ASU CARES helps preserve Valley history

This spring, the ASU community is invited to take part in preserving a piece of Valley history.

On March 31, ASU CARES is partnering with the city of Mesa to enhance Park of the Canals – a historic park that is one of the few places where abandoned Hohokam canals can be seen. The park also features a desert botanical garden, playground area and trails that run along the canal.

ASU CARES’ volunteers will help improve the park’s facilities, including the playground and trails along the canals. Activities include:

• Painting.

• Trimming overgrown vegetation.

• Removing litter.

• Repairing equipment.

• Building a linear trail along the canals.

“It’s nice doing a volunteer project for a group that needs assistance and it’s a different way to work with some of your co-workers,” says Ellen Newell, assistant director of ground services for facilities management.

This year, Newell is working in the arboretum section, where she will have the opportunity to learn new plants – a resource that benefits her in her job at the university.

ASU Facilities Management officials also are providing some of the equipment for the project.

Karen Honeycutt, associate director of real estate, encourages people to participate because she finds it gives people a sense of accomplishment. She is working registration and loves the opportunity to interact with all of the participants.

“I think it’s fun because you get to see everyone when they first come in,” Honeycutt says. “I’m excited to meet and greet people.”

Registration starts at 7:30 a.m., and the project runs from 8 a.m. to noon. Afterward, a free lunch and volunteer recognition will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes, sunglasses or safety goggles, and to bring sunscreen. Tools will be provided for all assignments.

To register, visit the Web site asucares.asu.edu. For more information, contact the ASU Community Service Program at (480) 965-0305 or volunteer@asu.edu.