Gettysburg National Military Park is inviting the public to take part in its annual Park Day volunteer cleanup on Saturday, April 25, with this year’s efforts focused on the historic Culp’s Hill battlefield area.
The event will run from 8 a.m. to noon and will bring volunteers together to help preserve one of the most significant portions of the Gettysburg battlefield. Participants are asked to register in advance through Volunteer.gov at: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ00000A7gYbYAJ/park-day-gettysburg-national-military-park
Volunteers will meet in the Culp’s Hill area, with parking available along nearby park roads. National Park Service staff will assist with parking and provide a detailed map before work begins.
This year’s Park Day project supports an ongoing rehabilitation program launched in 2021 at Culp’s Hill, where Union troops held the critical right flank of the federal defensive line during the Battle of Gettysburg. The area came under repeated Confederate attacks on July 2 and July 3, 1863, but Union forces maintained control of the position.
Park officials said volunteers will help remove invasive vegetation, including trees, shrubs, vines and other unwanted plants growing around historic stone walls and surrounding meadow and wooded areas. The work is intended to improve both battlefield preservation and landscape restoration.
All tools and equipment will be supplied by the park.
Officials said volunteers should be prepared for physical outdoor work that may include standing or walking for up to four hours, navigating uneven terrain, bending, lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds.
Participants are encouraged to wear sturdy boots or closed-toe shoes and clothing suitable for dense brush. Long pants, long sleeves and hats are strongly recommended. Volunteers should also bring a water bottle and consider sunscreen and insect repellent.
The event will be held rain or shine, with no alternate rain date planned.
Because of the rugged terrain at the work site, officials noted the area does not accommodate wheelchairs, scooters or walkers. Accessible parking will be available, but no accessible restrooms or separate adaptive activities are planned.
Park Day is held each year at historic sites nationwide and gives community members a chance to assist with hands-on preservation while learning more about local history.
For additional information, interested volunteers may contact Alyce Evans at 717-338-4465 or by email at alyce_evans@nps.gov.
Source: American Battlefield Trust