Together for Tomorrow: National Public Lands Day at Rock Creek Trail 🌿

 On September 28th, Little Rock residents came together for an incredible National Public Lands Day (NPLD) event led by our dedicated Volunteer Programs Coordinator, Karen Sykes. This day of service was more than just a cleanup—it was about restoring community, reclaiming spaces, and reconnecting with nature.

A Day of Impact 💪

One hundred fourteen volunteers made a significant difference that day, logging 189.5 hours of service and removing an impressive 6,300 pounds of litter from Rock Creek Trail and surrounding areas. This event represented something more significant than numbers - it marked the reopening of a cherished city space impacted by the 2023 tornado.

Rock Creek Trail, a vital recreational space in West Little Rock, had been severely damaged, with fallen trees and debris blocking access for months. Thanks to the hard work of volunteers and city staff, this trail is now ready to welcome visitors once again.

Leaders and Community Builders 🗣️

The event began with heartfelt speeches from Mayor Frank Scott Jr., Ward 5 City Director Lance Hines, and Parks and Recreation Director Leland Couch. Each leader emphasized the importance of public spaces, our community's resilience, and the role of volunteers in revitalizing Rock Creek Trail.

Mayor Scott expressed gratitude for the volunteers and acknowledged the trail's significance as a place of peace and connection amidst the city's hustle. Director Hines shared how the tornado devastated homes and one of the city's beloved park assets. Director Couch highlighted the teamwork in clearing the 60 acres of land and restoring 3 miles of trail, emphasizing the importance of community-driven stewardship.

The Theme of the Day: "Together for Tomorrow" 🌍

This year's NPLD theme, "Together for Tomorrow," called on communities to unite for the future of our public spaces. Our volunteers rose to the occasion, joining thousands of others nationwide to make a lasting impact. From invasive species removal to trail restoration, every contribution helps secure these natural spaces for future generations.

With the reopening of Rock Creek Trail, we restored a vital part of our park system and demonstrated the power of collective action.

A Special Thank You ❤️

A big thank you goes out to the Central Arkansas Trail Alliance for their leadership in removing invasive species and all the volunteers and community partners who participated. We also appreciate the participation of Pinnacle View Middle School, who contributed their time and energy to this project, and the St. Charles neighborhood, which provided access to contractors working on the trail restoration.

Adopt the Trail and Continue the Legacy 🌳

If this event inspires you, you can continue the work by adopting a trail! Rock Creek Trail is available for adoption with a monthly commitment of just two hours. Whether as an individual or a group, you'll keep this trail beautiful year-round—and you'll receive a sign with your name to commemorate your efforts!