One of the first things which come to mind when thinking about Lincoln are its amazing landscapes, parks, and convenient bike trails placed all around the city for the use of the community. Following just one trail and letting yourself get carried away, you can go from one end of town to the other, avoiding the city’s noises and dangers that involve riding a bike near to a flowing street, and you can get to visit peaceful parks and incredible viewpoints to relax and forget about the world for just a second.

But these parks and trails have to be taken care of by someone. Someone has to take the not so relaxing task of picking up the trash, keep track of their maintenance needs, and even report vandalism and the repairs that are needed along the area. That is one big task, as there are more than 150 parks and trails all over Lincoln, and the Parks and Recreation Staff can’t meet the demand without having to hire lots of people with money they don’t really have. This is how the “Adopt a Trail” and “Adopt a Park” volunteering programs began.

The “Adopting” concept for community areas is a commonly widespread program that has been adapted all over the country, in cities like Memphis, Evanston, Pensacola, Omaha, Lincoln, among many others that have seen their greatest tool to keep a safe and clean environment in the people. To “Adopt” means that you are committed to give your free time as a volunteer to your community by making sure Parks and Trails remain as clean and safe as possible.

Every Adoptant works under the supervision of a District Authority in charge, and is required to work one to two hours per week on the schedule that suits him/her the best. The tasks the Adoptant may be required to perform include picking up litter along specific sections of the park or trail once per week, and only within the city property; putting bags in the trash receptacles that need it; removing any broken glass, tree limbs or objects that may impact public safety; to report vandalism and repairs to the District Supervisor; landscape maintenance when needed.

Anyone older than 14 years old is available to perform volunteering activities alone or in large groups, but as a contract sign is needed, individuals younger than 19 must provide the authorizing signature of a legal Guardian and/or a School Counselor if the volunteering is required by the school. To participate you can approach the Parks and Recreations’ main office at 2740 A Street (next to the Lincoln Children’s Zoo), or download an application form directly from the Parks and Recreations’ website (http://lincoln.ne.gov/city/parks/).

Adopting a community area is a great opportunity to meet new people, share with friends and to easily fulfill volunteer requirements that will later be very useful when you are making your way to college, all by helping your community and your city to keep being a safe, clean and beautiful place to spend time and relax, even with the city’s madness just around the corner.