Clark County Public Works is calling on residents to volunteer for programs that help maintain and improve local parks, trails, roadways and waterways.
The county’s volunteer program connects community members with projects that support Public Works’ mission to improve Clark County’s quality of life through transportation, environmental and parks facilities and services. Volunteers help enhance the beauty, safety, accessibility and quality of parks, public lands, transportation corridors and trails.
Volunteer opportunities range from one-time events to long-term adoption programs. Events are held on specific dates and are often facilitated by the county or partner organizations. Many are open to drop-in participants, though some may require pre-registration.
One seasonal opportunity is the “Only Rain in the Drain” program, which allows volunteer groups to install medallions near storm drains. The markers remind residents that storm drains are not filtered and often lead directly to streams, rivers or lakes. The county provides supplies, tools, medallions and training. Groups of two or more, including schools, scout troops, community organizations, faith-based groups and neighborhood associations, may participate during dry weather.
Residents may also adopt a storm drain in their neighborhood to help protect water quality, prevent localized street flooding and encourage stewardship. Participants receive a free yard sign and may name their adopted storm drain.
Public Works also offers independent volunteer assignments for residents who want to help on their own schedule. Projects may include litter pickup, invasive species removal, wildlife surveys or pet waste pickup. Independent volunteers receive safety information, training, tools, supplies and staff support.
For residents who have a favorite park, trail or open space, the Adopt-A-Park program allows volunteers to choose a county-owned or managed property and organize monthly volunteer activities from April through September, plus at least one activity between October and March. Projects often include litter pickup, cleaning picnic tables, spreading bark chips at playgrounds or clearing vegetation near trails.
Groups may also adopt roads to help reduce roadside litter. Adopters work with the county to select a safe road segment, complete orientation and training, then organize three litter cleanups each year. The county provides supplies and disposes of collected litter.
Churches, clubs, businesses and other organizations can also schedule group volunteer events with Public Works. Groups should be prepared to provide their size, preferred dates and times, and any location or activity preferences.
Clark County’s Parks and Lands division manages more than 11,000 acres and 84 parks across 650 square miles. The county also uses volunteer park hosts at select park sites to help keep parks clean, safe and welcoming. Park host duties may include cleaning restrooms, opening and closing gates, emptying garbage cans, picking up litter, reporting maintenance needs and helping identify safety concerns. Park host applicants must complete state and federal background checks and fingerprinting.
Clark County Public Works also has several community advisory boards, including the Parks Advisory Board, Noxious Weed Control Board, Heritage Farm Advisory Team, Clean Water Commission and Railroad Advisory Board.
All volunteers must follow the Public Works volunteer program policy. Adopters and group leaders must be at least 18 years old.
For more information, contact Clark County Public Works Volunteer Program Coordinator Cindy Gonzalez at cindy.gonzalez@clark.wa.gov or 564-397-1679.
