ASU CARES helps preserve Valley history

<p>This spring, the ASU community is invited to take part in preserving a piece of Valley history.</p><separator></separator><p>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.</p><separator></separator><p>ASU CARES’ volunteers will help improve the park’s facilities, including the playground and trails along the canals. Activities include:</p><separator></separator><p><img src="http://asu.edu/news/stories/200703/images/20070320_asucares.jpg&quot; alt="A volunteer works on a painting project during the 2006 ASU CARES." hspace="5" vspace="5" width="300" height="271" align="right">• Painting.</p><separator></separator><p>• Trimming overgrown vegetation.</p><separator></separator><p>• Removing litter.</p><separator></separator><p>• Repairing equipment.</p><separator></separator><p>• Building a linear trail along the canals.</p><separator></separator><p>“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.</p><separator></separator><p>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.</p><separator></separator><p>ASU Facilities Management officials also are providing some of the equipment for the project.</p><separator></separator><p>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.</p><separator></separator><p>“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.”</p><separator></separator><p>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.</p><separator></separator><p>To register, visit the Web site <a href="http://asucares.asu.edu/">asucares.asu.edu</a&gt;. For more information, contact the ASU Community Service Program at (480) 965-0305 or <a href="mailto:volunteer@asu.edu">volunteer@asu.edu</a>.</p&gt;