Park Day Projects at Two Battlefields in Fredericksburg Area
At battlefield parks across the country, Saturday, April 4, 2020 will be “Park Day.” On this day, thousands of volunteers will participate in numerous service projects with coordination by the American Battlefield Trust. Local efforts focusing on the Wilderness Battlefield and the Chancellorsville Battlefield will be managed by the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield. Both battlefields are part of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. Volunteers are asked to report to Ellwood, 36380 Constitution Hwy (Route 20), Locust Grove, VA, to check in between 8:30 and 8:50 AM. Following a brief safety meeting, volunteers will participate in various projects ending no later than 1:00 PM. In past years, hundreds of volunteers, working a few hours each, have had a huge impact on the park by picking up trash and tree debris, providing a fresh coat of paint, or replacing worn out apparatus.
While gathering at Ellwood, enjoy hot coffee provided by the Starbucks Harrison Crossing of Fredericksburg store. Friends of Wilderness Battlefield will provide water and snacks. Several volunteers with pick-up trucks are needed. Volunteers will receive a free commemorative T-Shirt while supplies last, with priority going to pre-registered volunteers. Pre-registration is not required but is encouraged and allows you to identify what activities you are interested in performing. Please bring work gloves and safety vests if possible. Volunteers for this project are asked to register online at www.fowb.org.
For more information or questions, please contact Kevin Hunt at 540-840 -1780 or battlefield@FoWB.org.
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields National Military Park in Northern Virginia was once the bloodiest landscape in North America. Two major Civil War armies clashed in and around Fredericksburg in four pivotal battles within an 18-month span, resulting in 100,000 casualties. The park is the second largest military park in the world and covers four major battlefields and five historic structures. Our dedicated staff works year round to ensure that this important historic and cultural resource is preserved, protected, and interpreted for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Ellwood is owned by the National Park Service. Friends of Wilderness Battlefield is pleased to steward the property in partnership with the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park.
