COUNTY SEEKS VOLUNTEERS TO GUIDE VISITORS
THROUGH COUNTY PARKS

NEW CITY, NY - - Do you have a passion for nature, enjoy the outdoors, and want to give back to your community? If so, Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert encourage you to become a volunteer Rockland County Trail Guide.

The Rockland County Trail Guide Program was initiated over 10-years ago! Dozens of trained Trail Guides have led more than 150 walks. Trail Guides lead park visitors on pleasant, educational walks at County, State and other parks. Trail Guides receive free training and guide-gear and have an opportunity to meet like-minded residents while educating the community about Rockland's history and natural environment.

Here are some reasons why many of our trail guides have been part of this program for the past decade:

• "I like being outdoors, researching interesting facts about the area being hiked, schmoozing with fellow walkers, introducing Rocklanders to places they didn't know existed, and giving back to the county that has given me so much." - Jack B.
• "I love nature, the greenery, the plants, the flowers, the woods, and the wild life. It gives me inner energy, peace of mind, and spirit. I love people and doing good deeds for my community." - Nice M.

Free guided park walks for residents are held about 20 - 30 times a year, mostly on weekends, at various parks and offer participants varied terrain, great scenery, interesting discussion points, and different levels of walking. Walks are scheduled from April – November. It's also a great chance to explore Rockland's beautiful environment and rich history, and get some exercise at the same time!

Guides must be at least 18 years of age and commit to either leading or sweeping a minimum of two guided walks per year. For an application or for more information, visit http://bit.ly/2pj9isV or call 845-708-7307. Interested volunteers must complete an application by Monday, May 8. There will be an in-person information session held on May 16 at 6 pm to learn more about becoming a Trail Guide.

This initiative is supported by the Rockland County Division of Environmental Resources, the Rockland County Youth Bureau, and the Rockland County Department of Health's Division of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention. Visit http://bit.ly/2dSBvpx for more information.