Saturday, May 5, will mark the launch of a statewide initiative to enlist residents in sprucing up parks and historic sites in New York.

[1]Click above to learn more about this great hands-on event.The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and Parks & Trails New York [2] are teaming up for "I Love My Park Day" [3]

"I Love My Park Day" is a great way for citizens to make a strong show of support for New York's wonderful park system, according to State Parks [4] Commissioner Rose Harvey, who told EcoPolitics that she encourages "New Yorkers who love their parks to roll up their sleeves and make it a success."

Volunteers will help clean up park lands and beaches, plant trees and gardens, restore trails and wildlife habitat, remove invasive species, and work on various site improvement projects.

In coordination with Parks & Trails New York, park friends groups and park staff will oversee cleanup, improvement and beautification projects and organize volunteers at parks and historic sites in every region on May 5th.

To find an event and/or sign up to volunteer, visit www.ptny.org/ilovemypark. [5]