Congrats to This Month’s Nonprofit of the Month: American River Parkway Foundation
The American River Parkway Foundation (ARPF) is on a mission to lead and inspire the community to conserve and nurture the American River Parkway—a unique, accessible resource that is meant to be enjoyed by everyone. ARPF works toward this goal by organizing cleanups, removing invasive plants, providing education, rebuilding tables, maintaining trails, and operating alongside the California Fire Safe Council; their vision for the parkway, which covers 23 miles and 4,800 acres, is to become one of the country’s leading urban natural parks.
For more information, including ways you can donate or volunteer, visit arpf.org.
For more information, including ways you can donate or volunteer, visit arpf.org.
Jim Chakedis (pictured in green shirt)
Volunteer Spotlight: JIM CHAKEDIS
What made you want to become a volunteer for ARPF?
The American River Parkway is an incredible asset to our area, providing us with an uninterrupted trail full of nature and beauty. As someone who thoroughly enjoys riding my bicycle on it about three or four times a week, I felt the least I could do was to help ARPF with maintenance. It’s become one of my favorite places to volunteer.
What do your volunteer duties entail?
I help by removing invasive species and sharpening the tools needed to do so, parkway cleanup, and assisting with events (including Run the Parkway and Summer Solstice).
Was there training required?
Yes. ARPF has an excellent staff, and whenever training is needed, there’s an ample number of leaders who provide information and assistance.
What’s the time commitment?
It varies by the season and current priorities, but there’s no minimum time commitment; people can pick and choose when to help. Generally, I volunteer about five or so hours per month.
What’s been the best day of volunteering so far?
All days are good days when volunteering! ARPF provides a positive working environment, making my efforts fun, pleasurable, and productive. One of the best days was when a large group of volunteers did general maintenance at Discovery Park. The transformation was impressive.
What’s one of the biggest challenges?
The continuing need to maintain the American River Parkway’s natural beauty, which makes the 23-mile stretch of land a truly unique and special place. Over the years, I've become more aware of the number of invasive species along the parkway; it's challenging to keep the "invaders" under control.
The American River Parkway is an incredible asset to our area, providing us with an uninterrupted trail full of nature and beauty. As someone who thoroughly enjoys riding my bicycle on it about three or four times a week, I felt the least I could do was to help ARPF with maintenance. It’s become one of my favorite places to volunteer.
What do your volunteer duties entail?
I help by removing invasive species and sharpening the tools needed to do so, parkway cleanup, and assisting with events (including Run the Parkway and Summer Solstice).
Was there training required?
Yes. ARPF has an excellent staff, and whenever training is needed, there’s an ample number of leaders who provide information and assistance.
What’s the time commitment?
It varies by the season and current priorities, but there’s no minimum time commitment; people can pick and choose when to help. Generally, I volunteer about five or so hours per month.
What’s been the best day of volunteering so far?
All days are good days when volunteering! ARPF provides a positive working environment, making my efforts fun, pleasurable, and productive. One of the best days was when a large group of volunteers did general maintenance at Discovery Park. The transformation was impressive.
What’s one of the biggest challenges?
The continuing need to maintain the American River Parkway’s natural beauty, which makes the 23-mile stretch of land a truly unique and special place. Over the years, I've become more aware of the number of invasive species along the parkway; it's challenging to keep the "invaders" under control.
Main photo courtesy of Nan Mohrfeld. Other photos courtesy of ARPF.
American River Parkway Foundation [4 Images]
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