiences, increase appreciation for the environment, and build a community of park stewards.

The VIP program continued to increase in scope and scale in FY11. New to the park was Paw Patrol, where volunteers patrol in pairs with their canine companions to serve as ambassadors on the trails, sharing park information and answering questions.

Corporate volunteerism increased with 20 different companies or adult organizations contributing 5,461 hours as part of their green initiatives and community outreach programs.

Youth from 42 different schools or organizations contributed 9,600 hours to the park. The hard work of local young people has helped CVNP make great strides in managing invasive plants that threaten natural habitats.

If you would like to make a difference at CVNP, contact the volunteer office at [e-mail], 330-657-2299, or visit conservancyforcvnp.org. Many opportunities are available and training is provided.

About the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park
The Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a non-profit organization created to engage public support for the park and provide services to enhance public use and enjoyment of the park. For more information about the Conservancy and its programs, visit www.conservancyforcvnp.org or call 330-657-2909.

About Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park encompasses 33,000 acres along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. Managed by the National Park Service, CVNP combines cultural, historical, recreational, and natural activities in one setting. For more information visit www.nps.gov/cuva or www.dayinthevalley.com or call 330-657-2752 or 800-257-9477.

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