I grew up in Washington State – in the Seattle area where everything is gorgeous and green.  We have a variety of state parks including those on the waterfront and rain forests.  From pretty much anywhere I have lived here, I have had a beautiful view of some sort, but I especially loved to explore our state parks.  As funding has decreased, efforts have been made to keep them running such as parking fees.  As a new plan, we have been asked to donate $5 with our vehicle registration.  Actually, they include the $5 and if we want, we can subtract that amount.  Kind of silly, really.  Just yesterday I went to pay for my tabs and they asked if I wanted to donate.  I said, “Sure, what the heck.”  The lady asked, “Just the $5?”  “Yes.”  I said, slightly irritated.  These are hard economic times and the $5 was even a sacrifice.

So I just came across this article and I thought, “What a great idea!”  The church sent tens of thousands of Mormons on a service activity to clean up state parks in California.  Volunteers wore the increasingly recognizable “Mormon Helping Hands” shirts that members have displayed during emergency relief effots such as Hurricane Katrina.  (Which as a side note, we sometimes get criticized for because people view it as a PR move.  On the other hand, we’re criticized for not doing enough in humanitarian aid.  We’re danged if we do, danged if we don’t.)

I hope we have the same opportunity to work together like this in my state.  I think to put in the work, we feel more pride in our parks and a sense of ownership.  I definitely want to do my part and I’m going to start by training my kids to pick up garbage wherever they may see it. 

This story has inspired me.  I hope you read the link and enjoy reading about the many projects that were completed.