CARP

Volunteer Programs

View the year-to-year history of C.A.R.P.! (new 2-22-2010)

Columbia Aquatic Restoration Project

Hear what participants say about their volunteer experiences.

Learn about CARP via this City Channel Video.

CARP (Columbia Aquatic Restoration Project) is a volunteer program designed to support the Columbia Parks & Recreation Department in implementing an aquatic plant and shoreline management plan.

Participants will learn about lake and pond ecology during three training classes and hands-on training labs. Topics covered will include Aquatic Ecology, Aquatic Plant Identification, Wetland Restoration, and Designing for Stormwater. After the course, you will assist the city horticulturist with organized projects, to be held on Sunday and Saturday mornings.

Upcoming Projects for CARP Volunteers:

Sunday, April 7 starting at 8 a.m. at Stephens Lake Park. Please plan to meet at the Old 63 parking lot and look for the Parks & Recreation trucks. The project will consist of working on a rain garden close to the Old 63 parking lot, working on a rain garden in the Hindman Garden area on the east side of the park, and general maintenance around the lake shoreline. Please wear shoes and clothing appropriate to work around the rain gardens and lake.

You are welcome to bring coffee or something else to drink as well as a snack to enjoy at the break (remember, always bring your own, reusable cup if you can!!). Water will be available from Parks & Recreation staff.

Thanks for your patience regarding Location details. Due to unpredictable construction schedules and planting conditions, we can't always be certain where a project will be held until closer to the date.

More details will be provided in advance of each project. Projects begin at 8 a.m. If you plan to participate, please contact Volunteer Programs at volunteer@GoColumbiaMO.com or 874-7499 and your name will be added to the list!

Download a 2012 informational brochure here

View the year-to-year history of C.A.R.P.! (new 2-22-2010)

Please note: CARP projects are scheduled on Sunday and Saturday mornings. We ask that you consider this before you register for this volunteer program. You must be a trained C.A.R.P. volunteer to attend the projects except as a C.A.R.P. volunteer's guest.

Thanks are extended to Scott Dye of The Sierra Club for providing two dozen "litter-gitters" to C.A.R.P.

Current volunteers: Check your C.A.R.P. project hours here! Updated11-13-12

CARP volunteer planting aquatic plants at Smiley Lane Raingarden in October 2010
Planting of Smiley Lane Raingarden in October 2010