MER CERSBURG, Pa. – Volunteers from Mercersburg Academy brought teamwork and energy to the Conococheague Institute during a recent community engagement day, completing major outdoor projects that benefited both the land and its animals.
Twenty members of the school’s lacrosse team split into two groups to tackle different jobs. One group rolled up their sleeves for a full cleanout of the animal pen, scrubbing wooden floors, shoveling, and hauling waste straw to compost. The work wasn’t glamorous, but it made an immediate difference in keeping the animals’ habitats clean and healthy.
The second group spent the day seeding the institute’s wetlands with three pounds of native pollinator mix. After a recent controlled burn designed to reduce biomass and encourage biodiversity, their timing was ideal. The students used a north-south pass followed by an east-west pass to ensure even coverage across the field — a coordinated effort worthy of their sport.
Once the day’s work was done, the volunteers capped off their efforts by spending time socializing with the institute’s resident animals — a well-earned reward that has quickly become a volunteer favorite.
Staff at the Conococheague Institute expressed appreciation for the students’ ongoing support. “Mercersburg Academy always brings their A-game,” said site coordinator Kori, who oversees volunteer programs. “Their teamwork and enthusiasm make a real difference here.”
The institute invites other community groups to get involved during Park Day: Preserve Our History on April 25. Volunteer inquiries can be sent to [email protected].
