Visitors to Georgia’s state parks see the trails, picnic shelters, campgrounds, lakes and other amenities, but much of the work that helps improve and preserve those parks is supported by volunteers working behind the scenes. That was evident again recently at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, where members of the Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park spent several weekends making needed repairs to Shelter 1. The group reported that after the latest workday, the shelter still needed rails added before the project would be ready for the next picnic or family gathering. Photographs shared by the organization show volunteers working on the wooden structure and replacing portions of the shelter area. The work is part of a much larger volunteer effort taking place at state parks and historic sites across Georgia. Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites is a nonprofit organization that partners with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to support, preserve and enhance state parks and historic sites. More than 50 local Friends chapters work directly with individual parks and historic sites. According to the statewide organization, volunteers contributed approximately 75,000 hours of service last year, representing more than $2.25 million in estimated value. Their work varies considerably from one park to another. Volunteers may maintain and improve trails, work on landscaping and conservation projects, assist with educational programs, help preserve historic…
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