Budget Cuts Make it Hard to Maintain Benicia's Botanic Garden, But You Can Help

The following note comes from the California State Parks Association: 

Volunteers will be replacing plant markers, removing non-native species, mulching plants, planting native shrubs and clearing garden paths at Benicia's Forrest Deaner Native Botanic Garden Saturday.  With continued budget and staff cuts for state parks, volunteers are more important than ever to keep the parks clean and safe for all to enjoy.           

• WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 2013 from 9:00 am - 12:30 pm. 
• WHERE:  Benicia State Recreation Area: Forrest Deaner Native Botanic Garden, 1 State Park Road, Benicia
• WHY:  Statewide, thousands of volunteers each year plant native trees and community gardens, restore trails and wildlife habitats, remove trash and debris from beaches and parklands and make overdue repairs to fences and boardwalks. Volunteers of all ages help restore the beauty of California’s treasured state parks.

Since its inception in 1998, CSPF’s Earth Day Restoration & Cleanup program has resulted in 78,394 participants contributing more than 326,582 volunteer hours worth nearly $6.25 million in park maintenance and improvements.  Additionally, more than $4.3 million has been raised for the Earth Day program.