MERCERSBURG, Pa. – The Conococheague Institute welcomed volunteers April 25 for its annual Park Day event, part of the American Battlefield Trust’s nationwide “Park Day: Preserve Our History” initiative.
Volunteers spent the day working across the institute’s 30-acre property at 12995 Bain Road, assisting with historic preservation projects, environmental conservation and general maintenance. The event ran from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and invited participants to contribute for as little as an hour or for the full day.
Community members of all ages took part, including students from Mercersburg Academy, representatives from Middletown Valley Bank, Scout Troop 199 and other local volunteers. Organizers also encouraged family participation, with children helping plant marigolds and remove invasive mustard grass.
Efforts focused on both preservation and environmental stewardship. Volunteers painted and maintained historic structures, installed hop poles and supported trail and bridge upkeep. Conservation work included removing invasive species, mulching native plantings and clearing trash from Welsh Run, as well as skimming algae from the wetlands pond.
By the end of the day, volunteers had collected 10 bags of invasive mustard grass, refreshed garden spaces and cleaned the animal pasture, where goats and sheep are housed. The institute reported its gardens are now thriving with greens, vegetables and herbs, alongside newly planted pollinator gardens.
In addition to volunteer activities, the site hosted its free Revolutionary Homestead program, offering educational experiences focused on early American life, including gardening and animal care demonstrations.
Park Day is a national initiative designed to support historic sites through hands-on preservation efforts. More than 100 locations across the country participated this year.
The Conococheague Institute credited the American Battlefield Trust and the Americana Corner Preserving America Partners program for supporting the event and helping foster community engagement with local history.
