WASHINGTON, D.C. — This month, volunteers throughout Missouri are teaming up with the American Battlefield Trust for the annual spring clean-up event of five Show-Me State battlefields and historic sites during the 28th annual Park Day.
For nearly three decades, the nationwide hands-on preservation event, Park Day, has provided an avenue to refresh these locations in time for tourist season.
Park Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 6, 2024, but due to weather or considerations some sites may choose to participate in the event on an alternative date.
Missouri volunteers will be joined by participants across 28 states and territories. Many volunteers will have the opportunity to obtain Trust backpacks, and some sites will be providing lunch or refreshments.
A local historian may also be present to discuss the unique role of the site in our national history.
Missouri volunteers interested in participating in Park Day are encouraged to contact the individual sites listed below.
Battle of Lexington State Historic Site, Lexington, 9:00 am
Contact: Christopher Fritsche at Christopher.Fritsche@dnr.mo.gov
Volunteers will be enlisted to help combat invasive autumn olive, bush honeysuckle, and garlic mustard plants threatening the battlefield, while others assist in cleaning the Anderson House. Coffee, water, donuts and pizza will be provided, as well as a lesson on identifying invasive species. Participants are asked to bring strong loppers, clippers, gloves, and if proficient, small chainsaws.
Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site, Pilot Knob, 9:00 am
Contact: Brick Autry at brick.autry@dnr.mo.gov
This event is mainly for appreciating the annual safety, performance drills, and encampment held by Civil War re-enactors at Pilot Knob. The Battle of Pilot Knob Museum will be open during the Turner Brigade drill, who will also present and dedicate an authentic Woodruff Gun to the museum. Volunteers may help staff with foot traffic, but this event is open to the public. (Note: This event takes place on Saturday, April 20, 2024)
Fort D Historic Site, Cape Girardeau, 9:00 am
Contact: Patti House at patti.m.house@gmail.com
Volunteers will participate in cleaning up the fort grounds and the stone building known as the blockhouse. The blockhouse will be open to visitors and knowledgeable docents will be on-site to answer questions and interpret the site. A light lunch will be provided, but participants are asked to bring gloves.
Lone Jack Civil War Battlefield, Soldiers Cemetery & Museum, Lone Jack, 9:00 am
Contact: Alinda Miller at President@historiclonejack.org
Volunteers are needed to clear the battlefield and Soldiers Cemetery of winter debris, while cleaning the museum will be an option for those preferring indoor activities. Participants are encouraged to bring rakes and to dress appropriately for the weather. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, Republic, 9:00 am
Contact: Clayton Hanson at Clayton_Hanson@nps.gov
WilsonsCreek_NoelBenadom_Fence651-IMG_1753-2_HR.jpgVolunteers will assist in a host of different tasks for varying activity levels, including collecting trash and debris in and along Wilson’s Creek, clearing the visitor center and picnic area of litter, repainting benches, and preparing paper materials for ranger booklets and historic weapons programs. Snacks and water will be offered, and, after the event, park staff will give a history of local and national battlefield preservation alongside lunch. Tools and equipment will be provided but participants should bring their own gloves, long shirt and pants, and a packed lunch.
For a complete list of participating Park Day sites and more information, visit www.battlefields.org/parkday. Volunteers can share their Park Day participation online using #ParkDay2024
The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today.
The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 58,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War across 155 sites in 25 states.
Learn more at www.battlefields.org.