Merced rotary corps to organize outdoor workshop

  • 2021-12-23
The Rotary Community Corps (RCC) of Merced County will be holding a workshop in January at the Applegate Zoo Education Center.

Amplifying the Urban Forest is a workshop offered by the RCC that is part of the Merced Tree Project. Those who participate in the program will work alongside Urban Forestry as the organization trains for Arbor Day. The group will be planting trees in two local parks for the national event. After the training session is held, guests can go on a nature walk through Applegate Park to find suitable locations for planting new trees. Organizations that create programs similar to this may advertise new activities with poster printing.

The Applegate Park Zoo offers a safe home for Californian birds, mammals, and reptiles. The organization has been open since 1962 and currently provides shelters for approximately 75 animals. Josh Moreno and Donna McDowell are the zookeepers for the facility, though the zoo also accepts volunteers to help with tasks like cleaning exhibits, preparing food for animals, and landscaping. All volunteers should be 16 years old at least.

The outdoor workshop and nature walk will take place on Saturday, January 29th from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. Those who wish to partake in the experience can register in advance. People wanting to assist the zoo can bring wish list items like cotton towels. Interested volunteers can register at the Parks and Community Services Office in Merced.