Volunteers' hard work rejuvenates parks - Sousson Foundation

Sunset, August, 1993 by Jeff Phillips

ALL RIGHT, YOU GUYS, let's kick asphalt," yelled 16-year-old Vera Pike as she pulled on a pair of worn gloves and rammed a shovel into a pile of broken asphalt. A half-dozen other teens also dug in with a show of energy that was impressive for a hot July afternoon in Sequoia National Park.

Pike and company were among a group of 28 teenagers--and a few adults--who, as part of an ongoing project by the nonprofit Sousson Foundation, volunteered a week of their vacation last summer to help restore the tourist-trampled and partially paved meadow in front of the world's largest tree, the General Sherman (see page 66).

By summer's end, the swath of asphalt that had bisected the meadow was gone. This summer, a fresh batch of volunteers will continue meadow restoration, revegetation, and completion of a trail system.

Mark Landon, president of the California-based foundation, isn't surprised at what his volunteers accomplish. "I really believe this is the next step in volunteerism. We started the program to help national parks; it turns out we're also helping young people gain experience and a sense of how valuable they really are."

Landon started the program after reading an article in the April 1987 Sunset on the work of the President's Commission on Americans Outdoors. The report predicted the increasing importance of volunteering in national parks, and Landon saw that as "an area where I could effectively help."

The foundation, s first opportunity came later that year when 16 volunteers from Southern California cleaned up trash in campgrounds and picnic areas in Yosemite. By 1990, Landon had organized volunteers working in three national parks, and his emphasis had shifted to teenagers looking for something more to do during their summer vacation than just hang out at the mall. Last year, the foundation logged nearly 10,000 volunteer hours.

In 1990, Sequoia National Park officials asked the foundation to oversee restoration of the meadow in front of the Sherman tree. Concern was growing among park biologists that the paved access trail and compaction of the meadow could have long-term effects on the ancient sequoia.

Landon enlisted landscape architecture students from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispoto study the site and develop a comprehensive plan. With Park Service approval, work began in 1991 on a multiyear restoration project. By the time the project is completed, 1992: Mark Landon and friends take a break from removing asphalt in front of General Sherman tree in Sequoia National Park. its value to the park will exceed $200,000.

The group earns high praise from park superintendent Tom Ritter. "Volunteers are a critical part of our future, and these kids are doing a terrific job. We need to take better advantage of their energy and skills."

GETTING INVOLVED: "YOU GOTTA WANNA WORK"

Vera Pike, who has donated more than eight weeks of her time since 1989, insists that the hard work and evening activities are rewarding, but "to have fun, you really gotta wanna work to help the environment." She adds, "I want to be able to come back in 20 years to see the forests and meadows and know that I did something to help."

While the foundation's emphasis is on teen volunteers, adults and families are welcome, too. Summer programs--this year at Channel Islands, Sequoia, and Yosemite national parks--run Saturday to Saturday, with half the time for park education and exploration. Parks provide tools and materials; volunteers bring their own tents, sleeping bags, and personal gear. All participants pitch into cover the costs of food and transportation ($195 a week per person this summer).

Programs fill fast, but late summer trips may still have space. For details, write to The Sousson Foundation, 3600 Ridge Rd., Templeton, Calif. 93465, or call (805) 434-3444.