The C&O Canal Association, which supports projects and care of the National Historical Park, is seeking additional helping hands for some park projects in June. The Volunteers In the Park will be undertaking several large efforts that need more labor.

The association has a “small cadre of dedicated volunteers referred to as the Bench Bunch” who do most of the projects needed in the park. Larger undertakings require more helpers.

During the month of June, the Association has several projects that will only be done if there are a few additional volunteers.

They include:

–Building picnic tables. 1-2 days between June 1-5 (which day or days depends on availability of helpers). Activity includes carrying lumber, drilling holes and bolting. At Great Falls.

–Fire rings. Two days between June 17-19 (depends on helper availability). Some  heavy lifting to put in place, dig several holes and dump in unmixed concrete. Likely locations are Swains and Rileys.

–Vegetation removal from locks. Three days between June 20-28. Use of loppers, from ladders and weed-whackers. Locations are all in the Western District mostly around Oldtown which makes it a longer day.

Any help would be appreciated. Contact Jim Heins at [email protected] to arrange to volunteer, specifying dates and how many people can assist. A full calendar of association activities can be found at candocanal.org.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Association is an independent, all-volunteer citizens organization established in 1954 to help conserve the natural and historical environment of the C&O Canal and the Potomac River Basin. The association works with the National Park Service in its efforts to preserve and promote the 184-mile towpath.