Secretary of the Interior Salazar Kicks Off President Obama’s “United We Serve” at Shenandoah National Park

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today joined volunteer and youth groups at Shenandoah National Park as part of a national kickoff for President Obama’s new “United We Serve” campaign. The Secretary helped the groups remove nonnative plants that have invaded the natural ecosystem adjacent to Big Meadows Swamp. 

“Shenandoah National Park is the perfect place to help kick off President Obama’s “United We Serve” campaign because the young people and volunteers here are proof positive that public service can make a lasting impact in our communities and on our treasured landscapes,” the Secretary said. Groups participating with him at the cleanup near Skyline Drive included Volunteers-in-the-Parks, the Shenandoah National Park Association, Student Conservation Association, Youth Conservation Corps, Potomac Appalachian Trail Club and Shenandoah National Park Trust. 

President Obama announced “United We Serve” on June 17 as a nationwide summer volunteer service initiative that will help meet growing social needs resulting from the economic downturn. Administration officials led kickoff events today across the country. More information is available on Serve.gov.