Secretary Salazar Joins Volunteers at Shenandoah for “United We Serve” Kickoff on Monday

06/18/2009
Last edited 09/29/2021

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK, VA – For the official kickoff of President Obama's United We Serve initiative on June 22, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will participate in a service event at Shenandoah National Park. He will join volunteer and youth groups helping to remove exotic plants that are harmful to the natural environment. Announced by President Obama this week, the United We Serve initiative is a call to all Americans to volunteer in their communities.

Who: Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar
Martha Bogle, Superintendent, Shenandoah National Park
Volunteers-in-Parks (VIP) members
Youth Conservation Corps members
Student Conservation Association (SCA) interns
Shenandoah National Park Association volunteer group
Shenandoah National Park Trust board members
Potomac Appalachian Trail Club volunteers
What: Service Event as Part of National Kickoff for United We Serve
When: Monday, June 22, 2009
11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.-Photo Op: Secretary helps volunteers remove exotic plants
12:00-12:15 p.m. Press availability
Where: Big Meadows Swamp, Shenandoah National Park. From Route 29 South, merge onto Route 211 West toward Warrenton/Luray, Va. Enter the park at Thornton Gap Entrance Station. Take Skyline Drive South for South for 19.7 miles. At Mile 51.2 on the Skyline Drive, turn in at Big Meadows southernmost entrance and follow road toward lodge and ranger station. Turn right on road toward ranger station, drive 200-300 feet, park in lot on left. Walk toward gravel road located at end of parking lot. Follow it and where road branches, continue straight to volunteer site, Story of the Forest Trail. Total walk from parking lot: 1/8 mile.
Why: The Secretary's visit will highlight United We Serve as well as the proposed 21st Century Youth Conservation Corps.

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