Domtar and SCA Clean Up Parks in Two of Our Communities

Domtar volunteers in Missouri and Ontario invested hundreds of volunteer hours this spring to clean up community parks, with help from the Student Conservation Association (SCA). Participating in an SCA clean up is a great way for our colleagues to give back to the communities in which they live and work.

Domtar and SCA Clean Up at Lions Park in Dryden, Ontario

In June, Domtar employees, family and friends from the Dryden, Ontario community pitched in to make Lions Park a safe and welcoming community space.

This SCA clean up was particularly special because the park recently lost funding from the local parks and recreation department due to budget cuts. The relatively small park, nestled next to the local high school, was once a neighborhood gathering place, with swing sets and walking trails accessible to families and students. Since the budget cuts, the swing sets were removed and the brush and trails became overgrown, leading to concerns about safety and illegal activity in the area.

To assist with the SCA clean up, nearly 60 Domtar volunteers cleared brush, trash and overgrown trees. By the end of the day, all areas of the park were visible through the tree line.

Local residents were pleased to see the improvements. One couple, whose house is directly across the street from the park, said they were “so happy to see volunteers here, and [they] hope this encourages people to start using the park more recreationally now.”

Domtar and SCA Clean Up at Kirkwood Park in St. Louis

In May, the SCA and more than 100 Domtar HDIS employees and family members contributed more than 300 hours of service revitalizing Kirkwood Park by weeding, mulching and clearing out invasive, overgrown honeysuckle.

“I’m always shocked to see the amount of work that can get done when people join together for one cause,” says Heather Stowe, Domtar’s corporate social responsibility manager. “We had over 100 people come out to Kirkwood Park. That just shows you how important this community is to its residents.”

Student Conservation Association Mission

The Student Conservation Association provides opportunities for young people to make a positive impact on the world around them. Its members protect, enhance and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and urban green spaces.

Domtar has partnered with the SCA in the United States and Canada since 2012, serving as a national supporter with financial contributions and as a local contributor through a series of community projects like the SCA clean up projects in St. Louis and Dryden.

Participants age 15 to young adult serve in SCA programs lasting two weeks to 12 months. These programs teach members to plan, enact and lead while making a difference in their world.